Guru Gang Starr Rapper Dead at 43 Following One Year Battle Against Cancer

Gang Starr founder and member, Guru, 43, sadly died yesterday after a one year battle against cancer. The viral news spread during March 2 of Guru suffering a massive heart attack and experiencing an operation rumored to be successful. One day later Guru woke up from a coma said to be related to medication. On April 19 Guru was pronounced dead. However, a dark battle waged within Guru.

According to Hip Hop DX ^[1] doctors expecting a successful outcome following the operation. As released by Solar, Guru's producer and friend, Guru had been suffering through his own battle of a lifetime, behind closed doors. Guru suffered from terminal cancer.

Terminal cancer can strike a system and break it down. Guru went through chemotherapy and anything to assist in changing the outcome of his cancer. But nothing seemed to work. The measures taken surrounding his cancer, along with the cancer itself, took a toll on Guru's body. One may not notice from the outside but the massive heart attack Guru suffered proved the inevitable domino effect that many with cancer face.

Guru was, undoubtedly, struggling with the possibilities of dying according to a letter from Guru to Solar, as shared by DJ ^[2] Premier. The letter appeared to be a good bye note of some sort, prepared, well crafted with even an ex-DJ dislike of mention.

Guru, otherwise known by his real name Keith Elam, was an American rapper born in Boston. Guru is an acronym, or as others define it a backronym, for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. His works include Jazzmatazz Vol. 1-4, filmography, and featured on various tracks. The world of rap, and those outside of rap, have begun to express their sympathies - as they should.

There is something to say about the Elam family. It takes the will of one to climb a mountain alone, but it takes the courage of many to support the journey. Guru's death will prove to many unaware of how fast cancer can take a life.

My sister slipped into a coma and taken off the respirator following her operation. But the brain activity was weak, too weak to keep her body functioning. Ironic enough, her final request as shared by video at the hospital she hoped for more research surrounding her condition. The video was shot four days before she died.

And since the last twenty years has not put a dent in cancer cures, only cancer results, it's time to learn from another passing due to cancer. In the name of Guru, and humanity, more research surrounding cures needs to be met.

Visit Cancer.org to view the signs and symptoms of cancer. Catching cancer early is key to a more successful survival rate when treatments can assist.

Keith Elam, a.k.a. Guru, RIP (July 17, 1966 - April 19, 2010)

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Source(s):
^[1] Jake Paine, "Gang Starr's Guru Goes into Cardiac Arrest, in a Coma", HipHopDX.com (retrieved April 20, 2010)
^[2] "Guru Passed Away After Battle with Cancer", DJPremierBlog.com