Guru

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Boston, United States (1961 – 2010)

Guru (July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010) was one half of the legendary hip hop duo Gang Starr and an accomplished solo artist. Guru, an acronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, originally began his hip hop career in Boston but due to lack of local support moved to New York where Gang Starr then blew up. Guru was well known for his smooth voice; socially conscious and hardcore lyrics; and an effortless, confident delivery.

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).

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Popular tags: hip-hop, jazz hop, jazz, rap, hip hop  See more

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• Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1
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• Jazzmatazz Volume II: The New Reality
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• Jazzmatazz Volume 1
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• Guru's Jazzmatazz, Vol.4 The Hip-Hop Jazz…
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1		Loungin'			328
2		Trust Me			277
3		Lifesaver			262
4		Le Bien, Le Mal			246
5		When You're Near			217
6		Transit Ride			189
7		Introduction			179
8		Respectful Dedications			162
9		Take A Look (At Yourself)			159
10		Slicker Than Most			153
11		Down the Backstreets			146
12		No Time To Play			137
13		Sights In The City			135
14		Plenty (feat. Erykah Badu)			128
15		Feel The Music			119

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