Tributes are pouring in for Gang Starr icon Guru who has passed away after a battle with cancer.
As the voice of Gang Starr, Guru’s smooth flow took hip hop somewhere different. In an era when gangsta rap was in its infancy the MC used a backdrop of jazz, funk and soul samples to carve out his own voice.
Gang Starr split almost a decade ago, with Guru forming Jazzmatazz. Releasing several acclaimed albums with this outfit, he was diagnosed with cancer only a few months ago and died yesterday (April 19th).
The tributes are pouring in for the MC, with Twitter flooded as fans pay their respects. British turntablist DJ Yoda said: “Extremely sad news about Guru from Gang Starr – he made some of the most important music to me when I was growing up. Can’t believe it”.
Meanwhile, former Gang Starr sparring partner DJ Premier wrote: “Sorry people, it’s true. Guru passed away yesterdag, R.I.P. my G.”.
Gilles Peterson called the MC “the Ben Webster of rap” in honour of his links with the jazz scene. The Nextmen broke the news to many fans, writing: “Rest in peace G.. One half of the best Hip Hop group ever.”
Questions about Solar’s role in Guru’s decline have been asked by many fans, with news of his condition seemingly manipulated for the producer’s own end. Before he died, the MC apparently wrote a highly controversial letter writing DJ Premier out of Gang Starr and pushing his later outfit Jazzmatazz above the duo.
The Roots ?uestlove wrote on Twitter: “in my 10 greatest voices in hip hop. Guru was easily top 5 imo. smooth. velvet. will be missed. RIP Guru”.
However the drummer later added: “not trying to bring negativity into the situation. but i do NOT believe he wrote that letter. 1) he was in a coma. 2) HE WAS IN A COMA!”
The controversy rolls on.
