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
Transit Ride
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right now I'm gonna take you for a ride
Hold on tight, so you don't slip or slide
This train is packed, you don't get no seat, yup
You gotta stand on your tired feet
Where we goin' don't worry, you'll be there in a hurry
But you better watch you pockets cause the thieves work quickly
Don't wear too much gold and hide your diamond rings
And don't smile at anyone
'Cause people out here, they like to travel with handguns
You say you like this trip, well are you sure?
You better step lively, and watch the
Watch the closing doors
'Watch the closing doors!'
Here we go, as we ride, through the underground
Coming from Uptown, taking you downtown
Headed for Brooklyn, Brooklyn the planet
Somebody stinks in here, I hope you can stand it!
Homeless people everywhere holdin' cups for change
And if you don't have none, they may look at you strange
But this is all part of the scene
And yo check those kids 'cause they're startin' to scheme
See them lookin' at you up and down?
Oh yeah they can tell, that you're somebody from out of town
Think they won't harm you? Well they might
And that ain't right, but everyday is like a fight
'Watch the closing doors!'
Ah ah
I can't quit, I gotta do what I must
'Cause I can take you on a ride with the lyrics I bust
'Cause I'm a master, try to diss and I'll blast ya
Any wack MC that steps up, is gettin' plastered
Straight against the wall, 'cause I don't stall
I give em drama and trauma, til they all fall
And for those who don't know, about the city life
It's where we take no pity, and the kiddies are trife
Takin' the train is just part of it
The next stop is Brooklyn, you're comin' to the heart of it
You never know what will occur
So just keep to yourself and watch the closing doors
'Step lively' and uh
'Watch the closing doors!'
The song Transit Ride by Guru paints a vivid picture of riding on the New York City subway system. Guru takes the listener on a journey through the bustling and dangerous streets of New York City. He warns of the thieves who work quickly and advises people to hide their valuables. The homeless people begging for change on the subway and the children who may try to harm you. Guru advises listeners to keep to themselves and to be aware of their surroundings. The chorus “watch the closing doors” reinforces the sense of urgency in which passengers must navigate New York City.
The lyrics of this song show the harsh realities of life in the city, the dangers of everyday life that people in New York City face such as crime and poverty. The subway system is not just a transportation system, but also a reflection of the city's social problems. The song critiques the inequalities and challenges of living in one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
'Watch the closing doors!'
An urgent warning to hold on tight and be aware of your surroundings.
Right now I'm gonna take you for a ride
Let's have an experience together.
Hold on tight, so you don't slip or slide
Stay steady and focus on the journey ahead.
This train is packed, you don't get no seat, yup
The reality of public transit in New York is that it's crowded and uncomfortable.
You gotta stand on your tired feet
Be prepared to endure the ride and stand on your feet.
Where we goin' don't worry, you'll be there in a hurry
Don't worry about the destination, we'll get there quickly.
But you better watch your pockets cause the thieves work quickly
Be cautious of pickpockets, they act quickly and may take advantage of an unsuspecting passenger.
This is a New York transit thing
The crowded and unpredictable nature of transit in New York is a unique experience.
Don't wear too much gold and hide your diamond rings
Jewelry can attract unwanted attention, it is wise to keep it hidden when traveling on public transit.
And don't smile at anyone
Be wary of strangers and avoid conversations with people you don't know.
'Cause people out here, they like to travel with handguns
Unfortunately, carrying firearms is common in some parts of New York and can pose a danger to commuters.
You say you like this trip, well are you sure?
The realities of commuting in New York can be intense, are you ready for it?
You better step lively, and watch the
Be quick to move and always alert.
Here we go, as we ride, through the underground
Let's embark on this journey through the subway system.
Coming from Uptown, taking you downtown
The train takes you through different areas of the city.
Headed for Brooklyn, Brooklyn the planet
Our final stop is Brooklyn, which has its own unique culture and feel.
Somebody stinks in here, I hope you can stand it!
Unfortunately, unpleasant odors are common on public transit, and we must learn to endure them.
Homeless people everywhere holdin' cups for change
The city's homeless population is evident and can be seen asking for help.
And if you don't have none, they may look at you strange
If you can't contribute money to the homeless, they may give you a negative glance.
But this is all part of the scene
These experiences are all part of the city's culture and atmosphere.
And yo check those kids 'cause they're startin' to scheme
Be wary of children on public transit, as they may be up to no good.
See them lookin' at you up and down?
The children will watch you closely and may have intentions to harm or rob you.
Oh yeah they can tell, that you're somebody from out of town
As a tourist or outsider, you may be more vulnerable to the dangers of the city.
Think they won't harm you? Well they might
The threat of violence or harm is always present, even from seemingly innocent children.
And that ain't right, but everyday is like a fight
It's unfortunate that danger is a part of daily life in New York and one must constantly be on guard.
Ah ah
Lyric break
I can't quit, I gotta do what I must
As an artist, Guru must continue to create and express himself.
'Cause I can take you on a ride with the lyrics I bust
Through his music, Guru can transport the listener and provide a unique experience.
'Cause I'm a master, try to diss and I'll blast ya
Guru is confident in his abilities and won't hesitate to respond to criticism.
Any wack MC that steps up, is gettin' plastered
Guru won't tolerate subpar rappers and will call them out on their flaws.
Straight against the wall, 'cause I don't stall
Guru is quick to act and won't hesitate to confront his detractors.
I give em drama and trauma, til they all fall
Guru's music is powerful and can affect change in the listener.
And for those who don't know, about the city life
Some people are unaware of the realities of living in a city like New York.
It's where we take no pity, and the kiddies are trife
The harsh realities of life in the city can make people unsympathetic and children may resort to negative behaviors.
Takin' the train is just part of it
Riding the subway is one aspect of living in New York.
The next stop is Brooklyn, you're comin' to the heart of it
Our destination of Brooklyn is a significant part of New York and has its own unique character.
You never know what will occur
The unpredictability of the city can lead to unexpected occurrences.
So just keep to yourself and watch the closing doors
To avoid danger, it is best to stay alert and avoid engaging with strangers.
'Step lively' and uh
Be quick and alert
'Watch the closing doors!'
An urgent reminder to be watchful and stay safe in public transit.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Keith Elam
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind