Founded in 1987, Gang Starr built a sizable following in the early 90's, releasing classic albums like Step in the Arena (1991) and Daily Operation (1992). Guru's lyrical style was based on battle rhymes delivered smoothly, modestly, and with sly wit; he typically avoided using overwhelming charisma, focusing instead on his rhyming ability. Over the years he even took on younger rappers, including Jeru the Damaja, as proteges. He is credited, along with DJ Premier, for the executive production of 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, Dee C. Lee, and Roy Ayers, whilst his second LP, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality, featured Ramsey Lewis, Branford Marsalis, and Jamiroquai. The Jazzmatazz albums have been met with mixed reviews, Guru continued with Jazzmatazz, Vol. 3: Streetsoul (2000) and Baldhead Slick & Da Click (2001).
Moreover, recent Gang Starr albums have continued to garner Guru critical acclaim. 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).
Besides Gang Starr, his Jazzmatazz and solo albums, Guru collaborated with countless artists since the early 90s. Not only in Hip-Hop, but also with artists from various genres such as pop, electronica/dance, acid jazz, and even brass bands.
His "first proper solo album", in his own words, was Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures (2005), released with the help of producer and new backup MC/producer Solar. The album reached #1 on the college hip-hop charts, but was a failure with both fans and critics. It still managed to sell relatively well for an independent release.
Guru's latest project is the fourth installment in the Jazzmatazz series, entirely produced by Solar. It was released in early June 2007 and received good reviews and comments from fans.
In 2007 Guru was ranked at 45 for the Top 50 MCs of our time: 1987-2007
On February 28th 2010, Guru suffered a severe heart attack and was in a coma. He passed away on April 19, 2010 at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer.
Theres another artist with the same name:
2. Guru also refers to a Ghanaian hip-hop artist known for his single "LaPaz Toyota" and the song "Akayida" - basis for a azonto dance craze
Guidance
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So by the time you people hear this record, my son'll be born
And I gotta teach him about life
[Guru]
Listen
To my little man
You can never have too little plans
Life is full of sacrifice, for truth you might have to fight
Someone will bring you down
'Cause they ain't livin right
Be sure to use your mind, though
Look for all the signs, yo
Don't want to make a move too quick and get left behind, yo
Be in command of whatever you encounter
Appreciate your blessings, son, you'll see what it amounts to
Obtaining your goals, maintainin control
Self-respect helps you to protect your soul
Never give up, always be ready to try
Walk your own walk, and keep your head to the sky
[Chorus: amel larrieux]
Little thing now here you are
Staring at me with those baby eyes
All you do is sleep, eat, and cry
But one day you're gonna be askin me why
Everything I know I'm gonna tell you about
Anything I don't you'll figure out
'Cause living is learnin and learnin is livin
And then you pass it on
[Guru]
And to my home boys, who clearly understand
What it really takes to be a man and what it means to be the head of fam
The ups and downs of life plus the choices we make
'Causes to reevaluate directions we take
And being up in the club is mad fun til they act dumb
And everyone still packs guns whether nines or mac one-ones
It's time now for us to separate the mediocre from the great
Keep all the jokers from the game
I've played my position, so why don't you try to play yours
I've made my decision, plus you're in my prayers
My life is changed now, plus I got a shorty now
Mad responsibilities, it's like I'm almost forty now
All the young girls want to swing, my wifey says she wants a ring
I wonder what the next days, are gonna bring
We must live and fight for the right causes and be ready to die
I love you kid, so keep your head to the sky
[Chorus]
[Amel Larrieux]
Baby child did you know
Every since you fell out of the heavens
You make me want to grow
So I'll share with you everything
Make little girls and boys grow up to be kings and queens
[Chorus: x2]
The song "Guidance" by Guru and Amel Larrieux is a tribute to Guru's unborn son. The song is about imparting wisdom and guidance to his child as he grows up. Guru speaks about how life is full of challenges, and one may have to fight for the truth. He advises his son to be in command of whatever he encounters and appreciate his blessings. Guru also shares his own experience of being a man and the responsibilities that come with it, such as being a head of the family and making difficult decisions.
The chorus sung by Amel Larrieux talks about how living is learning and learning is living. She explains that everything she knows she will share with the child, and anything she doesn't, he will figure out. It is a reminder that it takes a community to raise a child and that knowledge and experience should be passed down. The song also touches on the importance of self-respect and being true to oneself.
Overall, "Guidance" is a song about guidance and imparting wisdom to the next generation, whether it be one's child or the youth in the community. The lyrics are heartfelt and delivered with passion, making it an emotional and inspiring track.
Line by Line Meaning
Dedicated to my son, that's about to be born
This song is written for the artist's unborn son.
So by the time you people hear this record, my son'll be born
By the time people listen to this song, the artist's son will have been born.
And I gotta teach him about life
The artist feels responsible for teaching his son about life.
Listen to my little man
The artist is addressing his son directly.
You can never have too little plans
It's important to have solid plans.
Always bring your game direct, cut out the middle man
Handle things directly and don't rely on others to do it for you.
Life is full of sacrifice, for truth you might have to fight
Life can require sacrifice, and standing up for the truth may not always be easy.
Someone will bring you down 'Cause they ain't livin right
Others may try to bring you down due to their own issues.
Be sure to use your mind, though
Don't be naive or gullible, think for yourself.
Look for all the signs, yo
Pay attention to the details and potential warnings.
Don't want to make a move too quick and get left behind, yo
Don't rush into things and risk being left behind or making a mistake.
Be in command of whatever you encounter
Take charge of your life and be confident.
Appreciate your blessings, son, you'll see what it amounts to
Be grateful for the good things in life, as they add up over time.
Obtaining your goals, maintainin control
Working hard to reach your goals while staying in control of your life.
Self-respect helps you to protect your soul
Respecting yourself leads to a healthier and happier life.
Never give up, always be ready to try
Never give up on your dreams or goals, and always be willing to try again.
Walk your own walk, and keep your head to the sky
Follow your own path and don't be discouraged by obstacles.
Little thing now here you are
The artist is addressing his newborn son.
Staring at me with those baby eyes
The newborn son is looking at his father with innocent curiosity.
All you do is sleep, eat, and cry
As a baby, his son's existence is limited to basic needs and emotions.
But one day you're gonna be askin me why
As his son grows up, he will ask questions and seek guidance.
Everything I know I'm gonna tell you about
The father plans to share his knowledge with his son.
Anything I don't you'll figure out
Things the father doesn't know, his son will learn on his own.
'Cause living is learnin and learnin is livin
Life is a constant cycle of learning and growing.
And then you pass it on
The lessons learned are passed on to future generations.
And to my home boys, who clearly understand
The artist is also addressing his male friends who understand what it takes to be a man.
What it really takes to be a man and what it means to be the head of fam
Being responsible and prioritizing the wellbeing of one's family is key to being a man.
The ups and downs of life plus the choices we make
Life has its challenges, and the choices we make can have consequences.
'Causes to reevaluate directions we take
Sometimes we need to reassess our path in life.
And being up in the club is mad fun til they act dumb
Partying can be fun until people start behaving recklessly.
And everyone still packs guns whether nines or mac one-ones
Even in social situations, some individuals carry dangerous weapons.
It's time now for us to separate the mediocre from the great
It's time to distinguish those who are average from those who are exceptional.
Keep all the jokers from the game
Eliminate those who don't take things seriously.
I've played my position, so why don't you try to play yours
The artist has fulfilled his role and is encouraging others to do the same.
I've made my decision, plus you're in my prayers
The artist has decided his path in life and wishes his friends well.
My life is changed now, plus I got a shorty now
The artist's life has changed since having a child.
Mad responsibilities, it's like I'm almost forty now
Having a child brings significant responsibilities, and the artist feels like his life has changed a lot.
All the young girls want to swing, my wifey says she wants a ring
The artist's wife wants to get married, while others just want to have fun.
I wonder what the next days, are gonna bring
The artist is unsure of what the future holds.
We must live and fight for the right causes and be ready to die
We must stand up for what is right and be willing to make sacrifices.
I love you kid, so keep your head to the sky
The artist loves his son and encourages him to stay positive and hopeful.
Baby child did you know
The artist is addressing his son.
Every since you fell out of the heavens
The artist is emphasizing his son's special presence in his life.
You make me want to grow
His son inspires him to want to become a better person.
So I'll share with you everything
The artist plans to share his knowledge and experiences with his son.
Make little girls and boys grow up to be kings and queens
The artist wants his son and other children to grow up to be successful and respected leaders.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ELAM, LARRIEUX, WHITE, Amel Larrieux, GUESLEY LARRIEUX, Keith Elam, MAURICE WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind