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 "Hood Dreamin'" by Guru, the singer describes the beauty and sweetness of life, even in harsh environments. The first verse begins with the image of feeling "the sweet," which can be interpreted as a moment of joy, maybe even a moment of literal sweetness like tasting flowers. The singer then refers to the hood where young kids are struggling and willing to do anything to get by, even stealing. The singer's message narrates the street life as harsh but with a confidence, 'if I don't have a gun, I use my knife of mine; if not, I execute you with my mic divine.' This line reflects on his talent as a rapper and his ability to use words and music to destroy his enemies. The singer talks about the jealousy of some rap newcomers, but he believes in his talent and sees through their facade.
The chorus repeats the idea of feeling the sweetness of life, even if it's only for a couple of hours. The last verse continues the theme of the singer's talent and how it separates him from other rappers. The singer offers a nod of respect to his competitors but emphasizes that he is a great rapper and wants what is rightfully his. In the end, the singer focuses on his endless pursuit of greatness in his craft.
Line by Line Meaning
[Between or bedwin] , I feel the sweet I meen the flowers
Amidst chaos, I find moments of beauty and peace, like smelling sweet flowers.
For a couple of [powers or hours] , what a beautiful thing
Even fleeting moments of peace and beauty are worth cherishing, even if just for a couple of hours.
The hoods full of kids that ar thirsty and bold
Poor neighborhoods are filled with kids who are eager for something more than what their current situation offers.
I know a nigga who is bustin outta (?) that he stoled
I know someone who is rebelling against their circumstances by resorting to theft or other crimes.
Aino no talkin to em , aint no callin em down
There is no reasoning with or calming down someone who is set on their current path of rebellion.
This aint theatre or his the latest drama in town
This is not a show or some kind of spectacle for entertainment.
He no dook seek im doin a (?)
He is not looking for anyone else's approval or validation, he is doing what he wants regardless of consequences.
He dont give a fuck he dont know the meaning of friend , yap!
He is indifferent to others and does not care about forming relationships or friendships.
I seen it all in this life of mine
I have experienced and witnessed a lot in my life.
Most of u must {resort} to a life of crime
Many people in similar situations are forced to turn to a life of crime for survival.
But if I dont have a gun , I use this knife of mine
When faced with danger, I am resourceful and will use whatever measures necessary to protect myself.
If not I execute u with my {mic} divine
If necessary, I can use my rapping skills as a powerful weapon to intimidate and defeat my enemies.
Let it be known that I do my thing
I am confident in my abilities and will continue to do what I do best.
Since way back {?????????}
I have been doing this for a long time, even before it was a popular career choice.
To this day Im alway seen in the finest{?}
Even now, I am always dressed in the finest clothes, symbolizing my success and status.
Las MC I slayed cant find hes head
The rappers I have defeated cannot compete with me or match my skill level.
Skip the long bus rides prefere the fly instead
I have achieved a level of success where I can now afford to skip long and uncomfortable bus rides and instead fly to my destinations.
Tell the promoter that he got 2 seconds to find my {?}
I am a successful artist and expect prompt and efficient service from my promoters.
The girls callin me cute , while u callin yo troops
While some admire and appreciate me, others feel threatened and resort to rallying their friends for support.
I got to wave em white flags , guess they callin the troops
I am so intimidating and powerful that even those who confront me eventually surrender and call for reinforcements.
Im so nice , I got the young thugs open
I have a charismatic and likable persona that can even win over tough and rebellious young people.
Cause im just what they waitin for keep the night club smokin
My music and presence at clubs creates a lively and exciting atmosphere that everyone enjoys.
Jelous cats wanna get out theyre glocks
Jealous individuals feel the need to arm themselves with guns to compete or threaten me.
Cause every {?} that I wear be fresh outta box
My clothes and style are always the latest and freshest, creating envy in others.
Thats cool...cause I can see em comin'
I am aware of their jealousy and threats, and am able to anticipate their actions.
I send em hot ones with names on em , u can see em comin'
To defend and protect myself, I will take action and fight back with force.
Im fly , just like a private helicopter
I am stylish, impressive, and unique, like a private helicopter.
Wanna beez imma break ya ass {?}hell of proper
Those who aspire to be like me will face disappointment and failure, because they cannot match my talent and success.
Yo've been waitin for the chance to get put on
Those who want to succeed in this industry have been waiting for a chance to prove themselves.
Im self me , and youre wholl act is just a put on
I am true to myself and my art, while others are merely putting on an act to impress and gain approval.
So put on a jacket {?} ..go {?}{?}
If you cannot handle the heat and competition, you should put on a jacket and leave.
And u was never real , motherfucker stop {?}]
You were never genuine or authentic in your actions and intentions, so stop pretending otherwise.
Contributed by Ellie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Michael Christopher
I hate how underappreciated this song is, crazy
DoubleJimmy
A producer who contributed to "split" GangStarr and who made team with Guru before his death.
D Sleeps
Hopefully the sequel has been made. To be continued... Watch lupe bite that too.
Dylan Lamoureux
why is there no dirty version of this!!
jdotbdot253
Harder than everything out. Period.
cN
Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal!!! Music is missin you
VicktheJR McMillian
he already did, with jill scott
BiggieTupac95
sample by Bernard Wystraete - Daydream
Priscilla Rajadurai
thankyouu
EducatingStupidity
Who tf is solar