Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Keith Elam Obituary
The world has lost "one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all time," according to a statement from Solar, Guru's producer. It was posted on the Web site of DJ Premier, who with Guru made up the rap duo Gang Starr. The site said Guru died Monday.
E-mails from The Associated Press to Solar and his assistant were not immediately returned.
The statement also features a letter Guru wrote before his death. In it, he thanks Solar for his friendship, speaks about his son KC and his nonprofit cancer organization, Each One Counts.
He also dismissed his relationship with Premier, saying, "I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name."
"I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of j oy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting," it read.
Guru, whose real name was Keith Elam, was born near Boston and later moved to New York. His first album as a member of Gang Starr, "No More Mr. Nice Guy," was released in 1989. They released more albums as a duo, including the gold-selling "Moment of Truth" in 1998.
The group's first hit was "Words I Manifest," which samples Miles Davis and Charlie Parker's "A Night In Tunisia." Other hits include "Dwyck," "Just to Get a Rep" and "Take It Personal."
Guru moved on as a solo artist in 1993, releasing "Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1," which featured a blend of jazz melodies and hip-hop sounds. He released four volumes of the "Jazzmatazz" series. He attended Morehouse College.
Guru worked with top musicians including Herbie Hancock, Isaac Hayes, Chaka Kahn, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Common, Jamiroquai, Macy Gray and Damian Marley.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
382 Entries
Jori
June 20, 2018
Rest in peace, my favourite rapper. Respect from Finland.
Godfrey Golding
August 25, 2017
RIH my brotha!
Drew Wade
October 24, 2014
Guru, your music inspired so many lives, including mine. Thank you!
How you can show support
February 25, 2014
I met this amazing hip hop brother in the lift at Sony music
in london. Guru to me was a happy person in general like to speak his mind, and genuinely interested in what other folks was doing with there life in music and would help pull you up if he saw you were seriously about it, He said yo I call you when I'm in town next. a Year or so past,but he called and had us open up one of his show i london shows. a true great Mc, and what a cool brother
justin walker
December 19, 2013
I will never forget you guru, i grew up listening to you, you made my 9th grade year in high school special and memorible wish you were here today
r adams
October 23, 2013
One of da best yet,will be truly miss.my fav Mc .god bless.
Juanita Zuniga
March 15, 2013
You are a musical prodigy and will be missed sorely rest in peace guru even though you died young and handsome you missed
Jenny Castro
March 15, 2013
To guru a great gifted mc you will always be loved for life
November 20, 2012
Mikki Farmer
April 25, 2012
Guru was a dope lyricist and true lovers of hip hop including myself will miss his mic skills. There will never be another man with his unique talents. RIP, GURU.
alex schaeffer
February 20, 2012
Guru, you will never be forgotten. you are a brother and a teacher, and you have taught me a alot. RIP
Ayman Saga
December 16, 2011
Blessingz 2 u GURU..gifted unlimited rhymes universal... U were truly a legend. My heart goes out to u and ur 4amily.
Peeece..ayman1
Daniela No Dapz & Stres's mom
June 16, 2011
RIP
TOMMY BARR
December 25, 2010
U will always be heard on my side we luv u GURU!!!!!!!!!!!!
J Jonczak
November 30, 2010
Guru, you bring joy to many lives. You have the ability to continue to touch many; long after your passing. A gift not many will have. God bless. You are missed, but only a listen away.
July 17, 2010
Happy Birthday Guru!
_ DJ RICHLOVE
M Brown
July 17, 2010
Happy Birtday Guru.....your legacy continues!
George Day
July 16, 2010
Thank you Keith (GURU). Bless you and your family. R.I.P.
E J
June 20, 2010
R.I.P. G.U.R.U
THX 4UR INSPIRATION, CONTRIBUTION 2 HIPHOP AND UR MUSIC. MUCH LUV 1
E.J. FROM HOLLAND
May 6, 2010
It has been absolutely tough to write this, but the Lord has a way of strengthen us to all things. Guru, I will forever hold you in my heart. I am totally at a lost for words, but I am sure that these will develope no matter how slowly to relate to this. I trust our Lord and I know that He does not make any mistakes. To your family, my heart aches for each of you, stay grounded in the Lord and allow Him to do the rest.
I love each of you, so just allow the Lord to calm each of you.
Betty Thomas
Jackson,MS
lisa I'Anson
May 5, 2010
Dearest K .. an absolute pleasure to have known you , hung out with you , laughed with you ,partied with you and learnt from you .. your music is a force that will long sustain many , your passing a loss ..too soon ..go in peace, shine on and know that you are loved always ..x
Ian Johnson
May 3, 2010
Thank you so so much. Your music truly changed my outlook on life. You will be remembered, and your beats will never stop.
L RICHARDS
May 1, 2010
RIP GURU...YOUR MUSIC WITH GANG STARR AND ON JAZZMATAZZ MEANT A WHOLE LOT TO ME.I USED TO GET UP EVERY MORNING AND WATCH THE POSITIVITY VIDEO B4 I WENT TO CLASS.IT GAVE ME REASSURANCE IN JUST BEING MYSELF AND MADE ME A BETTER PERSON. THANK YOU, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN... PEACE AND BLESSINGS FROM THE CHI
Denice Sealy
May 1, 2010
I was cool knowing you whilst you toured the UK etc. Sorry you had to leave, so soon!! I pray for healing and strenght in your family. RIP xx
April 29, 2010
you are now in Heaven with God you were Called Home
Tanya Applin
April 29, 2010
I am sorry for your loss may God keep you in his care. your family has my prayers. Tanya L. Applin
April 29, 2010
I had the good fortune of sitting next to Keith on a flight to Austin, where he was coming down to accept the keys to the city, as well as visit an elementary school. We talked the whole way down, about music, his family (just born son), living in Jersey, the state of rap and the world, gangs, violence. His responses were from the heart and obviously about things he had thought long and hard about.
The world is blessed by rare individuals like him. He lives on through his music and the ways he touched so many hearts.
From an old American Indian prayer -
We give back to the earth
what was given to us.
The earth does not lose in giving
as we do not lose anything by what is returned.
What was given was not taken away,
for what is of the earth is ours always
as we are part of the earth
Life is eternal as love is immortal.
Death is only a horizon
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
Thank you, Keith, for being.
Cathy
April 29, 2010
I had the good fortune of sitting next to Keith on a flight to Austin, where he was coming down to accept the keys to the city, as well as visit an elementary school. We talked the whole way down, about music, his family (just born son), living in Jersey, the state of rap and the world, gangs, violence. His responses were from the heart and obviously about things he had thought long and hard about.
The world is blessed by rare individuals like him. He lives on through his music and the ways he touched so many hearts.
From an old American Indian prayer -
We give back to the earth
what was given to us.
The earth does not lose in giving
as we do not lose anything by what is returned.
What was given was not taken away,
for what is of the earth is ours always
as we are part of the earth
Life is eternal as love is immortal.
Death is only a horizon
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
Thank you, Keith, for being.
April 29, 2010
You will truly be missed . Thank you for sharing the gift of poetry and rap music to the whole world. My prayers are with you and your family especially your son. God Bless. CYW New York.
April 29, 2010
Guru you will be truly miss thank you for the gift of music. My prayers are with your family especially your son. God Bless.
April 29, 2010
My heart goes out to his family
he will truly be missed his sound was orignal
and refreshing people that did not know rap were impressed by his sound he will always be remembered.I remember Keith from 9 Lansdowne days
April 29, 2010
My heart goes out to his family
he will truly be missed his sound was orignal
and refreshing people that did not know rap were impressed by his sound he will always be remembered.
George T.
Boston MA.
Karin Parker
April 28, 2010
Boston Fam - Thank You Guru For Sharing Your Amazing Talent and Art with Us & the Rest of the World.
Karin Parker
April 28, 2010
Boston Fam -Thank You For Sharing Your Amazing Talent with us & the Rest of The World!
Slimm
April 28, 2010
Peace to "GURU" and his fam. I have and will always admire this extremely talented young man. He is a true HIPHOP pioneer. His lyrics and intensity to succeed will always be remembered.
Waddell Penn
April 28, 2010
peace & blessing's to "GURU" and the FAMILY
Spoken Word
April 28, 2010
My husband and I still listen to Guru. We were very amazed by his talents and determination to keep creating good music for real Hip Hoppers such as myself. He is one of the few artists that motivated me to write at a young age. His memory will forever live on. Peace and many blessing to all of his family!!! Much love…Spoken Word
Kim Greene
April 27, 2010
Rest In Peace
Coa Coa
April 27, 2010
my prayers and more prayers go out to the family! may god bless and keep you strong during you time od sorrow
April 27, 2010
This goes out to the Elam family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I met Harry and Keith back in the 70's. We were working at the Holland Community School in Dorchester, MA. I was so proud of him when
I saw him on tv as "Guru". I thought he and Harry would become olympic swimmers. They loved the water. God Bless the Elam family!
