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
Introduction
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
An experimental fusion of hip-hop and live jazz
I'm your host the Guru, that stands for gifted, unlimited, rhymes, universal
Now I've always thought of doing something like this
But I didn't want to do it unless it was going to be done right, know what I'm saying?
'Cause hip-hop, rap music, it's real
It's musical, cultural expression based on reality
And at the same time, jazz is real and based on reality
A pleasure to work on such a project with so many amazing people
For instance I got Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith
Branford Marsalis, Ronny Jordan, N'Dea Davenport, Courtney Pine
And MC Solaar all in the house
Plus I got Gary Barnacle, Carleen Anderson, D. C. Lee, Simon Law
And Zachary Breaux doing much work, so without further delay
I say to you, listen and enjoy, and check it out
In the song Introduction by Guru, he welcomes the listeners to his experimental fusion of hip-hop and live jazz, which he calls Jazzmatazz. Guru, which stands for gifted, unlimited rhymes, universal, explains that he had always thought of doing a project like this, but he wanted to ensure it was done right. He acknowledges that hip-hop and rap music are real and cultural expressions based on reality, and jazz is similarly rooted in reality. Guru expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to work with so many amazing people on the project, including famous jazz musicians such as Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Branford Marsalis, as well as other talented artists like N'Dea Davenport, Courtney Pine, MC Solaar, Gary Barnacle, Carleen Anderson, D.C. Lee, Simon Law, and Zachary Breaux.
The song Introduction sets the tone for the Jazzmatazz project, which aimed to merge the worlds of hip-hop and jazz, two music genres that were often thought of as distinct from each other. Guru explains that by bringing together these two styles, they were able to produce something that was grounded in reality and expressed a unique cultural perspective. The song highlights the collaborations that went into the project, and introduces listeners to the diverse range of musicians and artists involved.
Line by Line Meaning
Peace yo, and welcome to Jazzmatazz
Greetings and welcome to Jazzmatazz
An experimental fusion of hip-hop and live jazz
This project combines hip-hop and live jazz music in a new and innovative way
I'm your host the Guru, that stands for gifted, unlimited, rhymes, universal
The artist, Guru, goes by this name which stands for him being naturally talented with no limitations and able to create rhymes that resonate with everyone
Now I've always thought of doing something like this
The artist had the idea for this project for some time
But I didn't want to do it unless it was going to be done right, know what I'm saying?
The artist wanted to ensure that the project was of high quality before pursuing it further
'Cause hip-hop, rap music, it's real
Hip-hop and rap music are authentic and reflect real experiences and emotions
It's musical, cultural expression based on reality
Hip-hop and rap music are a form of musical and cultural expression grounded in lived experiences
And at the same time, jazz is real and based on reality
Like hip-hop and rap, jazz is authentic and reflects lived experiences
So I want to let you know that it was indeed a blessing and of course
The artist feels grateful for the opportunity to work on this project
A pleasure to work on such a project with so many amazing people
It was enjoyable for the artist to work with such talented individuals on this project
For instance I got Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith
The artist collaborated with musicians Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, and Lonnie Liston Smith
Branford Marsalis, Ronny Jordan, N'Dea Davenport, Courtney Pine
The artist collaborated with musicians Branford Marsalis, Ronny Jordan, N'Dea Davenport, and Courtney Pine
And MC Solaar all in the house
The artist worked with MC Solaar on this project
Plus I got Gary Barnacle, Carleen Anderson, D. C. Lee, Simon Law
The artist collaborated with musicians Gary Barnacle, Carleen Anderson, D.C. Lee, and Simon Law
And Zachary Breaux doing much work, so without further delay
The artist also worked with Zachary Breaux and is eager to share the final product
I say to you, listen and enjoy, and check it out
The artist encourages listeners to enjoy and experience the project for themselves
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Keith Elam, Keith Edward Elam
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind