Just learned the news from DJ Premier’s blog. Definitely go there for the true tribute. Here’s an excerpt:
classic Gang Starr
While in hospital with terminal cancer, Guru wrote a letter, which was provided by Solar, to his fans addressing his illness, his shining music career, his family and loved ones.
“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. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting,” read the official Guru statement.
“My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody’s feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own.”
More @ Guru Passed Away After Hard Battle R.I.P. on DJ Premier Blog | The Only Fansite Approved by DJ Premier.
Guru and Solar
Naturally, “Guru” and “RIP Guru” are already a trending topic on twitter. An article on MTV.com shares tributes and reactions from different friends & peers of Guru, including this tweet by ?uestlove:
The Roots’ ?uestlove tweeted, “In my 10 greatest voices in hip hop, Guru was easily top 5 … Smooth. velvet. will be missed. RIP Guru … Back when we first took getting into the industry seriously, Gang Starr’s Daily Operation LP got us thru 1992.”
Read more @ Gang Starr’s Guru Remembered By Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, More – Q-Tip, ?uestlove, Tony Yayo also pay tribute to late MC on MTV.com
In addition to his pioneering work blending hip hop with live jazz music, Guru was also a successful solo artist since 1993 and has worked with loads of talented peeps, including Herbie Hancock, Isaac Hayes, Chaka Kahn, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Common, Jamiroquai, Macy Gray and Damian Marley.
More info @ The official report from The Associated Press
What Do You Think? ↓
1 David // Jun 30, 2011 at 21:26
Guru has being to us,he will be missed