Kurt’s Visit with the Guru

Guru, MC of the influential and critically-acclaimed rap group Gang Starr, suffered a heart attack this weekend. NBC New York and others report that he underwent successful surgery yesterday and remains in a medically-induced coma.

[Update – 4/20: We were sad to learn that, after a long battle with cancer, Guru has died.]

Born Keith Elam, Guru formed Gang Starr in the early 1990s in New York City with his collaborator, DJ Premier. Gang Starr featured Guru’s driving lyrics layered over jazz tracks, and created a pioneering style that pushed hip hop to new creative heights.

Guru visited Studio 360 back in 2002. He spoke eloquently about his musical journey after arriving in New York City and why he doesn’t like the label ‘jazz rap.’

We wish him the best for a quick and full recovery.

– Mike Guerriero