Gangstarr rapper Guru in a coma, DJ Premier confirms

Reports yesterday offered shocking news that rapper Guru of Gangstarr is in a coma.  The 43-year-old rap star who made his name during the 80's and 90's suffered a heart attack on Sunday, and will undergo surgery later today in a New York hospital.  Guru's Gang Starr partner, DJ Premier, reported during a phone call to Hip Hop Nation that "Guru is in a coma and will go under surgery tomorrow afternoon".

Guru, real name Keith Elam, is a backronym for "Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal". The group Gang Starr originally formed together in 1985 in Boston, after an original version of the group disbanded and Guru heard a tape DJ Premier had made.  Their first single "Words I Manifest" and the album "No More Mr. Nice Guy" arrived in 1989.  They've released a total of eight albums including a double album greatest hits style recording.  Some of Gang Starr's hit records include "DWYCK", "Take it Personal", "Just to get a Rep" and "Mass Appeal".  The group hadn't released any new material since their 2003 album called "The Ownerz", but their were recent hints of a new album mentioned by Guru on Twitter. 

Guru has also released several solo works including the Jazzmatazz albums which combine rap and jazz together.  He recorded four such albums and did numerous tours.  His best solo work to date has been Jazzmatazz Volume 3: Streetsoul which climbed as high as the #32 spot on the Billboard 200, and #8 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart.  DJ Premier continues to provide background beats and production for other rappers.  With the news that Guru of Gangstarr's in a coma, a number of live Jazzmatazz performances have now been put on hold.