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
THE ANTHEM
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo fuck the kiddy crap, I did that stupid shit already jack
Many rapper talk about how they come strapped with plenty gats
And how they, were sellin many cracks
I take my belt off and give 'em a hundred-twenty whacks
So many act, so I treat 'em like my sons
And nowadays you got frail niggaz frontin trife with guns
'Cause my family ties go as deep as (?)
Baldhead to the S-L-I-see-K
want to rhyme, take a ride down my freeway
Peace to all the PJ's and all the DJ's
My word are like multitude so keep my shit on replay
He say, she say, niggaz know I'm the man
Leavin emcees depressed, tryna find a new plan
And few can ever measure up to these standards
The name is Baldhead Slick and yo, this is "The Anthem"
[Chorus: *cuts*]
"It's the gifted, prolific one..."
"Subtractin others rappers... who lack..."
"It's the gifted, prolific one..."
"Known as... Baldhead Slick..."
"It's the gifted, prolific one..."
"Carryin my thoughts... the illest soldier..."
"It's the gifted, prolific one..."
"Known as... Baldhead Slick..."
[Guru]
One of the first real niggaz, to ever rock a baldie
Slick Daddy; that's what my ladies like to call me
Trained in combat, still smooth in approach
Live from first class, while you snooze in coach
Coppin cruiser boats, so I can rule the coast
Any altercation, our peeps and do a toast
I go from rockin Timberlands, to wearin Gucci boots
Never chasin a silly bitch, even if the groupie's cute
I'm stakin my claim, breakin you lames
I'll choke you out into submission, you ain't takin a bang
Fuck it, I'm takin the blame for straight shakin you up
Wakin you up, that doo-rag
In Guru's song "The Anthem," he introduces himself as Baldhead Slick and boasts about his talents as a rapper, bragging about his ability to leave his competitors feeling depressed and unable to measure up to his standards. Guru claims to be a "real nigga" and "the chief like Beanie," possessing years of experience in both combat training and the music industry. He criticizes other rappers who rely on guns and drugs to prove their worth, dubbing their behavior as "kiddy crap" and threatening to give them a beating if they cross him. Guru positions himself as a leader and mentor to other rappers, treating them like his "sons" and setting an example for them to follow.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "It's the gifted, prolific one," emphasizing Guru's skills as a rapper and his reputation as an influential figure in the music industry. He talks about carrying his thoughts as "the illest soldier" and being known as Baldhead Slick, a name that he has earned by establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the song, Guru emphasizes his commitment to excellence, encouraging others to learn from his example and strive to reach their own potential.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo fuck the kiddy crap, I did that stupid shit already jack
I am not here for child's play. I have already done that in the past.
Many rapper talk about how they come strapped with plenty gats
Several rappers boast about their gun possession.
And how they, were sellin many cracks
They also boast about their drug-related activities.
I take my belt off and give 'em a hundred-twenty whacks
I will discipline them harshly just like one would a child.
So many act, so I treat 'em like my sons
Since many rappers behave irresponsibly, I will treat them as I would my sons.
And nowadays you got frail niggaz frontin trife with guns
Currently, even the weakest individuals flaunt their firearm ownership and pose as gangsters.
But I'm the chief like Beanie, none of why'all can see me
I am the leader and in control, and you cannot surpass me.
'Cause my family ties go as deep as (?)
My loyalty and connections runs deep within my family, and you cannot compare.
Baldhead to the S-L-I-see-K
My name is Baldhead Slick.
want to rhyme, take a ride down my freeway
If you want to rap like me, you have to follow the path I have taken.
Peace to all the PJ's and all the DJ's
I show love and respect to all the project kids and disc jockeys.
My word are like multitude so keep my shit on replay
I have several words of wisdom, so replay my music to hear them all.
He say, she say, niggaz know I'm the man
Although there are rumors being spread, everyone knows that I am the man.
Leavin emcees depressed, tryna find a new plan
Other rappers feel bad about their own work after hearing my music.
And few can ever measure up to these standards
A small group can only achieve my level of success.
The name is Baldhead Slick and yo, this is "The Anthem"
My name is Baldhead Slick, and this song is called "The Anthem."
"It's the gifted, prolific one..."
People refer to me as someone with a natural talent and who produces a lot of creative works.
"Subtractin others rappers... who lack..."
I am superior to other rappers who are lacking in certain aspects.
"Known as... Baldhead Slick..."
Everyone knows me as Baldhead Slick.
"Carryin my thoughts... the illest soldier..."
I express my thoughts in a powerful and impactful way.
"Carryin my thoughts... the illest soldier..."
I express my thoughts in a powerful and impactful way.
"Known as... Baldhead Slick..."
Everyone knows me as Baldhead Slick.
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: DJ ROACH, KEITH ELAM, Dj Roadh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
G-TEE
@oGhullio Here's a decent list of Underground Classic artists:
Check each one out:
•Big Pun
•Gang Starr
•Big L
•Lord Finesse
•Kool G Rap
•Cuban Link
•Scientifik
•Ed O.G.
•Canibus
•Big Daddy Kane
•Showbiz & A.G.
•Percee P
•Necro
•Herb McGruff
•G-TEE The Royal Master
•Triple Seis
•Prospect
•Big Twan
•Big Shug
•Akinyele
•Spoonie Gee
•Jeru The Damaja
•O.C.
•Diamond D
•D.I.T.C.
•Mad Skillz
•Brand Nubian
•Das EFX
•Audio Two
•Heavy D
•Teflon
•Cormega
•Kreators
•Neek The Exotic
•ILLA GHEE
•Non Phixion
•Juice Crew
•KRS-One
•Masta Ace
•Mic Geronimo
•Chubb Rock
•Organized Konfusion
•AK Skills
•Sean Price
•Artifacts
•ILL Bill
•Mobb Deep
•Rakim
•Nas
•Smoothe Da Hustler
•Slick Rick
•Special Ed
•The Beatnuts
•A Tribe Called Quest
•Heltah Skeltah
•Stetsasonic
•Group Home
•Royal Flush
•Biz Markie
King Pak
It blows my mind how Guru is not in everyone’s top 10
UndergroundHipHop
He’s in mine
Alexander Salz
renders the playlist useless i didnt add it either nothing can compare xd
Alexander Salz
but you can loop it hahaha
Kostlivecx
One of the greatest BEATS ever. Of all time. In first place. Unique chords.
TheNicest
Crazy beat
Alexander Salz
i listened to it for a while its piano which is modulated(listen closely and u can hear the(eventually digital) touch in some parts) maybe start there if you wanna copy it :D
Kwabz Boateng
This is cold. I love this vibe. Guru is way too talented.
david shaw
Yo son it's sad when a legendary rapper like Guru who's split mad 🔥 still haven't hit a million views with the Anthem.
Jack Brick
No one delivers bars harder than guru did.. rip