Breaking news this morning – and unfortunately, it’s not good. In fact, it’s devastating. It seems that Guru, one half of legendary hip hop group Gangstarr alongside DJ Premier, has lost his battle with cancer.According to DJPremierBlog.Com, Guru – a.k.a. Keith Elam – passed away on Monday, 19 April. He had been hospitalised in March when he fell into a coma, with reports indicating that he has been diagnosed as suffering from Anoxia. But while recent updates indicated that Guru was making a good recovery, it appears that he was in fact suffering from a far greater illness.
Guru apparently penned a letter from his deathbed. I can guarantee that the legitimacy of this letter will be the subject of great debate for a long time to come (it seems shady to say the least - it's pretty hard to write a letter in a coma, after all). But you know what? Fuck all that – right now, I’m feeling numb. And sad.
For me, Guru was one of the best. He had one of the most distinctive voices hip hop has ever heard. Some of the clearest memories of my teenage years revolve around a 13 year old me walking around my home town bumping Step In The Arena on cassette tape, and being absolutely floored by his rhymes and delivery. The personification of dopeness:
The list of unbelievable music which Guru created during his time on earth could go on and on for days, of course. But I’m not in the mood for typing.
There will be far lengthier tributes than this. They will be more poignant and eloquent. But right now, it seems to me that the best tribute I can give is to put Guru on repeat, hit the road, and let the music do the talking.
RIP to one of the best to ever do it.
ReplyDeleteA true master. Rest in power, Gifted Unlimted.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe that letter. RIP GURU!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more dude.
ReplyDeleteI was in a state of shock when I found out.
It was being a kid and listening to Gang Starr and Tribe which got me into hip hop in the first place.
R.I.P. to one of the best yet
God Bless - He was one of the best ever!! We need more like him but none can replace.
ReplyDeleteYep, it's pretty devastating. Rupert, I'm in the same camp as you, so to see one of the pioneers in my hip hop world pass is sad, sad business indeed.
ReplyDeleteAs for the letter, it seems apparent to most that Guru didn't write it - but based on the events of the last 6 weeks, we shouldn't be surprised.
RIP Guru, you will be sorely missed but not forgotten.
R.I.P to one of the best eva. true hip hop. thanx 4 showin Boston so much love even though n the beginin cats was hatin. Boston 4 eva got yo back!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteVery sad Old Bean and I remember back in the days when you and I used to play each other Gang Starr tracks over the phone and I also have a fond memory of getting Moment Of Truth early and listening to the full album with you at your place.
ReplyDeleteHere is my tribute post (I included this post in my links)
R.I.P. Guru
Nice one Jaz - yep, I remember the listening session well! Peeps, make sure you check out Jaz's post - a slice of history right there: http://coldrockdaspot.blogspot.com/2010/04/rip-keith-elam-aka-guru-gifted.html
ReplyDeleteWhy don't hip hop heavy weights get to grow old and irritable like rocks dinosaurs?
ReplyDeleteBummed to hear this news.
"Why don't hip hop heavy weights get to grow old and irritable like rocks dinosaurs?"
ReplyDeleteAbso-fucking-lutely, Matty.