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
Lift Your Fist feat. The Roots
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, c'mon y'all uh, lift your fist
Uhh, yeah, lift your fist c'mon
(Uhh)
[Chorus: Black Thought]
To all my people, just lift your fist
Seem like it ain't no peace, no justice
Either way you got to lift your fist; we get it down like this
To all my people, ball up your first
Seem like it ain't no peace, no justice
How you want it, the bullet or the microchip?
Either way you got to lift your fist
[Black Thought]
Yo, c'mon
We livin life close to the edge, don't push
But this ain't eighty-three and it's not the Cold Crush
It's kids on the street strapped, huffin that kush(?)
They eyein the next cat, livin all plush
I guess frustration make a brother do what he must
What's the combination that can make a human erupt
Team leaders gettin mutinied up, who couldn't read
the signs, thinkin the day and times is (??)
[Guru]
Indeed, we blast, refuse to kiss ass
Quick fast, ready to mash cause of a bugged out past
Swallow the pain, follow the mental terrain
It takes a hell of a man, nowadays to maintain
Garments bloodstained, face bruised and battered
Our eyes reflect the agony, of dreams that were shattered
And they love it, when we wild out and kill our own
but the greater responsibility, yes, is still our own
[Chorus]
[Guru]
Uhh, worldwide famine, ghetto people demand
that somebody do somethin soon, and let's examine
the facts, behind the violent attacks
Behind the daily gunplay the cocaine and the crack
Thug season - what's the reason for the treason?
Everybody's gotta eat, some gotta resort to thievin
Take money money make money money money..
[Chorus]
[Black Thought]
Yo - from the time they eyes open til the clock strike death
Brothers is stressed, walkin 'round holdin they chest
They got the government surveyin they steps and can't breathe
They dynamitin them projects to smithereens
Money comin but them days too few and far between
You tryin to taste just what the world's offering, ya'mean?
I seen enough to make a grown man scream
Brothers thirsty and hongry to get that thing
[Guru]
Too many tears of pain, too many years of struggle
Too many drops of blood, too many problems to juggle
Too few jobs available, too few schools equipped
Too few role models; just gangsters and pimps
Will you succumb, will your heart grow numb
or will you save the world, and use your mind like a gun?
I'm the one - I turn a stick-up kid to a soldier
Me and The Roots, word up, we takin over
The song “Lift Your Fist” by Guru’s Jazzmatazz Featuring The Roots is a call to action for people to stand up for what they believe in and fight for change. The chorus repeatedly urges listeners to lift their fists in solidarity while acknowledging the lack of peace and justice in the world. Black Thought’s verses focus on the daily struggles and oppression faced by black communities and the government’s surveillance and violence against them. Guru speaks about the frustration and pain caused by poverty, violence, and lack of opportunities, as well as the need for individuals to take responsibility and use their minds like a gun to fight against the system.
The song’s powerful lyrics and social commentary reflect the artists’ commitment to using their art as a tool for change and advocacy. The use of the phrase “lift your fist” is reminiscent of the Black Power movement and the fight for civil rights in the United States. The song’s message is not just limited to racial inequalities, but can also be applied to any form of systemic oppression around the globe.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah.. Guru, huh, The Roots
The song is being sung by Guru and The Roots.
Yeah, c'mon y'all uh, lift your fist
Everyone is encouraged to raise their fists in solidarity.
Uhh, yeah, lift your fist c'mon
The act of lifting of fists is emphasized once again.
To all my people, just lift your fist
The chorus invites everyone to participate in raising their fists.
Seem like it ain't no peace, no justice
The world is currently plagued with violence and injustice.
How you want it, the bullet or the microchip?
People are presented with two options: death by violence or death by technology.
Either way you got to lift your fist; we get it down like this
Regardless of the choice, everyone is encouraged to continue raising their fists.
To all my people, ball up your first
The chorus again invites participation through the balling up of fists.
Seem like it ain't no peace, no justice
The lack of peace and justice is once again emphasized.
How you want it, the bullet or the microchip?
