Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Did He Really Write This Letter?
If you were listening to music in the 1990's, you had to know who Keith Elam was. You probably didn't know him by his government name... you knew him as one-half of the group, Gangstarr. I loved Guru's cool monotone delivery and flow.
One afternoon, I remember I was over one of my friend's house and he played this CD called Jazzamatazz. It was Guru and featured Chaka Khan, Ramsey Lewis, Meshell NdegeOcello, Jamiroquai, Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, Ronny Jordan, Patra (Remember her?), and others... all on the same CD. He played it for me and I dug it. ''And, this is Volume Two." he said. I quickly went out, copped Volumes 1 and 2, took them home, and played them. I loved them and it made me give mad respect to Guru. The fact that his name is also" Keith", was a double plus.
Of course, I loved Guru and his partner, DJ Premiere when they were Gangstarr. I was sorry that their partnership had come to an acrimonious end, but such is the entertainment business and the hip-hop world in general.
Earlier yesterday, DJ Guru, who came into the world as Keith Elam, lost his secret year-long battle with cancer. I'm listening to his music as I write this... I'm also reading a somewhat suspect letter that was allegedly written by Guru and wondering if he actually wrote it. A lot
of people are suspect. Read it for yourself...
I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends, and loved ones around the world. 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. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life.I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting. 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. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits, and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself.Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody's feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my son KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized, approved by Solar on behalf of myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own. 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. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well-informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of GangStarr, 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. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all-time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with GangStarr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And, we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small-mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life. R.I.P. GURU!"
There you have it. He could have written it, but it seems awfully slanted towards Solar doesn't it? Some of my friends on Facebook and in the blogging community are questioning this letter and it's origin. But, one thing that can't be questioned was this man's talent and his pioneering spirit in merging jazz and hip-hop and practically creating a new genre - Acid Hip-Hop!
He was one of the greats. We've lost another great one. Rest in peace Guru and thanks. Thanks for everything.
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KEEPING THE FAITH: RANDOM PRAYERS "ON THE DOWNLOAD"
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3 comments:
I was very shocked and saddened by his passing. Dug his laidback vocal style, and especially loved his work on the Mo Betta Blues soundtrack. He always reminded of a cooler, east coast Tone Loc as far as his tonality, but the biggest gift is that brotha contributed so much into the building and the shifting nature of Hip-hop in the 90s and 2000s.
As far as the letter goes... after viewing the video by his nephew, lets say I have some doubts. There seems a huge leap from addressing his illness then jumping abruptly into the charity... so who knows how legit it is.
Bottom line is the brotha was an innovator, not a follower, and I always appreciated his artistry.
He will be missed.
RIP, Guru!
One Love.
"Bottom line is the brotha was an innovator, not a follower, and I always appreciated his artistry."
So true.
I got the same vibe yesterday when I read the letter..very suspect.
The hip hop community lost a great but underrated MC. He will be missed.
It unfortunate that there is this drama surrounding his death. I doubt that he wrote this letter. That Solar dude wrote it. It sounds to me like he has a power of attorney. He wouldn't even let Guru's family see him when he went into a coma. All of this stuff is nonsense. It's unfortunate.
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