Guru, AKA Keith Elam, formed rap/jazz outfit Gang*Starr in the 80s, along with Grammy award winning DJ and producer Premier. The pair released six albums together, among them the much acclaimed Step in the Arena and Moment of Truth. Tracks like 'Jazz Thing' cemented their reputation as founders of the hip hop/jazz genre.

Following the pair's split in 2003, Guru went on to work with producer Solar, and released a series of Jazzmatazz albums, where the rapper collaborated with various jazz and hip hop artists like Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan and The Roots.

Premier, along with various hip hop artists including The Game and Q-Tip, have expressed their condolences at the rapper's passing.