One of the greatest lyricists of all time, GURU (Gifted, Unlimited, Rhymes Universal), passed yesterday at the age of 43. He had been battling with cancer for over a year and had been in a coma since February.

GURU was the voice and one half of the legendary hip hop outfit Gang Starr, which is almost unanimously acclaimed as one of the best hip hop groups of all time. They never reached the commercial success that others had, but in a way, that seemed to add to the true nature and allure of their music.

GURU's lyrics preached righteousness and truth to one's self. He was a man of the people who touched upon real experiences in a voice that proved to be street-tough yet poetic. GURU was a teacher. A professor of day-to-day struggles, whose charismatic rhymes brought peace during rough times.

It's wonderful to see all the love directed at GURU via Twitter and other internet sources today. Proof this man touched many peoples' lives in one way or another. Unfortunately, rumors are spreading quickly about the validity of GURU's final letter to his family, friends, and fans. Speculation has it that Solar, GURU's latest producer and self-proclaimed best friend, actually wrote GURU's final words, which included harsh remarks towards DJ Premier (the other half of Gang Starr). There's plenty more to this story which will keep hip-hop conspirators raving for years to come, I'm sure, but I'd rather keep this post a positive one by remembering all the good things GURU did for us.

So although today is a sad day for music, specifically a struggling hip hop culture that continuously seems to be losing the plot more and more as time goes by, we celebrate your life and the music you left us GURU; may you rest in peace.

-pb