Rapper Guru of 90s hip hop duo Gang Starr has died of cancer at age 43. According to reports, Guru (aka Keith Elam) passed away yesterday after battling the illness for over a year.
While Guru kept his health struggles out of the public eye, his death was announced today on the DJ Premier blog. DJ Premier and Guru as hip hop group Gang Starr released six albums between 1989 and 2003, however pair have been at odds for several years.
A letter from Guru (found on DJ Premier’s website) to friend DJ Solar outlined Guru’s wishes:
““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.”
Guru went on to release a series of jazz/hip hop crossover albums featuring collaborations with jazz artists Cortney Pine, Roy Ayers and rapper Kool Keith.
I can’t believe another legendary icon is gone. Regardless of his feeling towards premiere they embodied the creation of “classic tracks and legendary lyrics” entertainment was delt a severly horrible blow. not just hip hop. May the god
ret in peace
sad sad – Gang Starr were good. sad about the beef btwn Premier and Guru.
thats not the right link for Solar
How can he rest in peace, sounds like he died with unforgiveness in his heart. How sad…..
You know what would be a real tragedy? That is if Luda died. This guy is horrible.