The same two options are presented again.
Either way you got to lift your fist
Regardless of the choice, everyone is encouraged to continue raising their fists.
Yo, c'mon
Black Thought begins his verse.
We livin life close to the edge, don't push
We are living in tumultuous times, and we should not provoke further violence.
But this ain't eighty-three and it's not the Cold Crush
This is not the past; we are dealing with new challenges.
It's kids on the street strapped, huffin that kush(?)
Young people are turning to drugs to cope with their struggles.
They eyein the next cat, livin all plush
Those who live comfortably are at risk of being robbed or targeted for their wealth.
I guess frustration make a brother do what he must
Frustration and desperation can drive people to commit crimes.
What's the combination that can make a human erupt
What are the factors that can lead to someone becoming violent?
Team leaders gettin mutinied up, who couldn't read the signs, thinkin the day and times is (??)
Certain leaders are being overthrown, whilst others seem unaware of the troubles ahead.
Indeed, we blast, refuse to kiss ass
The difficulties faced are dealt with head on.
Quick fast, ready to mash cause of a bugged out past
There is a sense of urgency to resolve the issues due to past trauma.
Swallow the pain, follow the mental terrain
Enduring pain is necessary and adapting to challenging circumstances is crucial.
It takes a hell of a man, nowadays to maintain
In modern times, it takes great strength to persevere through adversity.
Garments bloodstained, face bruised and battered
People have endured violence and physical harm.
Our eyes reflect the agony, of dreams that were shattered
The people are full of pain, and they have lost hope for their dreams.
And they love it, when we wild out and kill our own
Those in power often benefit from the violence that plagues society.
but the greater responsibility, yes, is still our own
It is ultimately up to the people to bring about change.
Uhh, worldwide famine, ghetto people demand
The world is in crisis, and the oppressed people demand action.
that somebody do somethin soon, and let's examine
There needs to be prompt action, and a thorough examination of the root causes of the problems.
the facts, behind the violent attacks
The causes of the violence need to be analyzed.
Behind the daily gunplay the cocaine and the crack
The sources of these problems are drug abuse and gun violence.
Thug season - what's the reason for the treason?
People are committing violent acts without good reason.
Everybody's gotta eat, some gotta resort to thievin
People are forced to commit crimes to survive.
Take money money make money money money..
The economic system encourages making profit and taking advantage of others.
Yo - from the time they eyes open til the clock strike death
People are struggling from the moment they wake up until they die.
Brothers is stressed, walkin 'round holdin they chest
People are dealing with emotional and physical pain.
They got the government surveyin they steps and can't breathe
The government is monitoring and oppressing its own people.
They dynamitin them projects to smithereens
The authorities are violently destroying public housing.
Money comin but them days too few and far between
There are not enough opportunities to make money to live comfortably.
You tryin to taste just what the world's offering, ya'mean?
People are trying their best to experience what the world has to offer.
I seen enough to make a grown man scream
The artist has witnessed enough pain to feel profound anguish.
Brothers thirsty and hongry to get that thing
People are struggling to acquire basic necessities to survive.
Too many tears of pain, too many years of struggle
There have been too many moments of suffering and strength is dwindling.
Too many drops of blood, too many problems to juggle
There has been too much violence and too many issues to handle.
Too few jobs available, too few schools equipped
There are not enough resources to provide opportunities for people to succeed.
Too few role models; just gangsters and pimps
There are not enough positive influences, just dangerous ones.
Will you succumb, will your heart grow numb
Will people give up or steel themselves to the challenges ahead?
or will you save the world, and use your mind like a gun?
People have the potential to bring about real change and must use their intelligence to fight for a better future.
I'm the one - I turn a stick-up kid to a soldier
The singer can inspire someone and turn them away from a life of crime.
Me and The Roots, word up, we takin over
The singer and The Roots are determined to bring change.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: TARIK L. COLLINS, AHMIR K. THOMPSON, JAMES JASON POYSER, KEITH ELAM, Ahmir Thompson, James Poyser, T Trotter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind