The Music's Over

but the songs live on forever

  • Archives

  • Categories

  • Subscribe

Posts Tagged ‘Donayld Byrd’

Died On This Date (April 19, 2010) Guru / Gang Starr; Jazzmatazz

Posted by themusicsover on April 19, 2010

Guru (Born Keith Elam)
July 17, 1966 – April 19, 2010

Guru was a popular rapper/MC who gained popularity during the early ’90s with Gang Starr.  A duo formed with DJ Premier in 1987, Gang Starr signed with EMI Records who released their debut, No More Mr. Nice Guy, in 1989.   The group’s effective used of New York swing jazz and hip hop endeared them to fans and critics alike.  In 1993, Guru released the brilliant Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 album where he introduced a live jazz band into the hip hop arena.  Guests on the album included Branford Marsalis, Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers.  Guru had been actively recording and performing up until the time of his death.  On February 28, 2010, he suffered a heart attack which resulted in a coma that he eventually awoke from.  On April 19th however, he died of cancer at the age of 43.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Jazzmatazz, Vol.1 - Guru

Posted in Hip Hop, Singer, Songwriter | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Died On This Date (April 19, 2010) Guru / Gang Starr; Jazzmatazz