DOI: RIP Guru, A Hip Hop Legend

On Monday, April 19th, 2010, the Hip Hop world lost a lyrical legend with the passing of Keith Elam aka Guru. His life was claimed by cancer-related causes, leaving behind a long list of influential rhymes and music.

Through the span of his career, he and DJ Premier forged their named into history books with the creation of Gang Starr in the late ’80s. With his gruff voice and Premier’s quintessential East Coast beats, the two created a jazz-influenced formula that would become part of a movement. Being an MC from New York, his style held the standard gusto and bravado that comes with the territory, lacking no amount of confidence or ego. Some of his rhymes contained words such as, “You could say I’m sort of he boss, so get lost”, which would be a laughable episode if coming from most any other rapper. But Guru had a way of putting social themes into a brash and straight-forward context that led a nation of millions to become life-long fans. While Hip Hop may never be the same as those golden years, we still have classic music from one of the best to grace the microphone. Rest in peace, Guru, you will certainly be missed and never forgotten.

Below are 5 of our favorite tracks to come from the minds of Gang Starr.