Gang Starr Guru Sucumbs to Cancer
Former Gang Starr rapper Guru lost his battle with cancer this week at the age of 43. Guru real name Keith Elam was diagnosed with cancer over one year ago but did not want to make the announcement until he recovered according to his collaborator Solar.
Elam never left the New York hospital that he was admitted to in February. He was reported to be in a medically induced coma at that time, and was later diagnosed with anoxia. During his hospitalization Solar reported that Elam's spirits were lifted by communications he received from his fans.
Elam and DJ Premier began to perform as Gang Starr in the late eighties. In the nineties Elam had success as a solo artist. He released four CD's under his Jazzmatazz series, collaborating with jazz heavyweights that include Branford Marsalis, Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers and Ronny Jordan. The New England native is survived by his son and other family members.
The source links below map to several different obituaries. Check the MTV link for news video coverage and photos.
Source
MTV
NY Times
Elam never left the New York hospital that he was admitted to in February. He was reported to be in a medically induced coma at that time, and was later diagnosed with anoxia. During his hospitalization Solar reported that Elam's spirits were lifted by communications he received from his fans.
Elam and DJ Premier began to perform as Gang Starr in the late eighties. In the nineties Elam had success as a solo artist. He released four CD's under his Jazzmatazz series, collaborating with jazz heavyweights that include Branford Marsalis, Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers and Ronny Jordan. The New England native is survived by his son and other family members.
The source links below map to several different obituaries. Check the MTV link for news video coverage and photos.
Source
MTV
NY Times
Comments