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
Too Dark See
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tuning you in like so not tracking you down
Niggaz tried to dome my shine
But now my shit is crazy bucked up
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
Too dark to see, what I need to be and you know
I can't use it any more
Fake friends tried to keep me down, life tried to beat me down
I bounced back nigga and nothing can defeat me now
The game had me twisted, angry and upset
About to take it all risk it, crash and burn like a jet
But I live for this, yes I was made for this
I sacrificed for this and there is nothing I would trade for this
So every ghetto I walk through, every person I talk to
Could feel me, bringing life like I ought to
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
Too dark to see, what I need to be and you know
I can't use it any more
We need the streets to peace
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
Too dark to see, what I need to be and you know
I can't use it any more
The fights, the mic, my life
See I'm a strong man, you try to play me I'm the wrong man
And when I spit, it's like smacking you with long hands
You can't bury me with jealousy
I got soul, watch me move the crowd, check my melody
Misery loves company, that's what they say
So all you lame ass niggaz, stay the fuck away
Mad rooms filled with snakes waiting to suck my energy
They explode at the dust, just another bad memory
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
Too dark to see, what I need to be and you know
I can't use it any more
We need the streets to peace
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
Too dark to see, what I need to be and you know
I can't use it any more
The fights, the mic, my life
I heard it all son, from threats to straight lies
Any problems, I'm rolling with vex to take life's
I ain't want it like that, but I be damn If I don't
Preserve and protect and what's a man if he won't
That's why right now I'm on the next page boy
You don't really want to take it to the next phase boy
My struggle prepared me, that's why you all leary
You thought you was Bruce Almighty like Jim Carrey
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
Too dark to see, what I need to be and you know
I can't use it any more
We need the streets to peace
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
Too dark to see, what I need to be and you know
I can't use it any more
The fights, the mic, my life
In "Too Dark See," Guru raps about his struggles and triumphs as an artist in the music industry. He begins by acknowledging that people have tried to bring him down, but he has persisted and overcome the obstacles in his way. The chorus repeats that it's getting too dark to see what he needs to be, perhaps referencing the difficulties he faces in navigating the music industry and staying true to his vision.
He goes on to discuss his authenticity as an artist, stating that he has always been made for this and sacrificed for his music. He also notes that he brings life to the ghetto and to the people he talks to. The line "We need the streets to peace" can be interpreted as a call for the hip hop community to come together and create a positive force for change.
Towards the end of the song, Guru addresses the negativity he has faced from others in the industry, calling out "lame ass niggaz" who want to bring him down. He asserts that he won't let jealousy bury him and highlights his ability to move the crowd with his music. The final lines of the song reflect on his resilience and determination to protect himself and his art.
Overall, "Too Dark See" is a song that speaks to the challenges and triumphs of an artist overcoming obstacles in their career. It acknowledges the difficulties that come with success in the music industry while highlighting the important role that hip hop culture can play in promoting positivity and change.
Line by Line Meaning
It's yo man Guru, building right now in the lab with the God Solar
Guru introduces himself and mentions that he is currently working in the studio with his collaborator, God Solar.
Tuning you in like so not tracking you down
Guru assures his listeners that he is providing guidance and inspiration, rather than monitoring or controlling them.
Niggaz tried to dome my shine
Guru acknowledges that some people have attempted to diminish his success and reputation.
But now my shit is crazy bucked up
Despite obstacles and challenges, Guru has persevered and achieved great success.
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
Guru feels that the future looks uncertain and unclear.
Too dark to see, what I need to be and you know
Guru is unsure of his own identity and purpose.
I can't use it any more
Guru is unable to rely on the same coping mechanisms or strategies that have worked for him in the past.
We need the streets to peace
Guru believes that social justice and equality are necessary for a peaceful society.
Fake friends tried to keep me down, life tried to beat me down
Guru has faced opposition and adversity from both personal relationships and general life circumstances.
I bounced back nigga and nothing can defeat me now
Guru has overcome his struggles and feels invincible.
The game had me twisted, angry and upset
Guru became frustrated and disillusioned with the music industry.
About to take it all risk it, crash and burn like a jet
Guru was considering taking drastic actions that could have resulted in failure or destruction.
But I live for this, yes I was made for this
Despite the challenges, Guru feels a strong calling and sense of purpose in his music career.
I sacrificed for this and there is nothing I would trade for this
Guru has invested significant time, energy, and resources into his music and has no regrets about those sacrifices.
So every ghetto I walk through, every person I talk to
Guru is committed to connecting with and empowering marginalized communities through his music.
Could feel me, bringing life like I ought to
Guru believes that his music has the power to inspire and uplift.
See I'm a strong man, you try to play me I'm the wrong man
Guru asserts his strength and warns others against trying to take advantage of him.
And when I spit, it's like smacking you with long hands
Guru's rap lyrics are impactful and forceful.
You can't bury me with jealousy
Guru recognizes that some people may resent his success, but their envy will not harm him.
I got soul, watch me move the crowd, check my melody
Guru believes that his music has a unique soulfulness and that he can captivate and energize audiences.
Misery loves company, that's what they say
Guru acknowledges that negative people often seek out others who share their negativity.
So all you lame ass niggaz, stay the fuck away
Guru wants to distance himself from anyone who contributes to negativity or toxicity.
Mad rooms filled with snakes waiting to suck my energy
Guru has encountered many insincere or harmful people in the music industry.
They explode at the dust, just another bad memory
Guru is confident that he will overcome any attempts to bring him down and that these negative experiences will not define him in the long run.
I heard it all son, from threats to straight lies
Guru has faced a lot of false accusations and negative rumors.
Any problems, I'm rolling with vex to take life's
Guru has a group of loyal friends or associates who will help him deal with any issues or difficulties.
I ain't want it like that, but I be damn If I don't
Guru doesn't want to resort to violence, but he is willing to defend himself if necessary.
Preserve and protect and what's a man if he won't
Guru believes that standing up for oneself is an essential part of being a man.
That's why right now I'm on the next page boy
Guru is constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges and experiences.
You don't really want to take it to the next phase boy
Guru warns others against escalating conflicts or challenges.
My struggle prepared me, that's why you all leary
Guru has faced many obstacles and challenges that have made him stronger and more resilient, and others may be intimidated by that strength.
You thought you was Bruce Almighty like Jim Carrey
Guru ridicules those who think they are invincible or all-powerful, comparing them to a comedic movie character.
Contributed by Alice P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@GSOUNDGREG
bonne prod de solar pour une fois
@davidrodriguezjr4820
nobody knows the real deal, once you think you know the whole you dont even know the half!