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
Watch What You Say
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some people need to watch what they say
Watch what you're saying
Someone's gonna hear exactly what you said
Soon you'll be paying
In the dead of night they'll be nowhere to run
While you were laying
No kind of praying
Is gonna save us from the past that will surely come
Warning, rappers be like boring
They're sleeping, it's deep man
So peep in closely when I'm speaking
Weaklings, it's obvious you can't like up to
Your petty pointless words, yet and still you love to
Run off your jibs, now there come a time for judgement
Punishment, what if we take away your ornaments
And strip you down to the raw deal
Then I'd reveal the evidence
Cause you don't really represent
Watch what you're saying
Someone's gonna hear exactly what you said
Soon you'll be paying
In the dead of night they'll be nowhere to run
While you were laying
Laying for the doom that's coming to a head
No kind of praying
Is gonna save us from the past that will surely come
Listen here
I'm getting tired of you shooting lip
You better tighten up
Or you will really slip up
And say something that you mean to do
Turn around and it'll be on you
To save yourself from your call and blunder
And bury your ??? like the world it's under
And like a fool you'll sit and wonder
What, who do you want to know, wish
No water, no magic spell
Can save you from your self made hell
You've made your bed and you know darn well
You got a lay it in the ?
And there's no magic potion
To save you from the wheels you've set in motion
The stone is cut, the die is cast
What were you thinking
Watch what you're saying
Someone's gonna hear exactly what you said
Soon you'll be paying
In the dead of night they'll be nowhere to run
While you were laying
Laying for the doom that's coming to a head
No kind of praying
Is gonna save us from the past that will surely come
I can't understand it, they should ban it, can it
Too much weak talk and not enough real hip-hop
I sense a purpose is filling me
To display credibility and show responsibility, willingly
I'll take on any Johnny Dangerous
Pull his file, for he knows he cannot hang with this
The illest king, I smack the jokers
No hocus pocus, a real MC when I kick vocals
Watch what you're saying
Someone's gonna hear exactly what you said
Soon you'll be paying
In the dead of night they'll be nowhere to run
While you were laying
Laying for the doom that's coming to a head
No kind of praying
Is gonna save us from the past that will surely come
The song "Watch What You Say" by Guru featuring Chaka Khan and Branford Marsalis serves as an admonition to people who speak recklessly and without consideration for the consequences of their words. The song encourages individuals to be mindful of what they say and how they say it because they never know who might be listening. The first verse warns that no amount of praying will save us from the repercussions of our words in the past that we have spoken. The second verse states that those who speak without caution will be punished, and there will come a time when they will have to answer for their irresponsible words. The third verse reiterates that speaking recklessly and irresponsibly is tantamount to a self-inflicted curse, and there is no magic potion or spell that can save us from the consequences of our words.
The song features a strong message, and it is communicative of the themes of responsibility and caution in speech. The lyrics speak to a broader audience, as the lines encourage introspection, the value of listening, and accountability in thought and speech. The song is an example of a powerful hip-hop track that is well-adapted to social change, communication, and cultural exchange.
Line by Line Meaning
Coming with the realness lyrics of life
I am bringing authentic and truthful lyrics about life
Some people need to watch what they say
Certain people should be more cautious with their words
Watch what you're saying
Be careful with what you speak
Someone's gonna hear exactly what you said
Someone will understand and remember your words
Soon you'll be paying
You will suffer consequences for your words
In the dead of night they'll be nowhere to run
When trouble comes, you will have nowhere to hide
While you were laying
While you were resting, negative events were approaching
Laying for the doom that's coming to a head
Unfortunate circumstances are approaching and you are not prepared
No kind of praying
Praying will not prevent the negative consequences
Is gonna save us from the past that will surely come
The inevitable consequences of our actions will come to pass
Warning, rappers be like boring
I am cautioning that many rappers are unoriginal
They're sleeping, it's deep man
They are unaware of the depth of the issue
So peep in closely when I'm speaking
Pay close attention to my words
Weaklings, it's obvious you can't like up to
It's clear that you cannot measure up to the standard
Your petty pointless words, yet and still you love to
Even though your words are insignificant, you still enjoy saying them
Run off your jibs, now there come a time for judgement
You talk a lot, but soon you will face the consequences
Punishment, what if we take away your ornaments
As punishment, what if we take away your luxuries
And strip you down to the raw deal
Expose your true character
Then I'd reveal the evidence
I will present the proof of your faults
Cause you don't really represent
Your behavior and words do not truly represent who you are
Listen here
Pay attention to what I am about to say
I'm getting tired of you shooting lip
I am becoming annoyed with your reckless talking
You better tighten up
You better start taking things seriously
Or you will really slip up
Or you will seriously make a mistake
And say something that you mean to do
And accidentally reveal your true intentions
Turn around and it'll be on you
You will be responsible for the consequences of your actions
To save yourself from your call and blunder
To prevent yourself from making a critical mistake
And bury your ??? like the world it's under
To hide your error and carry on as if nothing happened
And like a fool you'll sit and wonder
You will foolishly question how things went wrong
What, who do you want to know, wish
What questions do you have, what do you want to learn?
No water, no magic spell
There is no quick or easy solution
Can save you from your self made hell
You will have to suffer the consequences of your own actions
You've made your bed and you know darn well
You are responsible for your own situation
You got a lay it in the ?
You have to deal with the outcome
And there's no magic potion
There is no solution
To save you from the wheels you've set in motion
To save you from the consequences of your actions
The stone is cut, the die is cast
The outcome is set and cannot be changed
What were you thinking
What was going through your mind when you made that decision?
I can't understand it, they should ban it, can it
I cannot comprehend it and it should be prohibited
Too much weak talk and not enough real hip-hop
There is too much meaningless talk and not enough authentic hip-hop
I sense a purpose is filling me
I have a strong sense of purpose
To display credibility and show responsibility, willingly
To prove my trustworthiness and accountability
I'll take on any Johnny Dangerous
I am willing to confront any adversary
Pull his file, for he knows he cannot hang with this
Expose his faults, because he knows he cannot compete with me
The illest king, I smack the jokers
I am the best and I defeat my challengers
No hocus pocus, a real MC when I kick vocals
I am authentic and genuine when I perform
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Keith Elam, Chaka Khan, Brandford Marsalis, Christopher E. Martin, BRANFORD MARSALIS, CHRISTOPHER MARTIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@missmyasia
Chaka is a freaking beautiful, genius and goddess ! Her voice incites revolution! Guru was just masterful and brilliant! RIP🤎🙏🏾
@michaelbull4344
She always will be a soul queen and legend
@gavinhenry8671
I was thinking the same thing and I damn near feel out. I was full grown when this came out, how could I have missed that beauty?
@shannonpiccolo6424
Qg
@J2dADispora
Theirs a less is more vibe about GURU. He didnt bombard this track, he gave enough lyrics to be relevant, then just melts away and leaves Chaka Khan to lull you with her voice. Just when you're in that place, the sax perks you up. Genius, one of the best ever, r.i.p Gangstarr..
@ghostshipone
Gang
@nabio7
Great Observation! 🎯
@TheFakeyCakeMaker
Miss Guru's laid back drawl and his respect for music and how he fused his love of jazz with hip hop. Fantastic. All those kids will be in their late twenties and thirties now...
@sulsimsn0579
and early 40s....i was 16 when this dropped.
@javi_vercetti
Man much love to you guys much love to the Hip-Hop universe. I love Guru I love Premier. Chaka Khan is so beautiful yo and so is her voice. Watching this video relaxes my soul✌🏽