Legendary rapper Guru, born Keith Elam, has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 43. According to a statement, Guru died of cancer-related causes on Monday. In February, one half of '90s rap group Gang Starr underwent surgery following a heart attack and struggled thereafter with reports of him falling in a coma before being listed as stable in early March.
The Boston born rapper, who eventually went on to rep for Brooklyn, formed the pioneering hip-hop duo in the mid-80s, teaming with DJ Premier in the late '80s. Gang Starr's debut album was 1989's 'No More Mr. Nice Guy,' and together Guru and Premier went on to release several successful albums, including the critically lauded 'Moment of Truth.' Guru stepped out on his own in 1993. His solo work includes four volumes of the Jazzmatazz series, and he later launched both Ill Kid Records and 7 Grand record labels.
Guru's longtime collaborator and friend Solaar released a statement to express his grief at the lost of the great MC. "The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all-time -- my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," Solaar wrote. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius."
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