Rapper Keith Elam, who is better known by his stage name, Guru, died on April 19, 2010, after battling cancer. He was 43-years-old. Elam tried to keep his illness from the press for over a year, but in early March rumors surfaced that Guru had been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack, and the truth came out.
Aside from heading up the well known rap group, Gang Starr, Guru also enjoyed acting on the side, having appeared in a number of films, such as 3 A.M. and Train Ride, and television films and series like Kung Faux, NYPD Blue and made for TV movie The Substitute 2: School’s Out.
The name Guru is an acronym with double meaning, with one interpretation being “God is Universal, he is Ruler Universal” while the other is more directly related to his career as a rapper and song writer, “Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal.”
Guru’s business and music partner and best friend, Solar, told the press, “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 also shared with fans a letter Guru composed while in the hospital that he wished to have shared with his fans.
In the letter he said he wished for Solar and his family to take care of his son, KC, who was the light and joy of his life. There was also some claim from Guru’s surviving family that Solar had overtaken Guru in his final days, executing decisions for the rapper, and even denying Guru’s family visitation during his final days in the hospital. Solar has denied these allegations.
