GURU

Rapper/composer Guru (real name Keith Elam) first rose to prominence as the "lyrical half" of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr, one of the first outfits that attempted to fuse jazz with rap.

After three albums by Gang Starr hit record store shelves (1989's No More Mr. Nice Guy, 1991's Step in the Arena, and 1992's Daily Operation), Guru launched his own solo career, issuing Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 in 1993. The album featured guest appearances by the likes of Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd, and N'Dea Davenport of the Brand New Heavies, and was followed up two years later by a sophomore solo outing, Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality, which again featured a variety of special guests (including Ramsey Lewis, Branford Marsalis, and members of Jamiroquai). Despite his solo career, Guru has remained true to Gang Starr all along, continuing to contribute to such further albums as 1994's Hard to Earn and 1998's Moment of Truth. Five years after his second solo outing appeared, Streetsoul was issued in 2000, which again featured a stellar cast of supporting characters: Herbie Hancock, Isaac Hayes, the Roots, Erykah Badu, and Macy Gray.

Wasting little time, Guru returned directly back to the recording studio, issuing a follow-up one year later, Baldhead Slick da Click. In addition to the aforementioned artists, Guru has collaborated with some of rap music's best-known producers, including fellow Gang Starr member DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Alchemist, Ayatollah, and DJ Spinna, as well as Ice-T, Naughty by Nature's Treach, Killah Priest, and Ed O.G.

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Guru Version 7.0: 'The Street Scriptures'

Introducing..... the new and improved Guru Version 7.0

Guru reinvented is nothing nice so don't let the boyish, good looks fools you. This upgrade comes with 10 times the wit and the physical attributes to smoke stages across the globe. High-energy performances are nothing new to Guru as he has performed around the world a thousand times over. Time and time again, he has proven that he is a man that is ahead of the times. From all three Jazzmatazz albums to his seven Gang Starr classics with DJ Premier, the proof is in the pudding.

Today, Guru the man has evolved into a centered, peaceful and focused being. Guru the artist has been completely reinvented. At this stage in his journey, he enjoys an elevated passion for his musical career that has spilled over into everything that he touches including his new album and the discovery of his business partner/producer, Solar. No surprise, as he also discovered the genius of DJ Premier, it's a beautiful thing. Always an advocate for artist control, Guru has embarked on a new indie project that gives Hip Hop a "good look". True to form, he presents his new work of art. Guru Version 7.0 The Street Scriptures, on his label 7 Grand Records to be distributed worldwide. Guru and his partner Solar profess that 7 Grand Records will be an important global entity in Hip Hop. His solo project, Guru Version 7.0 The Street Scriptures, is a timeless masterpiece that evokes an array of thought, emotions and feelings. It is a real Hip Hop album and is an effective display of his appreciation for the culture and the art form. The ride is one that you won't soon forget and is reminiscent of Guru's journey up to the moment. The timeless production, compliments of Super Producer Solar, displays his ability to create music and rhymes that are comparable to current times. Still present is his trademark voice and his fierce lyrical attacks as he rides tracks. As usual, Guru is joined by a host of industry friends as features on his new project. Included are B Real, Talib Kweli, Jaguar Wright, Jean Grae, Doo Wop and Styles P. As he takes stock these days there are no regrets and when asked there is nothing that he would do differently. When he looks at the cats that are coming up now he is impressed with their ability to handle business. And when asked for words of wisdom, Guru states, "be honest with yourself, be original, be open to criticism and be careful not to be surrounded by yes men".

As Guru, a man of the people, continues to make his mark on the world of music as the "ambassador of Hip Hop", he invites us all into his world of wisdom, inspiration and true appreciation for the art of Hip Hop.