Rapper Guru of Gang Starr dies, age 43

The hip hop community and the world has suffered a great loss as of Monday. Rapper Guru has passed away at the age of 43. The Gang Starr founder and influential solo artist had been fighting a year long battle with cancer. Just several months ago, he slipped into a coma and was hospitalized. Unfortunately he lost his battle to the devastating disease yesterday. Gang Starr were early pioneers in hip hop, with a slew of top hits and headbobbing tracks on their resume. In addition, Guru and Premier have appeared on numerous other works. Guru had success with several solo albums including his "Jazzmatazz" series of albums. His Jazzmatazz Vol. 3: Streetsoul reached #32 on the Billboard 200, his highest charting solo work. Reportedly, Guru wrote a letter on his deathbed which he put in the care of producer Solar. The letter asked Solar to handle Guru's affairs upon death and to make sure DJ Premier does not operate under the Gang Starr name. Read the full letter by Guru here. Deepest condolences go out to all of Guru's family, friends and fans. As a longtime fan of Gang Starr, this is definitely a sad loss for the hip hop genre as Guru is one of the greats with recognizable and distinguished rap vocals and skill that will be unmatched.

Gangstarr's Guru in coma after heart attack

According to news reports, on Sunday February 28th, rapper Guru (Keith Elam) suffered a heart attack. The incident sent him into a coma and he is scheduled for surgery later Monday at a NY hospital. The news was confirmed by Guru's Gang Starr DJ, DJ Premier on a Hip Hop Nation radio show on Sunday. Gangstarr hasn't released a group album since 2003's "The Ownerz" but there were recently hinted-at rumors that the group was playing a new album. In recent times, Guru has released solo works while Premier continues supplying other rappers with background beats. Guru's released four Jazzmatazz albums on his own, and been part of live tours for those works. With the recent news of his condition, several of these live tours have been indefinitely postponed. No further news is known on Guru's condition beyond his cardiac arrest and surgery scheduled for later on today. Wishing the best for Guru in this tough situation. View Gang Starr music at Amazon.com