ARTIST INFO

 

Guru, born Keith Elam July 17, 1961 in Boston, Massachusetts, is an underground rapper, best known as one half of Gang Starr (the other being DJ Premier). He is also considered a pioneer in the fusion of jazz and rap.

Guru, with Gang Starr, built up a sizable following in the early 90s, releasing two bona fide classics at that time, Step in the Arena (1991) and Daily Operation (1992). Guru's style is based on battle rhymes delivered smoothly, modestly, and with sly wit; he typically avoids using overwhelming charisma, focusing instead on his rhyme skills. His formidable skills on the mic earned him legions of admirers, and he even took on some younger rappers, including Jeru the Damaja, as apprentices. He is credited with Premier for producing Jeru's debut, The Sun Rises in the East (1994).

In 1993, he released his first solo album, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1. The album featured collaborations with Donald Byrd, N'Dea Davenport, MC Solaar and Roy Ayers, while his second LP, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality, featured Ramsey Lewis, Branford Marsalis and Jamiroquai. Though the Jazzmatazz albums were commonly considered some of the best rap in the early 90s, Guru's reputation suffered slightly with the mixed reviews of solo efforts Jazzmatazz, Vol. 3: Streetsoul (2000) and Baldhead Slick & Da Click (2001).

However, even recent Gang Starr albums have continued to garner Guru critical acclaim, and he still boasts many devoted followers. Prominent Boston underground rapper Mr. Lif frequently cites Guru as a major stylistic influence; he appears as a guest with Lif on the Perceptionists' debut album, Black Dialogue (2005).