Loss of a Legend… of a GURU
by Gabriella Morales, posted on 2010-04-27 20:55:29
After a long battle with cancer, rapper Keith “Guru” Elam, of Gang Starr passed away last Tuesday night, and by the early hours of Wednesday the Hip Hop world was mourning the loss of an MC who had paved the way, and enlightened with his genius words, a Legend. According to the statement released by his friend, Solar, who was his right hand man, and “brother” since the Gang Starr split, Guru was silent about his cancer and didn’t want to discuss nor be public about his illness until he had beat it. The released statement was on Solar’s behalf but he also released a letter Guru wrote for his family, friends, and fans in his last days. Guru was 43.
His letter reads:
“I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends, and loved ones around the world, I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options.”
There had been rumors of Solar not allowing Guru’s family to visit the hospital or be informed of any medical information and heath status. There are videos on YouTube of Guru’s nephew calling Solar out on it and making it clear it was his fault the family was not allowed to see Guru. Solar told MTV that his statements were all true and he was respecting Guru’s wishes. Solar is in charge of everything Guru left behind, including his charity organization called, “Each one Counts” for less fortunate children, until Guru’s son is old enough to take it all over.
Magazines, radio stations, television hosts, and other music artists have played his music, paid tribute, showed respect and sent their condolences to Guru and his family. MTV.com has featured a 1998 interview of Gang Starr where they talk about Hip Hop and what they contribute in their music. The Source Magazine has also featured on their site a huge feature that was originally in the April 1994 issue, you can check it out here. Guru may have lost his battle, but he will never lose his fans, and the respect MC’s everywhere owe him for showing the way.
Here’s “Moment of Truth”, one of my favorite songs of Gang Starr’s, lyrics don’t get, get any realer than this.
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