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
When You
Guru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know I love it when you're near me, you're near me
I like the vibe I get from you babe
I get, from you
And it's your style that I like too babe
That I like, too
I like it when you're near
Come closer over here
Please, give me more, I need it I want it
You can see I'm all up on it
So can you come up for a second baby, second baby
You and me, can be so free
You inspire, to take me higher
I want you now, to show me how
To relax me, and light my fire
If I tell you that your touch is precious
Would you not forget this, would your heart protect us?
Endless, are my emotions for you, heh
I guess that's why I do the things I do, I do
Your look is definitely tempting
I want to, seduce
I know things I want to do to you babe
I want, to prove
I like it when you're near
Speak to me in my ear
Come closer over here
Lady where you goin', let me kick it to you
Cause lately I've been wantin' to get closer to you
And I think you get the message love, message love
You and me, can be so free
You inspire, to take me higher
I want you now, to show me how
To relax me, and light my fire
You and me, can be so free
You inspire, to take me higher
I want you now, to show me how
To relax me, and light my fire
You're brilliant, no I can't conceal it, I feel it
The signals that I get from you, tell me you're with it
And I'm gonna wine and dine and romance ya
Take the chance to let you know that I dig ya
I figure, that my time won't be wasted
The way I'm gonna kiss your lips, yo I can taste it
It's not about just hittin' the skins
It's your style, your vibe, seen?
I like it when you're near
Speak to me in my ear
Come closer over here
Wait wait wait
I want to talk to you a minute love
I'm sayin', I'm not lyin' about lovin' you
You and me, can be so free
You inspire, to take me higher
I want you now, to show me how
To relax me, and light my fire
You and me, can be so free
You inspire, to take me higher
I want you now, to show me how
To relax me, and light my fire
I like the vibe you're givin' me babe (I like the vibe when you're near me baby)
In "When You're Near," Guru expresses his infatuation with his lover and shares how her presence makes him feel alive. He goes on to explain how her style and vibe complement his own and that her touch is precious to him. He admits to wanting to seduce her and prove his feelings for her. Throughout the song, Guru emphasizes his desire to be close to her and explore all that she has to offer.
The song has a romantic feel to it but also highlights the importance of communication and consent in a relationship. Guru is constantly asking for permission and checking in with his partner to make sure they are both on the same page. The lyrics also suggest that there is more to their connection than just physical attraction, but also an emotional and intellectual connection.
Interestingly, the song was produced by DJ Premier, one half of Gang Starr, the iconic hip hop duo that Guru formed with DJ Premier in the late 1980s. "When You're Near" is from Guru's second solo album, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1, which was released in 1993. The album is known for pioneering the fusion of jazz and hip hop and features collaborations with jazz musicians such as Lonnie Liston Smith, Branford Marsalis, and Donald Byrd.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, yeah you're something else
You are exceptional and distinct.
You know I love it when you're near me, you're near me
I enjoy your presence, and it brings me happiness.
I get, from you
I receive and feel positive vibes from you.
And it's your style that I like too babe
I appreciate your way of doing things.
That I like, too
I am fond of the qualities I see in you.
I like it when you're near
I feel content when you are close to me.
Speak to me in my ear
Whisper sweet nothings to me.
Come closer over here
Move nearer to me.
Please, give me more, I need it I want it
I yearn for more of your attention and presence.
You can see I'm all up on it
I am totally engrossed in this moment with you.
So can you come up for a second baby, second baby
Please come closer to me.
You and me, can be so free
We can feel unrestrained and at ease together.
You inspire, to take me higher
You motivate me to be a better version of myself.
I want you now, to show me how
I desire your guidance and knowledge.
To relax me, and light my fire
I seek comfort and joy in your company.
If I tell you that your touch is precious
Your touch is so valuable to me.
Would you not forget this, would your heart protect us?
Do you promise to cherish our connection and safeguard it?
Endless, are my emotions for you, heh
I have an infinite amount of feelings for you.
I guess that's why I do the things I do, I do
That is why I behave the way I do around you.
Your look is definitely tempting
Your appearance is alluring.
I want to, seduce
I desire to entice you.
I know things I want to do to you babe
I have romantic ideas and fantasies involving you.
I want, to prove
I want to demonstrate my love and affection for you.
Lady where you goin', let me kick it to you
Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?
Cause lately I've been wantin' to get closer to you
I have been longing to be more intimate with you.
And I think you get the message love, message love
I believe you understand what I am trying to convey.
You're brilliant, no I can't conceal it, I feel it
You are intelligent, and I cannot hide my admiration for you.
The signals that I get from you, tell me you're with it
I sense that you are interested in me as well.
And I'm gonna wine and dine and romance ya
I plan on courting you and treating you to great meals and experiences.
Take the chance to let you know that I dig ya
I want to take the opportunity to express my love for you.
I figure, that my time won't be wasted
I believe that it will be worthwhile spending time with you.
The way I'm gonna kiss your lips, yo I can taste it
I am so eager to kiss your lips that I can almost imagine the sensation.
It's not about just hittin' the skins
This is not just about sex for me.
It's your style, your vibe, seen?
I am attracted to your personality and energy, you know what I mean?
Wait wait wait
Hold on a second.
I want to talk to you a minute love
I need to have a conversation with you, my love.
I'm sayin', I'm not lyin' about lovin' you
I want you to know that I am being honest when I say I love you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Keith Elam, N'dea R Davenport, N'dea Davenport
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Soulphilly Skates Krew
One of those songs to kick back and think about what's around you! Forever in my heart and many of the true hip-hop heads. R.I.P. GURU.
Osmar Garcia
brings memories from high school, jazzmatazz 1 & 2 are such nice albums. The first verse is so nice too!
E S
🙏 Guru ... Music still hits me as hard as it always has
CaesarCzech
Old way and new way of black music together in one song.jazz tinge with rythms completed by Rap. thank you Guru
Legendary DQ
This Is One Of My Favorites From Jazzmatazz Vol 2. Straight Guru Classic.
tommitheking
R.I.P Guru but the musik is alive ! This is true rap
bdis89
hip hop teaches you by the lyric damn son~
bdis89
Sure do lil man
Greg F
Thanks for posting but you forgot to mention Meshell NdegeOcello (on bass&vocals) Great track anyway,one of my JazzMatazz all time fave... R.I.P. Keith Elam (1966-2010)
cariocabassa
that's that joint!!! another great one from da Master...R.I.P