There’s no possible way you can be from the East Coast and was raised on Hip Hop in the 80′s and 90′s and don’t know the words of the legend known as Guru. You wore Timbs and hoodies and bopped your head to his Mass Appeal hundreds of times over. One half of one of the most iconic groups in Hip Hop along side DJ Premier known as Gangstarr, Guru born Keith Elam died last night to his lengthy battle with cancer. He was 43 years old. The group released six highly regarded albums in their tenure until 2003 when they broke up. After his successful run with Premier, Guru founded 7 Grand Records with producer Solar.

Solar, Guru’s partner, expressed sadness over the loss. “The world has lost one of the best MCs and Hip-Hop icons of all-time — my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru,” Solar said in a statement. “Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle.” Solar also said that Guru wrote a final letter to fans and sent it out through a press agency. “I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options.”