Legendary Gangstarr artist Guru has succumbed to cancer after a lengthy bout with the disease. The artist, born Keith Elam, died on Monday April 19. He was 43 years old.
Solar, Guru's partner, expressed sadness over the loss. "The world has lost one of the best MCs and Hip-Hop icons of all-time -- my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," Solar said in a statement. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius.
Guru, a Boston native, rose to fame in the 80's as one half of Gangstarr, the iconic rap group with DJ Premier.
The group released six highly regarded albums in their tenure until 2003 when they broke up. After his successful run with Premier, Guru founded 7 Grand Records with producer Solar.
Solar went on to tend to the rapper as he fell ill, seemingly controlling the flow of information and access to Guru. Many of his family members complained that they were denied their right to see him.
Solar also said that Guru wrote a letter to fans and sent it out through a press agency.
"For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can't tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself. Guru prepared this letter (read below) while he was in the hospital for the fans," the producer continued. "I hope now that Guru has moved on to a better place."
In the letter, seen below, the rapper explains his illness, expresses gratitude to supporters and offers some parting words for DJ Premier. (!)
Hit the jump to read the letter...
