Producer DJ Premier has offered fans a new mix celebrating the work of his former partner Guru.
Formed in the mid 80s, Gangstarr emerged at a time when hip hop seemed to have almost unlimited possibilities. Merging the flow of jazz with modern production, the group released several seminal albums.
Centred on the duo of DJ Premier and Guru, the pair split a decade ago. Relations between the pair were acrimonious, but with the death of the legendary MC this has come under increased investigation.
For the latter period of his life, Guru worked with the producer Solar. Solar’s role in the MC’s life has been called into question, especially after a controversial ‘final letter’ from Guru to his fans.
Apparently written on his death bed, members of Guru’s family have claimed that there is no way he could have composed a letter. Splitting into a coma back in January, the rapper’s condition remained serious until his death.
Hitting back via MTV, Solar argued that Guru simply composed the letter once he found out that his illness was terminal.
The ‘final letter’ seems to write DJ Premier out of the Gangstarr legacy. Refusing to be drawn into the debate, the turntablist has simply offered fans a new mix which showcases the skills of his former sparring partner.
Containing material from the Gangstarr era and beyond, the mix is littered with appearances from hip hop giants demonstrating just how important Guru’s contribution to the genre really was.
Listen to the new mix HERE.
