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
Hood Dreamin
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For a couple of [powers or hours], what a beautiful thing
The hoods full of kids that ar thirsty and bold
I know a nigga who is bustin outta (?) that he stoled
Aino no talkin to em, aint no callin em down
This aint theatre or his the latest drama in town
He no dook seek im doin a (?)
I seen it all in this life of mine
Most of u must {resort} to a life of crime
But if I dont have a gun, I use this knife of mine
If not I execute u with my {mic} divine
Let it be known that I do my thing
Since way back {?}
To this day Im alway seen in the finest{?}
Las MC I slayed cant find hes head
Skip the long bus rides prefere the fly instead
Tell the promoter that he got 2 seconds to find my {?}
[Between or bedwin], I feel the sweet I meen the flowers
For a couple of [powers or hours], what a beautiful thing
[Between or Bedwin], I dream of u I meen the flower
For a couple powers or hours, what a beautiful thing
The girls callin me cute, while u callin yo troops
I got to wave em white flags, guess they callin the troops
Im so nice, I got the young thugs open
Cause im just what they waitin for keep the night club smokin
Jelous cats wanna get out theyre glocks
Cause every {?} that I wear be fresh outta box
Thats cool... cause I can see em comin`
I send em hot ones with names on em, u can see em comin`
Im fly, just like a private helicopter
Wanna beez imma break ya ass {?}hell of proper
Yo`ve been waitin for the chance to get put on
Im self me, and youre wholl act is just a put on
So put on a jacket {?} .go {?}{?}
And u was never real, motherfucker stop {?}
A great rappa` {?} the time
I got surprise, but now I want the rest of mine
[Between or bedwin], I feel the sweet I meen the flowers
For a couple of [powers or hours], what a beautiful thing
[Between or Bedwin], I dream of u I meen the flower
For a couple powers or hours, what a beautiful thing
In Guru's song "Hood Dreamin," the artist touches upon the harsh realities of living in the "hood." The lyrics describe the environment as full of kids who are thirsty for success and willing to resort to a life of crime. Guru highlights the fact that he has seen it all in his life and understands that many individuals do not have a choice but to turn to illegal activities to survive. He also mentions carrying a knife and using his mic as a weapon to execute those who try to bring him down.
Guru also asserts his dominance and success as a rapper. He boasts that he is always seen in the finest clothing and that even jealous individuals want to be like him. The song highlights the artist's ability to draw in a crowd and captivate them with his music. Despite facing challenges and adversity, Guru never lets it get in the way of his success.
Line by Line Meaning
Between or bedwin, I feel the sweet I meen the flowers
Amidst chaos or uncertainty, I find moments of peace and beauty.
For a couple of powers or hours, what a beautiful thing
Even if it's just temporary, it's worth it for the beauty and happiness it brings.
The hoods full of kids that ar thirsty and bold
The neighborhood is full of young people who yearn for more and are fearless.
I know a nigga who is bustin outta (?) that he stoled
I know someone who is breaking free from their past mistakes and taking what they need to survive.
Aino no talkin to em, aint no callin em down
There's no reasoning with these people and no stopping them once they've set their sights on something.
This aint theatre or his the latest drama in town
This is real life, not a show or a temporary spectacle.
He no dook seek im doin a (?)
He may be doing something illegal, but he doesn't care about the consequences.
He dont give a fuck he dont know the meaning of friend, yap!
He's not interested in friendships or loyalty, only in what he can gain for himself.
I seen it all in this life of mine
I've experienced everything that life has to offer, including its darkest moments.
Most of u must {resort} to a life of crime
Many people are forced into a life of crime out of necessity, rather than choice.
But if I dont have a gun, I use this knife of mine
If I'm not armed, I'll use whatever means necessary to defend myself.
If not I execute u with my {mic} divine
If I can't physically harm you, I'll destroy you with my words and music.
Let it be known that I do my thing
I'm confident and proud of what I do and who I am.
Since way back {?}
I've been doing this for a while, since a time long ago.
To this day Im alway seen in the finest{?}
Even now, I always dress in the best clothes and stand out.
Las MC I slayed cant find hes head
The last rapper I defeated can't even find his confidence anymore.
Skip the long bus rides prefere the fly instead
I don't waste time, I take shortcuts and prefer to fly high.
Tell the promoter that he got 2 seconds to find my {?}
I'm demanding and expect people to meet my expectations and requirements.
The girls callin me cute, while u callin yo troops
Women are attracted to me, while other men feel threatened and need to gather their friends for backup.
I got to wave em white flags, guess they callin the troops
I have enough power and influence to make my enemies surrender without violence.
Im so nice, I got the young thugs open
I'm so talented and likable that even the toughest youth respect and admire me.
Cause im just what they waitin for keep the night club smokin
I'm the missing piece that keeps the party going and the night alive.
Jelous cats wanna get out theyre glocks
Jealous people want to harm me with their guns.
Cause every {?} that I wear be fresh outta box
I always look fresh and new, with the latest and greatest clothes and accessories.
Thats cool... cause I can see em comin`
I'm not afraid of them, because I can anticipate their moves in advance.
I send em hot ones with names on em, u can see em comin`
I know my enemies' names and faces, and I'll take them down with my music and rhymes.
Im fly, just like a private helicopter
I'm stylish and impressive, like a private helicopter soaring above the rest of the world.
Wanna beez imma break ya ass {?}hell of proper
If you want to compete with me or surpass me, I'll destroy you completely and with expertise.
Yo`ve been waitin for the chance to get put on
You've been waiting for the opportunity to make a name for yourself and get famous.
Im self me, and youre wholl act is just a put on
I'm true to myself and genuine, while you're faking it and putting on an act.
So put on a jacket {?} .go {?}{?}
Go outside and take a break, because you're outmatched and can't compete with me.
And u was never real, motherfucker stop {?}
You were never authentic or honest, so stop pretending and give up the fight.
Writer(s): John Mosher, Richard Elam Copyright: 7 Large Music
Contributed by Ava F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.