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
Something in the Past
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We had the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain
Now you got your man, I got my staff, and we laugh
Then I realize it was something in the past
Yo, you look good; how you been?
How's my little man; how's he doing?
And, umm, did you get the package that I sent?
I hope that he knows that there's someone who loves him
I can't front, baby; yeah, you still look fly
And as I try to get my words together
There's a lot of nice times that I start to remember
The good shit always outweighed the bad
I never wanted to make you sad
So think of me, as one man
Who has crazy respect for you, as a woman
Although the plans didn't work out
It doesn't mean I won't look out
For you and yours; I wish you the best
Because it's over, I guess
I haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame
We had the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain
Now you got your man, I got my staff, and we laugh
Then I realize it's something in the past
Now I'm livin' the life of a true mack
Devoted to my music, tryin' hard not to look back
But on occasion I can see your face
The memories, they got me driftin' a little taste
But now you're doin' your thing; I'm takin' care of mine
And so we're movin' on, leavin' the past behind
I guess relationships - they ain't for me
That's why I had to set you free
I haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame
We had the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain
Now you got your man, I got my staff and we laugh
Then I realize.. it's something in the past
Haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame
We had the joys and pain, sunshine and rain
Now you got your man, I got my staff, and we laugh
Then I realize it's something in the past
My personality is magnanimous
That's why the ladies always cause a fuss
It's in the past - what we had
Aiyyo, respect to your moms, and peace to your dad
I'm glad that we've been through this
Because you know what? I've noticed
A lot about myself; see, I want to gain wealth
They say that chasin' women is bad for your health
I haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame
We have the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain
Now you got your man, I got my staff, and we laugh
Then I realize it's something in the past
Haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame
We had the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain
Now you got your man, I got my staff, and we laugh
Then I realize it's something in the past
Somethin' in the past
Somethin' in the past
These moments never last
Somethin' in the past
Dedicated to all the ex girls
You know I'm on with the next girl
Peace
The song "Something in the Past" by Guru is a nostalgic reflection on past relationships. The lyrics describe a chance encounter with a former lover, and the mixed emotions that come with seeing them again after a long time. The singer is torn between the good memories of the past and the realization that it is now just a memory. The chorus repeats the phrase "something in the past" to emphasize the idea of moving on and letting go. The song also touches on notions of personal growth and self-reflection, as the singer recognizes the positive changes that have come from the experience of this relationship.
Throughout the song, Guru's smooth and soulful delivery adds depth and emotion to the already poignant lyrics. His use of descriptive language helps to paint a vivid picture of the sensations and memories that come flooding back when he sees his former lover. The song has a mellow, laid-back vibe that perfectly matches the nostalgia and reflection of the lyrics.
Overall, "Something in the Past" is a beautifully written and performed song that speaks to anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweetness of looking back on a past relationship. It captures the complex mix of emotions that come with remembering both the good times and the bad.
Line by Line Meaning
I haven't seen you in a while, since you sparked the flame
It has been a long time since we met and fell in love
We had the joys and pain, the sunshine and rain
Our relationship had its high and low moments
Now you got your man, I got my staff, and we laugh
We both have moved on and are happy in our lives
Then I realize it was something in the past
Our love was in the past and it is no longer there
Yo, you look good; how you been?
You still look great, I hope everything is good for you
How's my little man; how's he doing?
I hope your child is doing well
And, umm, did you get the package that I sent?
I hope you received the package I sent for your child
I hope that he knows that there's someone who loves him
I want your child to know that there is someone who cares for him
But I'm gettin vexed at you and I
I am becoming frustrated with our situation
I can't front, baby; yeah, you still look fly
I have to admit, you still look beautiful
And as I try to get my words together
I am struggling to find the right words to say
There's a lot of nice times that I start to remember
I am reminiscing about the good times we had
The good shit always outweighed the bad
Despite the difficult times, our love was mostly good
I never wanted to make you sad
I never intended to hurt you emotionally
So think of me, as one man
Remember me as just one person
Who has crazy respect for you, as a woman
I have immense respect for you as a person and a woman
Although the plans didn't work out
Our relationship did not work out as we had hoped
It doesn't mean I won't look out
But I will still care for you and your loved ones
For you and yours; I wish you the best
I hope that you and your loved ones have the best in life
Because it's over, I guess
Our relationship is over and there is no going back
Now I'm livin' the life of a true mack
I am now living the life of a player
Devoted to my music, tryin' hard not to look back
I am focused on my music career and not dwelling on the past
But on occasion I can see your face
Sometimes I still think of you and have flashbacks
The memories, they got me driftin' a little taste
Memories of our love sometimes make me yearn for it again
But now you're doin' your thing; I'm takin' care of mine
We have both moved on and are pursuing our own paths
And so we're movin' on, leavin' the past behind
We are both moving on and not dwelling on our past love
I guess relationships - they ain't for me
I have realized that love and relationships may not be for me
That's why I had to set you free
That is why I had to let you go
My personality is magnanimous
I have a great and generous personality
That's why the ladies always cause a fuss
That is why women are often attracted to me
You know I'm on with the next girl
I have moved on and found a new love interest
These moments never last
Love and relationships often do not last forever
Dedicated to all the ex girls
This song is dedicated to all my past girlfriends
Somethin' in the past
Our love is now just a memory from the past
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: BOBBY CALDWELL, KEITH ELAM, ROBERT HUNTER CALDWELL, ALFONS FERNANDO KETTNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind