Guru (July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010) was one half of the legendary hip hop… Read Full Bio ↴Guru (July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010) was one half of the legendary hip hop duo Gang Starr and an accomplished solo artist. Guru, an acronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, originally began his hip hop career in Boston but due to lack of local support moved to New York where Gang Starr then blew up. Guru was well known for his smooth voice; socially conscious and hardcore lyrics; and an effortless, confident delivery.

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

Slicker Than Most
Guru Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

All around the city and from coast to coast
I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most
All around the city and from coast to coast
I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most

Who put the jazz in the hip hop funk?
It's me chump, the originator with the flavor
Just like a fine tuned sax I'm all of that

I'm gettin' fatter than fat to be exact
So when you step to see the man command
Don't get too close, unless you can withstand
The pressure, cause now I'm the aggressor
Callin' you out, to test skills
Let's see who get props, and who gives the best, thrills
Chill kid, you gotta acknowledge
I'm like dope, yeah that's what you could call it
Or better yet, just say I'm slick

All around the city and from coast to coast
I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most
All around the city and from coast to coast
I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most

The word is out, Guru's got all the clout
And when I'm rappin', the fans just shout (Ho!)
'Cause I be givin' what they want yo, lyrics are right
With much insight bro
So never second-guess the smooth one
And if a sucker tries to diss, then I'm the rude one
'Cause I can kick it, you know I rip it
Yo pass the brew, so I can sip it
I'm wicked, when it comes down to the rhyme
So in ninety-three, I'm takin' what's mine
And this you gotta acknowledge
'Cause I'm slick, so watch me clock the dollars

All around the city and from coast to coast
I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most
All around the city and from coast to coast
I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most

Boom ya ras claat, you're gettin' burned on the spot
No if's or but's, cause I'll go nuts
I never take a short, I rap for more than sport
So now you're caught, down to your last resort
Whisperin' behind my back just like a pansy
I break an MC's neck, yes I can G
So chill, 'cause this you gotta acknowledge
I'm slammin', yeah that's what you could call it
Or better yet just say I'm slick
'Cause I'm demolishin' rappers, lickety-split
You know I'm slick
Hmm, you know I'm slick
Mmm, you know I'm slick

All around the city and from coast to coast
I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most
All around the city and from coast to coast
I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most

"I rock the house, and ah"

Overall Meaning

The song "Slicker Than Most" by Guru is about his confidence and skill as an MC, boasting about his abilities all over the city and beyond. He compares himself to a fine-tuned saxophone and emphasizes his cleverness with words. Guru makes it clear that he is not one to mess with, warning others to not get too close unless they can handle the pressure he brings. Throughout the song, Guru repeatedly emphasizes that he is slick, which can be interpreted as cool, smooth, skilled, and confident. He ends the song by clarifying that he is not just talking, but he can actually back up his words with a powerful performance.

Overall, "Slicker Than Most" is a classic hip-hop track with an old-school, jazz-inspired sound that showcases Guru's lyrical abilities. His confidence, cleverness, and wordplay are evident throughout the song, making it a timeless offering that still resonates with fans today.

Line by Line Meaning

All around the city and from coast to coast
I am well-known and highly regarded in various regions of the country

I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most
I am more skillful and suave than the majority of people in my profession

Who put the jazz in the hip hop funk?
Who was responsible for combining jazz and hip hop music genres?

It's me chump, the originator with the flavor
It was me who initiated this music style, and I have a unique approach that distinguishes me from anyone else

Just like a fine tuned sax I'm all of that
I am highly skilled, refined, and top-performing like a perfectly tuned saxophone

I'm gettin' fatter than fat to be exact
I am getting more successful and wealthy with each passing day

So when you step to see the man command
If you come to confront me, be aware that I am in charge

Don't get too close, unless you can withstand
Don't approach me if you can't handle the pressure that comes with interacting with me

The pressure, cause now I'm the aggressor
I am assertive and take charge in any situation

Callin' you out, to test skills
I am challenging you to see who is better at their craft

Let's see who get props, and who gives the best, thrills
Let's determine who receives respect and admiration for their skills

Chill kid, you gotta acknowledge
Calm down, but you must recognize and respect my abilities

I'm like dope, yeah that's what you could call it
I am so good that I can be compared to a drug - addictively enjoyable

Or better yet, just say I'm slick
Or better yet, admit that I am extremely smooth and cool

The word is out, Guru's got all the clout
People are talking and spreading the word that I have a lot of influence and power

And when I'm rappin', the fans just shout (Ho!)
When I perform, the audience cheers loudly in excitement

'Cause I be givin' what they want yo, lyrics are right
I deliver exactly what my fans crave - my lyrics are on point and perfect

With much insight bro
With a lot of perception and understanding, my friend

So never second-guess the smooth one
Don't ever doubt my capabilities; I am exceedingly smooth and polished

And if a sucker tries to diss, then I'm the rude one
If any less skilled person challenges me, I will put them in their place

'Cause I can kick it, you know I rip it
I am highly skilled and proficient, and I excel at what I do

Yo pass the brew, so I can sip it
Hey, give me some alcohol to drink and relax

I'm wicked, when it comes down to the rhyme
I'm exceptionally talented when it comes to writing and performing rhymes

So in ninety-three, I'm takin' what's mine
In the year 1993, I am asserting myself and claiming what is rightfully mine

And this you gotta acknowledge
You must admit and accept that I am really skilled and successful in my field

'Cause I'm slick, so watch me clock the dollars
Because I am so smooth, I will make a lot of money and be very successful

Boom ya ras claat, you're gettin' burned on the spot
You are getting utterly destroyed and humiliated on the spot

No if's or but's, cause I'll go nuts
There will be no excuses or conditions, and I will become very angry

I never take a short, I rap for more than sport
I don't settle for anything less than my best; I take my craft seriously

So now you're caught, down to your last resort
You are now in a bad position and have no other options

Whisperin' behind my back just like a pansy
Talking behind my back like a coward and showing no respect or bravery

I break an MC's neck, yes I can G
I am so skilled and powerful that I can easily defeat any MC who challenges me

So chill, 'cause this you gotta acknowledge
Relax, but you must recognize and acknowledge my superior skills and abilities

I'm slammin', yeah that's what you could call it
I am destroying my competition and performing exceptionally

Or better yet just say I'm slick
Or better yet, admit that I am exceptionally smooth and polished

'Cause I'm demolishin' rappers, lickety-split
Because I am so skilled, I am easily defeating other rappers at top speed

You know I'm slick
I am incredibly smooth and proficient

Hmm, you know I'm slick
Well, you must already be aware that I am exceptionally polished and skillful

Mmm, you know I'm slick
Ah, yes, you already know that I am exceedingly suave and skilled

All around the city and from coast to coast
My fame and influence extend nationally

I'm slicker than most I'm slicker than most
I am more polished, skilled, and suave than the majority of people in my profession

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Keith Elam

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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