DESCRIPTION:
The Hip Hop Nation lost family on April 19th 2010. The Legacy of Keith "Guru" Elam lives on.....

Rest In Peace Kieth.....

(Gifted*Unlimited*Rhymes*Universal)


On February 28, 2010, Guru went into cardiac arrest and, following surgery, fell into a coma. He was "said" to have woken from the coma but died on April 19, 2010, after a long battle with multiple myeloma. He learned he had multiple myeloma last summer and was hospitalized for related respiratory problems in February, his brother, Harry Elam Jr., said. Soon afterward he slipped into a coma, from which he DID NOT recover, his brother said.

New York Times Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/arts/music/21guru.html?scp=1&sq=keith%20elam&st=cse

ALLEGED Letter:
Following the announcement of Guru's death, his long time producer Solar released a letter allegedly penned by Guru on his deathbed. In the letter Guru leaves instructions for Solar to manage his posthumous image, likeness, etc. on behalf of himself, and his son KC.
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. Solar and his family is my family, and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody's feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said, I am survived by the love of my life, my son KC, whom I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized, approved by Solar on behalf of myself and my son until he is of age to accept on his own. I do not wish my ex-DJ [DJ Premier] to have anything to do with my name likeness, events, tributes, etc. I had nothing to do with him in life for over seven years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well-informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ.

There is controversy over whether the letter was actually written by Guru, due to the fact it contains the same wording as statements written by Solar such as "best friend, partner and brother Solar".

Freddie Foxx who worked extensively with Gang Starr said this:
"It's an insult that websites would post a letter from a man who has been in a coma since Feb. R U serious? Do ur homework, journalist! Please," he wrote in part. "Guru& DJ Premier made real hip-hop 2gether. No1 will ever be able to cloud that with fake letters and phony statements. Sites shld know better."
The Roots said this: Not trying to bring negativity into the situation. But I do NOT believe he wrote that letter. 1) he was in a coma. 2) HE WAS IN A COMA!"


Upon hearing the news, DJ Premier wrote: "Our warmest condolences to Guru's family and loved ones at this difficult time,".

Guru's nephew, Justin Nicholas-Elam Ruff posted two tearful YouTube videos, stating that Solar was not allowing any family to see him during his illness.

"Solar has completely cut us off. My family has no way of knowing what is going on with Guru's situation," he said in the second video.

Extended & Updated Info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_%28rapper%29