S. Samuel
Gang Starr's Guru has passed away at the age of 43 after being hospitalized for nearly two months and a fight with cancer.
Reports suggest he died sometime Monday (April 19) morning.
Gang Starr rapper Guru has died following a battle with cancer, it’s been reported. The MC, real name Keith Elam, is understood to have passed away on Monday (April 19). He was 43. (Gigwise)
Predicting his death, Guru prepared a letter addressing his legacy.
“I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world,” he wrote. “I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options…My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody’s feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own. I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ…” (Dime Wars)
Guru’s producer, Solar, also inked a letter explaining the situation.
“The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all-time — my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru,” Solar said in a statement. “Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius.” (MOG)
The rapper is most known for his Gang Starr records and being a rap veteran.
Guru became famous after teaming up with DJ Premier in group Gang Starr. The duo released six studio albums between 1989 and 2003 and became famous for making “conscious rap” before splitting under acrimonious circumstances. Since then Guru had released a series of ‘Jazzmataz’ albums where he teamed up with classic jazz, soul and hip hop artists. He also continued to tour the world with a band and producer Solar. (MTV UK)
Check out Guru & Solar’s “Hood Dreamin'” below:
