Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. He's the man we all know as the voice behind Gang Starr, one of the most prolific hip-hop outfits to ever grace our ears. Guru, real name Keith Elam, influenced a generation of emcees, placing his stamp on hip-hop with his unique flow and insightful rhymes. With lyrical dexterity, Guru could take a track straight to the streets or wax poetic about his own spirituality. Unfortunately, due to a prolonged battle with cancer, the groundbreaking emcee passed on April 19, at the age of 43, leaving behind a legacy that few musicians can match.
This is not an article to discuss the troubling circumstances behind the whole Solar situation, as that is already being exposed at length in various media outlets. However, this is an appropriate time to discuss the impact Guru had on hip-hop, in particular his on-again, off-again (although mostly off) relationship to the Boston hip-hop scene. Although likely not known as a hip-hop hotbed to most, Boston has over the years produced numerous quality rappers, although none as noteworthy as Guru. As one of the leaders in the Boston hip-hop scene, Guru was instrumental in the creation of the Gang Starr foundation, even working with local artist Big Shug. However this foundation was of course bigger than Boston. DJ Premier was from Houston, while members of Group Home, Bahamadia, Jeru the Damaja, Afu-Ra and other affiliates all repped various cities. Gang Starr, and Guru in particular even went on to work with acclaimed jazz musicians as well, further blurring the lines between jazz and hip-hop.
This was in essence a gift and a curse. By collaborating with such renowned musicians and establishing a core set of artists, Guru was able to propel himself out of a somewhat bleak Boston hip-hop scene and into the international spotlight. Officially proclaiming Brooklyn as his city (borough) of choice, Guru became the Boston rapper who really wasn't at all a Boston rapper.
Interestingly, although Guru didn't claim Boston as
his primary
city, residents of Boston still look to him as one of their own. After
all,
Boston did raise him, and his whole journey begins in Boston. Perhaps
residents
of Boston just never had anyone from Boston who they felt could match
Guru's
skill and cultural impact. Perhaps Bostonians feel that they were
stripped of
their figurative hip-hop gold medal - their one true hip-hop pride. And
it is
therefore with bittersweet tongues that Bostonians relive the legacy of
one of
hip-hop's all-time greats in the aftermath of his death.
- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.
guru is in top five best mc i was a fan love how he laid word in his rap i will see him in heaven god love
guru is a best american rapper who ever be guru is the best his voice mens me no more hits as like above the slauds ex girl to next girl