from the NYT:

NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York-based rapper Guru, of hip hop duo Gang Starr and who had success as a solo artist combining hip hop and jazz in the 1990s, has died after a secret battle with cancer, his promoter Kai Denninger said on Tuesday. He was 43.

Guru, whose real name was Keith Elam, died on Monday, Denniger, of Yo promotions, said via telephone from Germany. He said Guru gave a letter to his friend and New York-based producer Solar to issue to fans.

“I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options,” the rapper, who released a series of four “Jazzmatazz” albums in the 1990s, said in a statement posted on yo-pr.com.

It was not clear what form of cancer Guru had.

The Boston-born rapper also referenced a long-time feud with DJ Premier, who once made up the half Gang Starr, which released six albums between 1989 and 2003.

“I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc,” he said. “I am very proud of what GangStarr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz.”

1990. I grew up with the ‘Step In The Arena’ album, it was a part of my childhood. I grew up with the words ‘I was raised like a muslim’ ringing out from the walkman, the decrepit system of Abraham Moss youth club, and my Alba stereo. I grew up wanting to wear the Patrick Ewing shoes that they wore on this cover.

1999 Seeing them on stage together, then eventually meeting them was a very big deal for me.

2005 Im at the Jump off, judging a comp with Guru. An MC sends shots at me even though we were supposed to have resolved a past dispute.

After the battle Guru tells the MC off, said he was wrong, ‘im a respected DJ’, etc. I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t even know Guru like that, it was a bit overwhelming.
I’d been dissed and I actually wanted to hurt the MC in question [big up ******] for calming me down, but one of the most renown names in Hip-Hop, who I barely know puts him in his place. It was a bit bizarre, but it was a memorable experience.
Me and the MC have been cool ever since, he’s been on my show a few times, etc.

2006 The last interview I did with Guru was very negative, as some guy called Solar was in the room, he kept butting in and being abusive about DJ Premier and the Gang Starr legacy.
Out of respect, we decided not to air the interview.

2010 Solar is actually a piece of shit re. the way he has behaved over the last few months, i’m not going to go into it, but I don’t believe any of the rumours, the final letter, all the BS, etc.

At least Guru is now at peace and his suffering has ended. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family.

No matter what, Guru and Premier will always be remembered as Gang Starr the Cornerstone of HipHop.

Related posts:

1. GURU FROM GANGSTARR HOSPITALISED AFTER CARDIAC ARREST
2. Mos Def & Angie Martinez Interview [VIDEO]
3. DJ PREMIER INTERVIEW [AUDIO]
4. R.I.O. – NARROW ROADS [VIDEO]
5. DEREK B [R.I.P.]

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