Guru, born Keith Edward Elam on July 17, 1961, was an iconic American rapper and producer best known for his unique fusion of jazz and hip-hop, as well as being one-half of the influential duo Gang Starr, alongside DJ Premier. Guru's stage name is an acronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, which underscores his lyrical prowess and broad musical vision. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, but ultimately making his mark in New York, Guru was a pivotal figure in the East Coast hip-hop scene.

Guru's Jazzmatazz series broke new ground in the early '90s by combining live jazz musicians with hip-hop beats and raps, introducing many listeners to a novel genre-melding concept. The first installment, "Jazzmatazz Volume 1," released in 1993, was among the first albums to highlight this hybrid, featuring collaborations with established jazz artists like Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, and Lonnie Liston Smith. Guru continued to explore and refine this blend through subsequent Jazzmatazz volumes and other projects, carving out a distinct niche in both the jazz and hip-hop communities. Unfortunately, Guru's life was cut short when he succumbed to cancer on April 19, 2010, but his innovative spirit and contributions to music continue to resonate with fans around the world.

Genres

Boston Hip Hop

East Coast Hip Hop

Jazz Rap

Related Artists

A Tribe Called Quest

DJ Premier

Mos Def

De La Soul

The Roots

Common

Talib Kweli

Nas

Madlib

Gang Starr

Pete Rock

Q-Tip

Latest Release

Eternal Hustle (Remixed)

Guru

Single - Released June 28, 2024