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
Talkin Loud and Frontin
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And then he slept on his job so he didn't see us coming
Had to fall back, he didn't want no problems
It wouldn't be a nice thing to get involved in
It's gifted, unlimited, rhymes universal
I get at you, I'm that dude, my style could you
Guru, the keeper of the gate, lead you to your faith
They said I couldn't do it, I succeed with ease
Others bleed over greed, I'm smoking trees overseas
Listen fucker, you don't want to tussle and muscle
You don't want to end up on the wrong side of my hustle
I can walk on any block in any continent
Make MC's step their game up and fuck up their confidence
A true definition of a season vet
I ain't expose you, 'cause I ain't have a reason yet
And If I seem upset or maybe even vexed
It's 'cause somebody owes me dough and yo, I need my check
Still I'm a daring, dash it, tearing their dome
Said you was a gangsta, found out you was wearing a thong
He was talkin' all 'loud and he knew that he was frontin'
And then he slept on his job so he didn't see us coming
Had to fall back, he didn't want no problems
It wouldn't be a nice thing to get involved in
He was talkin' all 'loud and he knew that he was frontin'
And then he slept on his job so he didn't see us coming
Had to fall back, he didn't want no problems
It wouldn't be a nice thing to get involved in
It's them loud-mouth cats that get you into trouble
Keep your nose clean, that way you could slowly bubble
I created a man and created supply
If I had a school, rappers couldn't wait to apply
I'm tremendously tight, when defending my right
I'll throw a combo and then I'm ending the fight
The G U R U with Soar on the track
Pop shit and run away and catch a hole in your back
The streets been mine and I ain't never left
I ain't never forfeit and I ain't never forget
The hallways, the alleyways, the cornerstone action
Straight gullyness, I generate pure attraction
New York talk without a pacid to walk
Better reach, motherfucker, that's your last resort
I'm a daring, dash it, tearing their dome
Said you was a gangsta, found out you was wearing a thong
He was talkin' all 'loud and he knew that he was frontin'
And then he slept on his job so he didn't see us coming
Had to fall back, he didn't want no problems
It wouldn't be a nice thing to get involved in
He was talkin' all 'loud and he knew that he was frontin'
And then he slept on his job so he didn't see us coming
Had to fall back, he didn't want no problems
It wouldn't be a nice thing to get involved in
The lyrics to Guru's song "Talkin Loud and Frontin" are confrontational and boastful, with Guru calling out someone who is "talkin' all 'loud" and "frontin'". He asserts his own skills and reputation, claiming to be a "season vet" who can "make MC's step their game up and fuck up their confidence". Guru also warns against the dangers of getting involved with the wrong people and boasts about his influence in the rap game. He ends the song with a reference to exposing someone's true character, implying that he knows more than he is saying.
Overall, the song is a classic example of Guru's confident and no-nonsense style. He is unafraid to call out those who he believes are not living up to their claims and asserts his own authority and reputation. The lyrics also touch on themes of loyalty and integrity, as Guru warns against getting involved with people who might lead to trouble.
Line by Line Meaning
He was talkin' all 'loud and he knew that he was frontin'
He was boasting and exaggerating, aware that it wasn't true.
And then he slept on his job so he didn't see us coming
He was careless and negligent, so he didn't notice our approach.
Had to fall back, he didn't want no problems
He retreated and avoided confrontation to prevent any issues.
It wouldn't be a nice thing to get involved in
Getting involved in a dispute or conflict wouldn't be a good or pleasant experience.
It's gifted, unlimited, rhymes universal
My lyrics are naturally talented, boundless, and understood by anyone.
I get at you, I'm that dude, my style could you
I'll address you, I'm that person, and my style might overpower you.
Guru, the keeper of the gate, lead you to your faith
As a guide, I'll steer you towards enlightenment and destiny.
Righteously I stand with my heat around my waist
With integrity, I'll defend myself carrying my weapon.
They said I couldn't do it, I succeed with ease
Despite doubts, I accomplished it effortlessly.
Others bleed over greed, I'm smoking trees overseas
Others struggle for money, but I relax and enjoy life in foreign lands.
Listen fucker, you don't want to tussle and muscle
Pay attention, you don't want a physical fight with me.
You don't want to end up on the wrong side of my hustle
You don't want to become my adversary when I'm making money.
I can walk on any block in any continent
I'm confident and respected anywhere I go.
Make MC's step their game up and fuck up their confidence
I challenge other rappers to improve and undermine their self-assurance.
A true definition of a season vet
I embody the qualities of an experienced and skilled veteran.
I ain't expose you, 'cause I ain't have a reason yet
I won't reveal your secrets unless I have a justification.
And If I seem upset or maybe even vexed
If I appear angry or agitated,
It's 'cause somebody owes me dough and yo, I need my check
It's due to someone not paying me money that I require.
Still I'm a daring, dash it, tearing their dome
I'm still audacious, relentless, and defeating my opponents.
Said you was a gangsta, found out you was wearing a thong
You claimed to be tough, but we discovered you're actually weak and feminine.
It's them loud-mouth cats that get you into trouble
Boisterous individuals are the ones who bring difficulties upon you.
Keep your nose clean, that way you could slowly bubble
Stay out of trouble, and you'll become successful over time.
I created a man and created supply
I made a successful artist while satisfying the demand for my work.
If I had a school, rappers couldn't wait to apply
If I ran an institution, rappers would be eager to enroll.
I'm tremendously tight, when defending my right
I'm highly skilled in protecting myself and what I deserve.
I'll throw a combo and then I'm ending the fight
I'll deliver a series of strikes and conclude the conflict.
The G U R U with Soar on the track
I, Guru, am collaborating with Soar.
Pop shit and run away and catch a hole in your back
If you talk smack and flee, someone might shoot you from behind.
The streets been mine and I ain't never left
I've always dominated the streets and never abandoned them.
I ain't never forfeit and I ain't never forget
I never gave up and never forgave my enemies.
The hallways, the alleyways, the cornerstone action
I'm involved in important events that occur in hallways, alleyways, and at corners.
Straight gullyness, I generate pure attraction
I emanate authenticity, and people are drawn to it.
New York talk without a pacid to walk
I speak with a New York accent, but I don't walk timidly.
Better reach, motherfucker, that's your last resort
You should try other options before resorting to violence.
Contributed by Bailey B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.