Hip-hop rap star and Gang Starr founder Guru, born Keith Elam, died Monday, April 19, 2010 after a year long battle with an unspecified form of cancer. In a farewell letter written to fans, Guru said, "I have exhausted all medical options." Rumors were rife that the farewell letter was not written by Guru. Solar, Guru's partner recently responded on Twitter saying, “Guru made this statement from his own mouth and anybody saying different is insane with Hate!”
Founder of Gang Starr and Creator of the Jazzmatazz Series
Guru's MySpace page rather poignantly has a last post that says, "I am doing fine and recovering! I am weak. Solar (Guru's business partner) is the only person who has the accurate info on my situation. Any info from anybody else is FALSE. I appreciate your well wishes." (Guru)
Guru was the sole founder of Gang Starr, a hip-hop duo that included MC Guru and producer DJ Premier. By combining jazz with hip-hop, the group received acclaim from music critics for albums such as Step in the Arena 1991 and Moment of Truth in 1998. Guru encountered success with the Jazzmatazz series, issuing Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 in 1993.
Gang Starr dissolved amidst much animosity as is evidenced in Guru's final message, "I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death." The reason the duo split has never been determined but Guru also said in the letter that partner Solar knows the true reason for the group's split.
Fans Mourn Guru's Loss but Question Letter's Legitimacy
Fans are mourning the loss of hip-hop star and posting dedications on websites worldwide. MTV user Jay, said that today's generation "Won't understand what the life and death of this Icon really meant to Hip-Hop and the true Heads of Hip-Hop." Twitter user Sasamiletic tweeted, "RIP Guru - this is total sad news for hip-hop. You were a good friend and an inspiration. A true legend, you will be missed."
On the All Hip Hop website, tributes poured in from artists, including this one from Jackie-O of 4Sight Media, " We pray that his vision is upheld and the legacy of music that he created in his career is kept alive. Let's continue to celebrate our legends while they're here!"
All Hip Hop.com is also displaying comments from people claiming to have been close friends of Guru, some of whom insist that Guru could not or did not write the farewell letter. Producer Domingo said, "I do not think his last "letter" is legitimate," and DJ Scratch echoed these sentiments saying, "Guru didn't write that letter. He's been in a coma for over 2 months....word."
In the meantime, the letter has been plastered all over the media and fans and fellow hip hop stars seem to be questioning its authenticity because the hatred Guru's letter shows towards his former Gang Starr partner, DJ Premier, seems to be over the top. "I do not think it's that deep," said Producer Domingo, who is one of many, seemingly shocked by the bitterness of Guru's final words.
Update: Rumors and new allegations
Sources Accessed Apr. 20, 2009:
- MTV.com
- All HipHop.com
- Twitter.com
- MySpace.com
Elizabeth Batt - Elizabeth Batt is a former large animal nurse, certified NREMT, lover of equines and conservationist.
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