Rest in Power: Gang Starr’s Guru Passes Away; Just Blaze Questions Supposed Letter
Guru, the founder of the legendary hip-hop group Gang Starr, passed away on April 19 after an extended battle with cancer, according to a letter from Solar, the most recent collaborator with the MC.
“Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle,” the letter reads. Guru’s battle, said Solar, included many special treatments in a failed attempt to rid his body of cancer.
Guru’s death has since been confirmed by DJ Premier Blog, a fan blog that works closely with DJ Premier, the other half of the original GangStarr duo. “Sorry people, it’s true. Guru passed away [yesterday],” the blog’s twitter account reported this morning.
In a letter, apparently written by Guru at some point during his hospitalization, the MC expresses discontent with his previous partner, stating, “I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this.”
The letter continues by explaining that the two have not worked together in over seven years. It also names Solar as the sole party responsible for organizing and approving events related to the MC’s passing. “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,” the letter reads.
Many artists in the hip-hop community have voiced concern regarding the letter since it was published today by Yo! Raps. Many feel that it is a possible forgery crafted by Solar, who has continued to draw vocal criticisms from others close to the situation. Acclaimed producer Just Blaze expressed his doubts about the letter’s legitimacy over Twitter, tweeting, “So [Guru] had time to write this statement while he was in a coma/dying/dead?” after news broke about his passing early this morning.
It is still unclear as to whether the letter is, in fact, the final word left from a hospitalized Guru, or — as many artists and fans have speculated — a forgery created by Solar. aboveGround will continue to report on the story and keep readers up to date as any new information emerges.
The staff at aboveGround joins with the rest of the world and hip-hop community in mourning the passing of a true legend and innovator of the craft. Rest in power Keith Elam.
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