R.I.P. Guru (1966-2010)

It was the summer of 1994, and after a few hours of b-ball at Lowell High School in San Francisco, O and I head to his car to hear the latest tracks he had picked up. "Yo, did you hear the new Gang Starr?" says O. I had heard Mass Appeal a few weeks before and felt foolish for being behind on one the best rap albums that year. Pac, Snoop and West Coast gangster rap ruled the scene that summer so it was nice to hear that traditional core East Coast hip-hop sound as opposed to guns shots and sirens. Looking back, I certainly appreciated Guru's fusioned efforts of jazz and hip-hop ( Jazzmatazz ) and his timeless mild and chilled vocals on inner city life and self-improvement. Countless Guru interviews portray an artist passioned to bring street knowledge, spirituality and musical craftmanship to the masses. No doubt, his music will live on for new generations of fans.

A few words from his fellow artists.

This post was written by:
tim-chi