Guru Dead: Hip Hop Vet Loses Health Battle

After a health battle surrounded by chaotic publicity and rumors, Guru, the legendary member of iconic hip hop group Gang Starr with DJ Premier, has died.

Several sites are reporting this loss this morning, many citing cancer and pointing to a final note left to fans. We are unable to provide direct links or more information, as we are posting while in transit, but did not want to miss the opportunity to express our personal and professional condolences.

As I mentioned in prior posts covering the confusion with Guru’s condition, diagnosis and family claims, I met Guru years back at New York’s famed D&D Studios where I was interning. After some newbie hazing, we spoke in the elevator, where he shared his grief regarding the loss of Biggie Smalls. We walked together to a bodega, talking like we had known each other for years. He bought me a Heinekin. We left the bodega (he did NOT say swave, to my disappointment) and we went out separate ways. Despite close calls, we never crossed paths again, but I always remembered that meeting with hip hop fanboy reverence.

It seemed as if his last months were filled with confusion, pain and family issues. Let’s hope whatever needed to be reconciled, was, and for the most part, try and remember Guru for his timeless contributions to his craft.

RIP Guru.

- Manny Faces

---