Keith Edward Elam, best known as Guru from the hip hop duo Gang Starr, died on April 19 after a long battle with cancer. He was 43.
Guru wrote a letter for his fans while in the hospital, according to his collaborating partner Solar:
"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. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting,"said the statement released by Solar.
Guru suffered a heart attack in February 2010 and fell into a coma but recovered.
Gang Starr, which Guru founded in 1987 and later included DJ Premier, released six albums before Guru left to produce the "Jazzmatazz" series of albums.
R.I.P July 17, 1966 – April 19, 2010
