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
Hustlin' Daze
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Guru]
It's ninety degrees on the corner, in the summer heat
Dreamin of beach houses, mad ladies and Hummer jeeps
Got another beep now it's time to watch a brother creep
and pull another scam, not yet the man but the brother's deep
Ain't tryin to stay in this life for too long
You tellin me that I'm bound to lose, but you wrong
I'll stay in these streets, you stay in the house where you belong
Yo who's wrong, you never had to live in my shoes
And my view's, that every second is vital
The way I see nigga's the way I G it
A raw ghetto entrepreneur, yeah I be it
Not as glamourous, as the gangster flicks
I'll show you some gangster chicks that hold me down we get rich
And get this, bet this, I'm after payola
The loot, the paper, til my hustlin days are over
[Chorus: Donell Jones]
I'm a hustler, a hustler hmm
Gotta get the dough to win
And I'm a baller yeah, baller
Shot call-errr
I pack plenty of steel, plenty of steel
For niggaz that want to be actin ill
All the player haters stay, off my nuts
while I'm/we handlin business
[Guru]
Illegal business, I need to invest in somethin legit
This money's comin too quick, I copped a house and two whips
Who switched it, not me, I'm keepin it real
Keepin the steel while the envious watch hungry, I'm eatin my meal
Late nights, there ain't no time for stage frights
This ain't fiction, it's my mission to get paid alright?
No need to speak about greed, long as I'm feedin my seed
then I'm completin the deed, so I'm keepin this cheese
High-priced lawyers, I'm too nice for ya
Never touchin the work no more, too precise for ya
Controllin the town, holdin it down
I'm the Master Allah Now, I'm showin you style
I go in your file, and make you hard to locate
Delete all your data don't disregard your fate
I'll off you then I'm off with a honey like suave bola
Shit I'm livin this life, til my hustlin days are over
[Chorus]
[Guru]
Bouncin in and out of town, hope I don't step out of bounds
Chicks love to crowd around cause of my rep, how that sound?
Enemies are growin in numbers, hopin to catch me slumber
I wonder; how many are hopin to take me under?
NARC's and Feds, throwin darts at my head
Some new cats tryin to make me part with my bread
Now I'm in a zone worse than Nino in Sugar Hill
Now I'm all alone, the piper wants me to foot the bill
Now I'm facin the judge, my name on a folder
In jail for life, my hustlin days are over
{*Premier scratching: "If you ain't real about it, don't talk"*}
[Chorus]
{*Premier to the end: "If you ain't real about it, don't talk"*}
[Donell Jones]
Oh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah, uhh
Uhh.. ooohoooohwooooohhh
Get the paper, get the dough
Cause I'm hustlin
Gotta get the paper, get the dough
Cause I'm hustlin
And I'm a hustler
And I'm a baller, yeah
I pack plenty of steel
So all the player haters stay, off my nuts
while we handlin business
Oh yeah, ohooooohhhhhohhhhhh
Mmmmmmm ohhh ohhh, oh yeah
If you're with me, throw your guns in the air
Whoahoahaohohhhhohhhhhh, ohhh yeah
The song "Hustlin' Daze" by Guru featuring Donell Jones is a reflection of the life of a hustler. The lyrics talk about the struggles of living a life of crime, constantly hustling to survive, and dreaming of a better life. Guru describes his life on the streets, his ambitions, and the dangers that come with his lifestyle. Despite the risk, he remains committed to his team and determined to keep the hustle going until he can retire to a legit life. Donell Jones adds to the energy of the song by singing about being a hustler, baller, and keeping his enemies at bay with guns.
The words "If you ain't real about it, don't talk" are scratched by Premier at the beginning and end of the song, emphasizing the importance of being authentic when speaking about the struggles of the streets.
Overall the song serves as a commentary on the grit and grind of street life, reflecting on the harsh realities of poverty, the desire for wealth and success, and the inevitable consequences of a life of crime.
Line by Line Meaning
It's ninety degrees on the corner, in the summer heat
The temperature outside is hot, making it uncomfortable to be outside
Dreamin of beach houses, mad ladies and Hummer jeeps
Guru dreams of a luxurious lifestyle with nice houses, beautiful women, and expensive cars
Got another beep now it's time to watch a brother creep
Guru has received a notification and plans to engage in unlawful activities
and pull another scam, not yet the man but the brother's deep
Despite not being successful yet, Guru continues to engage in shady dealings
Ain't tryin to stay in this life for too long
Guru knows that his illegal lifestyle won't last forever
You tellin me that I'm bound to lose, but you wrong
Despite others doubting him, Guru is confident in his abilities
I'm too strong, plus me and my team's got a true bond
Guru feels confident in his strength and the loyalty of his crew
Yo who's wrong, you never had to live in my shoes
Guru challenges someone who hasn't experienced his struggles to not judge him
And my view's, that every second is vital
Guru believes that time is precious and shouldn't be wasted
The way I see nigga's the way I G it
The way Guru views people is based on his experience and upbringing
A raw ghetto entrepreneur, yeah I be it
Guru sees himself as a self-made businessperson from the ghetto
Not as glamourous, as the gangster flicks
Guru's life isn't like the glamorous portrayal of gangsters in movies
I'll show you some gangster chicks that hold me down we get rich
Guru has a team of women who are willing to help him succeed
And get this, bet this, I'm after payola
Guru's goal is to make money through illegal means
The loot, the paper, til my hustlin days are over
Guru plans to continue making money until he can no longer do so through illegal avenues
[Chorus: Donell Jones]
The chorus begins
Illegal business, I need to invest in somethin legit
Guru acknowledges the need to move away from illegal activities
This money's comin too quick, I copped a house and two whips
Guru has made a lot of money quickly and has purchased a house and two cars
Now I'm facin the judge, my name on a folder
Guru has been caught and will likely face legal consequences for his actions
In jail for life, my hustlin days are over
Guru's illegal lifestyle has come to an end, as he will likely spend the rest of his life in jail
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DONELL JONES, KEITH ELAM, CHRIS MARTIN, MICHAEL W. JR. DEWAR, COLLIN ANTHONY DEWAR, DELMAR COWARD, JAMEL FAHEEH CUMMINGS, THADDAEUS SCOTT BIRKETT, BRUCE LAMAR MAYFIELD, COREY WOODS, ROBERT DIGGS, JOHN C. HILL, JEFFREY ATKINS, JEFFREY B. ATKINS, J. HILL, D
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind