Guru (real name Keith Elam), one half of hip-hop outfit Gang Starr, passed away yesterday, April 19, 2010.
The rapper struggled with a year-long battle with cancer, but the specifics are unknown as the rapper kept the disease a secret from his fans. In early March, Guru slipped into a coma when he suffered cardiac arrest during cancer-related surgery.
Mailo hailed Guru as Artist of the Week back in August, but the rapper’s influence is timeless! Guru helped pioneer the New York sound of hip-hop and was responsible for making hip-hop genuine again.
When hip-hop was becoming overly mainstream and depending too much on turntables, Guru brought real instruments back in the studio and stage. This brought a whole other sound to our ears and a better appreciation for REAL music!
R.I.P. Guru, a true LEGEND!