Cherie Mason
Boston, Mass.
Deborah Hamilton-Brown
April 27, 2010
My heartfelt prayers are with the Elam family as well as to keith's son. He will be missed but will remain inside of all of his with his music. May god keep all of you in the palm of his hands.
ELDER JOE AND ELLA COLSON AND FAMILY
April 27, 2010
PRAYER ARE WITH YOU'LL!
Shirley Brown
April 27, 2010
A great man and a homeboy that will be truly missed. My praise goes out to the family!
Shirley Browm from the Matt"PAN", MA
A Sister in Christ
April 26, 2010
Peace my Brother, Rest my Brother,
Alexis Gates
April 26, 2010
May the family be comforted in their time of sorrow, and know that a hip-hop legend will never be forgotten RIP DJ Guru.
gloria searcy
April 26, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Meme
April 26, 2010
I'm am truly sorry to hear that mr.
Elam has paased. He was a talented
artist and touched many hearts. May
the comforting words bring you hope.
"He wil wipe out every tear from your
eyes and death will be no more, neither
mourning nor outcry be anymore."
Jesus promised that millions will live
again.
My sincerest condolences to the family.
DJPRIME 1
April 26, 2010
great pioneer in his time rip guru
April 26, 2010
My condolences go out to the family and friends of Keith "Guru" Elam. I thank GOD for allowing you to express yourself and touch the world thru your musical lyrics. I'm also thankful for having the chance to have met you and DJ Premier in the Washington, DC area some years ago. You and Premier were truly a "Class Act". You will be greatly missed by all, but your music will live on forever. Thank you for the memories and may you have a peaceful journey.
Tracie
D Fort
April 26, 2010
GURU was much loved, admired and respected. A true rap pioneer. I will miss him. Much respect. R.I.P. My prayers are with the family.
Bryan Porter
April 26, 2010
"Thanks for the music..Check the technique!!"
O Quijano
April 26, 2010
I'm glad you are no longer feeling pain but I am saddened by your departure. Thank you for all you have given to us. God be with GURU's family and friends during this difficult time. G.U.R.U. ... R.I.P.
T. Williams
April 26, 2010
One of the most influential and intellectual rap icons of our time will truly be missed. R.I.P.
DEREK SOOLEY
April 26, 2010
REST IN PEACE AND I WILL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE AFTER
DJ. SMOOTH
shy
April 26, 2010
you will be missed R.I.P. May God be with the family.
Nicole Thompson
April 26, 2010
I'm not familiar with his music but it seems as if the world will be a little dimmer without him around so I light this candle in memory.
April 26, 2010
Rest in paradise. Through your music, your memory lives on!!!!!
Antoinette Wallace
April 26, 2010
May God continue to comfort his family. My prayers are with you.
P Scott
April 26, 2010
Rest in peace. Your music is universal.
Gwen Moorer
April 26, 2010
I thank you for the joy and wisdom you shared with us; I'm so proud to have your cd's and have had a great time listening to them the last few days. Rest in peace.
david ford
April 26, 2010
thank you for giving me my start. r.i.p. david ford the super soul brothers cleveland ohio peace!
April 26, 2010
we miss you homie
Melba
April 25, 2010
I knew Keith before he became Guru. He attended Morehouse while I was at Spelman. He was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed.
KAY DICKERSON
April 25, 2010
R.I.P GURU LOVE YA
Teena Montford
April 25, 2010
P.I.P. Keith "Guru" Elam. You were a true pioneer.
m lamattina
April 25, 2010
R.I.P., Keith. Thank you for your generous gift of art.
Tiffany Lovely
April 25, 2010
RIP I know you are just loungin'
Nancy
April 25, 2010
May you rest in peace Keith. You are
with the angels now.
Jayme Randle
April 25, 2010
Guru...i absolutely loved the way your voice sounded over premiers' beats..you were an original unique MC...gang starr was my favorite...RIP guru may allah bless you forever and always...! Sincerely Jayme T. Randle Sr. Canton, Ohio....One Luv
shaine ingram
April 25, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
ANE B
April 25, 2010
RIP
Chiquila Pearson
April 25, 2010
Yesterday was the first day of forever,
and yet yesterday ended before yesterday came, and I wonder.....
Life and Death are they one in the same?
