As fans mourned the death of former Gang Starr founder Guru, allegations from fans and even reknowned entities in the world of hip-hop quickly surfaced on the Internet. Solar, Guru's partner fired back with a statement to MTV, yet rumors and speculation persist, including several made just weeks ago by Guru's own nephew.
Rapper Guru's Final Letter to Fans
Hip-hop rap star and Gang Starr founder Guru, born Keith Elam, died Monday, April 19, 2010 after a year long battle with an cancer multiple myeloma. In a farewell letter written to fans, Guru said several things that didn't seem to ring true to fans and friends of Guru. It didn't take long before the rumor mill ran rampant with claims that Guru's farewell letter was a fake.
After a brief blurb posted on Twitter on Apr. 20, which said, "“Guru made this statement from his own mouth and anybody saying different is insane with Hate!” Solar further clarified his statement in an interview with MTV saying, "I mean, it's ridiculous, Guru knew this time would come. The great artist he is, us being intelligent people, we knew there was going to have to be a statement relating to this."
Solar went on to reiterate his initial Twitter blurb that, "there are those who have the wicked agenda" and insisted that Guru arranged his own press release prior to his death. The issue with the majority of disbelievers revolves around Guru's final words to his former Gang Starr partner DJ Premier, which stated, "I had nothing to do with him in life for over seven years and want nothing to do with him in death."
Despite a well-documented and acrimonious separation, the letter came across as just too bitter for many people. The reason Gang Starr separated has never been fully determined but still fans and fellow hip-hop entities believe that Guru would never hold on to so much hate. Producer Domingo said on All Hip Hop.com yesterday, "I do not think his last "letter" is legitimate. I do not think it's that deep"
Allegations Against Solar Also Occurred in March
In a March 30 2010 article, All Hip Hop.com reported that Guru’s nephew, Justin Nicholas-Elam Ruff had released several videos claiming that Solar was blocking Guru's family from accessing the rapper after a heart attack in March, left the rapper in a coma. Solar fired back saying that Guru and his nephew had never had a close relationship and it was an attempt by Ruff to profit from Guru's name.
The article, "Solar To Clear His Name; Rappers Nephew Chastised For Statements," said that both Solar and Guru planned to release official documents in relation to the true state of Guru's health. In an earlier March 5, 2010 interview with All Hip Hop.com, Solar said that hospital records would prove that, "Guru's brother, sister and niece has visited with him and his brother was here for three days. I am in touch with them on a daily basis.”
Guru's Family Responds to Rapper's Death
"The Elam family wishes to thank the fans of our son/brother/father uncle/nephew/cousin Keith aka GURU for the outpouring of love, concern and support. Our hearts are broken by the loss of someone we loved so much. GURU was devoted to his young son, who will most keenly feel his absence.
GURU suffered from multiple myeloma for over a year. Accrued complications from this illness led to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. As a result, GURU was in a coma from mid February until his death and never regained consciousness. Early on the morning of April 19th, he became hypertensive due to low blood pressure. He again went into cardiac arrest and slipped away from us.
GURU died far too young but he was, and we are, proud of all his many legendary musical contributions.The family is not aware of any foundations established by GURU. We know and understand that countless fans want to express their condolences and love and, to that end, we are planning a memorial event in the near future that will be all-inclusive. Please look for further details from the family as they become available."
As of yet there has been no response to the allegations specifically surrounding the letter by members of the rapper's family, except the statement about being unaware of any foundations set up by Guru, but it is believed he had mentioned the Each One Counts Foundation. How involved if at all, has yet to be determined.
Certainly a response could dissolve a tremendous amount of speculation; as user Ran commented on Hip Hop Site.com yesterday, "I hope Guru’s family responds to the “final letter from Guru.” That doesn’t sound like something Guru would say to end it all."
Condolences to the Elam family.
Sources:
- Williams, Houston; "Solar Denies Stopping Guru’s Family From Seeing Rapper." Allhiphop.com; All Hip Hop; Mar. 05, 2010; Accessed Apr. 21, 2010
- MTV; "Solar Responds To Guru Death" Mtv.co.uk; Apr. 21, 2010; Accessed Apr. 21, 2010
Elizabeth Batt - Elizabeth Batt is a former large animal nurse, certified NREMT, lover of equines and conservationist.
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