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 Traveler
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somethin' to motivate you
The more travelin' I do
The more wise I become
I'm the traveler I go place to place
They see my face then I'm gone
I'm the traveler I go place to place
They see my face then I'm gone
Makin' power moves devourin' the grooves
Goin' city to city with the illest force (aiyyo)
Spannin' the glove like Wild World of Sports
I go to Japan, with plans to slam (aight)
I go to Spain and England, with knowledge to bring them
(crazy knowledge) I go to Holland, and then to Germany
You better learn to see I'll be here for eternity (a long time)
I go to Switzerland and travel to Sweden
And give the real heads jewels that they needin' (droppin' jewels)
I go to Italy and also to France
With the chance to enhance the dance (c'mon)
I tore up mad spots doin' shows all over
I wreck the stage, with East coast flavor (East coast)
But I go out West too, and build with my peoples (true)
Some can't conceive how I do what I do
I'm the traveler, I go place to place
They see my face, then I'm gone
I'm the traveler, I go place to place
They see my face, then I'm gone
I'm the traveler, I go place to place
They see my face, then I'm gone
I'm the traveler, I go place to place
They see my face, then I'm gone
Around the world and back yo, the steelo is fat yo (huge)
From blocks to continents, with mad impact (SMASH)
I got it like that, ringin' bells in the street
Midwest to Down South, I turn it out, kapeesh? (you understand?)
Wherever I go, they give it up (uh-huh)
They want to see me on the stage when I rip it up (rip it up)
Uptown, downtown, Crooklyn, Queens, Strong Island
Bronx, Shaolin, New Jersey, the brothers know I'm worthy (right)
Got to get the dough, got to run the show
My mental pops the topics when it's time to flow (word)
With expertise, I release more techniques than twelve hundred
Style's more than a hundred (mad styles) yes I run it
More game than a little, MC's dribble from the mouth when I hit
(uh-huh) The fuse is lit, makin your whole crew split
No myth (word), yeah
I'm whippin evil everywhere, ratification severely severe
(aight) So clearly you hear
Original aspects unlimited, significant thoughts
That make me different than (different than)
Most men who play the edge too close
And while they fall, I fill halls coast to coast (everywhere)
The dressing rooms I roam in is the scent of blessings (boom)
Soon as we rockets to the next spot to wreck em
I put the pure in the store, I got the cure (c'mon)
Like a doc-tor, switchin' from planes, to helicopters
MC's with your fake scowls, you smell foul, so I drop ya
(you stink) And then I walked away with your propers (allathat)
Of course I had stop ya
See now you lost your spot ta...the traveler
Makin' it right
In "The Traveler," Guru takes on the persona of a world traveler who gains wisdom and knowledge through his experiences. He describes himself as constantly on the move, traveling from city to city, country to country, and even continent to continent. He notes the importance of constantly evolving, making "power moves," and "devouring the grooves." Throughout his travels, he shares his knowledge and drops jewels for those who are eager to learn.
The lyrics of "The Traveler" paint a picture of a multifaceted artist who is comfortable and confident in any environment. Guru raps about his ability to rock shows in various locations, drawing upon the unique sounds and styles of each region. He boasts about his technical abilities and originality, stating that he has more styles and techniques than most MCs.
Line by Line Meaning
Somethin' to motivate to
Looking for inspiration to keep going
Somethin' to motivate you
Encouraging others to stay motivated too
The more travelin' I do
Travel has taught me a lot
The more wise I become
I have become more knowledgeable as I travel
I'm the traveler I go place to place
I am constantly moving from one place to another
They see my face then I'm gone
I don't stay in one place for long
Yes the traveler always on the move (keep it movin' baby)
I am always in motion
Makin' power moves devourin' the grooves
I am taking control and making an impact in my field
Goin' city to city with the illest force (aiyyo)
Travelling from place to place with great strength and skill
Spannin' the glove like Wild World of Sports
I am travelling all over the world like a sports show
I go to Japan, with plans to slam (aight)
I travelled to Japan with the intention to showcase my skills
I go to Spain and England, with knowledge to bring them (crazy knowledge)
I went to Spain and England to share my expertise and wisdom
I go to Holland, and then to Germany
I travelled to Holland and Germany
You better learn to see I'll be here for eternity (a long time)
I will be around for a very long time
I go to Switzerland and travel to Sweden
I travelled to Switzerland and Sweden
And give the real heads jewels that they needin' (droppin' jewels)
I share valuable information with those who are interested
I go to Italy and also to France
I travelled to Italy and France
With the chance to enhance the dance (c'mon)
To improve the music and dancing culture
I tore up mad spots doin' shows all over
I have performed in many different places
I wreck the stage, with East coast flavor (East coast)
I bring a taste of the East Coast to every performance
But I go out West too, and build with my peoples (true)
I also connect with people on the West Coast
Some can't conceive how I do what I do
Some people can't understand how I am so successful
Around the world and back yo, the steelo is fat yo (huge)
I have travelled far and wide, and my style is impressive
From blocks to continents, with mad impact (SMASH)
My influence is felt everywhere
I got it like that, ringin' bells in the street
I am well-known and popular among the people
Midwest to Down South, I turn it out, kapeesh? (you understand?)
I make an impact everywhere, and people understand and appreciate it
Wherever I go, they give it up (uh-huh)
Wherever I travel to, people are eager and excited to see me
They want to see me on the stage when I rip it up (rip it up)
People look forward to my performances
Uptown, downtown, Crooklyn, Queens, Strong Island
I have travelled all over New York City and the surrounding areas
Bronx, Shaolin, New Jersey, the brothers know I'm worthy (right)
People in these areas know that I am worth their attention
Got to get the dough, got to run the show
I need to make money and be in charge of my career
My mental pops the topics when it's time to flow (word)
I can come up with great ideas and topics easily
With expertise, I release more techniques than twelve hundred
I have a lot of expertise, and I am constantly coming up with new techniques
Style's more than a hundred (mad styles) yes I run it
I have many different styles and can easily adapt to different situations
More game than a little, MC's dribble from the mouth when I hit (uh-huh)
I have a lot of skill, and other MCs become speechless when I perform
The fuse is lit, makin your whole crew split
I have caused chaos and made other groups fall apart
No myth (word), yeah
This is all true
I'm whippin evil everywhere, ratification severely severe (aight)
I am defeating evil and spreading positivity everywhere
So clearly you hear
Everyone can hear and see what I am doing
Original aspects unlimited, significant thoughts
I have a lot of original ideas and significant thoughts
That make me different than (different than)
That make me stand out from everyone else
Most men who play the edge too close
Others take too many risks, but I am in control
And while they fall, I fill halls coast to coast (everywhere)
While others fail, I succeed everywhere
The dressing rooms I roam in is the scent of blessings (boom)
Wherever I go, I bring positivity and good vibes
Soon as we rockets to the next spot to wreck em
As soon as I move on to the next place, I am ready to give an awesome performance
I put the pure in the store, I got the cure (c'mon)
I bring something new and good to the table
Like a doc-tor, switchin' from planes, to helicopters
I am always making changes and adapting to new situations
MC's with your fake scowls, you smell foul, so I drop ya (you stink)
If you are trying to be fake, I will expose you and get rid of you
And then I walked away with your propers (allathat)
I take your respect and praise for myself
Of course I had stop ya
Of course I had to deal with you
See now you lost your spot ta...the traveler
You have lost your position to me - the traveler
Makin' it right
Doing everything to the best of my ability
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DONALD BYRD, KEITH ELAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind