Died On This Date (April 19, 2010) Guru / Gang Starr; Jazzmatazz
themusicsover 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
Tony Williams was an influential jazz drummer who is generally remembered for his early work with 
Kenny Kirkland was one of the most influential jazz pianist of recent years. Kirkland was just six years old when he began learning to play the piano. and by the time he reached his early 20s, Kirkland was touring Europe professionally. Although Kirkland’s career was cut short after just 25 years, he performed or recorded with many of the top names of contemporary jazz. That list includes Tom Scott, Ernie Watts, Stanley Jordan, Arturo Sandoval, Kevin Eubanks, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, and Stanley Clarke. He even spent a short period playing piano in the Tonight Show band. Kenny Kirkland died of congestive heart failure at the age of 43.
Roc Raida was a DJ / Turntablist primarily known for his work with the X-Ecutioners, a crew of New York DJs who gained popularity in the ’90s. They collaborated with many hip hop greats including Cypress Hill and Kool G Rap. In 2002, the X-Ecutioners released Built From Scratch on Loud Records. An innovator on the turntable, Raida worked on recordings by the likes of 