Creation is marvelous in that the Most High keeps memories alive in us all,
only to manifest at a time most appropriate yet undefined.
We must not forget
the eyes that tell the story of a love so strong
a love not lost
a transition to another and remembered forever!
THOM MILER
April 25, 2010
THOM JASON MILLER
Dean Richards
April 25, 2010
I am truly gutted!! One of the Greatest ever!! his flow/his voice, the intelligence !! everytime i here a "Guru" track i wake up - n fix up !!
RIP Keith "Guru" Elam
sheila cooper
April 25, 2010
My prayers goes out 2 his family
g allanson
April 25, 2010
Everything I wanted to say has been said. So all I will add is my heartfelt condolences' to Guru's family. I know I will miss him, but I can't imagine how much you all will. For what little it's worth, let me say that:
"the man Guru, Him burn BRIGHT.
him fam came correct to fetch him up right"
Michael Graham
April 24, 2010
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Elam family. Although I never met this young gifted brother from Boston (with Mass Appeal), every time I heard Guru's voice, I felt touched by his brillance. May your soul forever rest in peace.
Bret Rankin
April 24, 2010
Guru, Thank you for being who you were and not conforming to industry standards. Your music will always live on you were and will always be a legend!
Marvin Ellis
April 24, 2010
the rap industry has lost one of the most influential voices in the game and he will be missed let us celebrate his life with all that he has done in the game much love
BIG MARV
JVILLE,FLA
Cleaster Hood
April 24, 2010
I would like to thank the Elam Family for giving us this "Precious Pioneer". I really am in shock about the news of Keith "Guru" Elam passing away. He surely will be missed in the Music Industry. Thank You for the "Awesome Tracks" which made me like Rap Music more and more your still #1 Rapper to me.
The Turner Family
April 24, 2010
We would like to extend our condolences to the family of Keith "Guru" Elam. May "the God of tender mercies and of all comfort" ease the pain during this very difficult time.
Victor Philip
April 24, 2010
GURU, we surely will miss ur way of thinking. Every time I listen to ur songs I can't get over ur lyrical content (It's mostly the voice). I celebrate ur LIFE. c u latter ma man.
Pam Brooks
April 24, 2010
What amazing vision and creativity. I regret not knowing you, and only came late to your music -- what a gift you offered us. You will be missed, I am sure. Sending love to your family. Pam Brooks
Raj Diwan
April 24, 2010
My favorite rapper, will always miss you. I have grown up to your music and you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.
Shiranda
April 24, 2010
Please know that he will be missed. He was part of the soundtrack to my life as a teenager when rap was "good' and stood for something positive and uplifting to my generation. My deepest condolences go out to his family as well as his "extended family" in us all from another, as well as those in the hip-hop community for their loss. May GOD comfort us all. Shiranda, MI
Joanna Topshee
April 24, 2010
Your legacy will live on forever. My heart goes out to your family and friends. You were a remarkable human being and will be greatly missed. You were never a 'Lost Soul' and always brought positivity in whatever you did. One love.
Dennis Eason
April 24, 2010
My brother told me today of his passing and I was in shock. He was a Great person and lyricist. May God continue to bless all of the Elam family.
April 24, 2010
may god give the family the strenth to be strong he will be truelly missed a fan j perry henderson north carolina.
DJ Lisa Love
April 24, 2010
Rest in Peace Brother Guru. My sincere condolences go out to your family. I was very proud to do a Tribute Mix, playing your music on my radio show Thursday (4/22/10). Just dope music. You will be missed. Peace
Benzo
April 24, 2010
You will always be remembered Guru.
M K
April 24, 2010
pioneer
Gabrielle Modafferi
April 24, 2010
You were my neighbor and friend; I will miss you and the inspiration you gave to me. God bless your family and friends.
Gabrielle Modafferi
Nanuet NY
margaret Lopez
April 24, 2010
May God be with your family and may you find comfort from your memories. (2cor1:3,4)
Kip
April 24, 2010
No doubt one of the best to ever pick up a mircophone. A big loss to the world of hip hop but more importantly a huge loss for the Elam family.
May the God of all comfort be with you.
Karen Wright
April 24, 2010
Your loss is one of the saddest moments in Hip Hop. You will always be one of the Greatest Rest In Peace GURU... My prayers are with your family God Bless You!
Sheraee Ellis
April 24, 2010
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
Showing 1 - 100 of 382 results
Make a Donation
in Keith Elam's name
How to support Keith's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Keith Elam's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored