Mixtape: Guru Forever (The Man & His Music) mixed by Psykhomantus

Here's my mixtape of Guru and his music from Gang Starr to Jazzmatazz to Boldhead Slick & The Click. My love goes out to him and his family. R.I.P Guru

Guru Forever: The Man & His Music by Psykhomantus

Guru's Tribute Night. 29th April @ Turkey Cafe

A Tribute Night To the Late Great Guru from Gang Starr

Special Tribute Set By DJ Psykhomantus (((ScratchLife)))

Playing all the classic Hip-Hop hits from Gang Starr, Gang Starr Foundation, Jazzmatazz and Bold Head Slick.

Thursday 29th April

8pm till 1am

@ The Turkey Cafe

24 Granby Street

Leicester

LE1 1DE

PUBLIC LETTER FROM FROM GURU'S SISTER PATRICIA

PUBLIC LETTER FROM FROM GURU'S SISTER PATRICIA
The Elam family wishes to thank the fans of our son/brother/father uncle/nephew/cousin Keith aka GURU for the outpouring of love, concern and support.
Our hearts are broken by the loss of someone we loved so much. GURU was devoted to his young son, who will most keenly feel his absence.

GURU suffered from multiple myeloma for over a year. Accrued complications from this illness led to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. As a result, GURU was in a coma from mid February until his death and never regained consciousness. Early on the morning of April 19th, he became hypertensive due to low blood pressure. He again went into cardiac arrest and slipped away from us.

GURU died far too young but he was, and we are, proud of all his many legendary musical contributions.

The family is not aware of any foundations established by GURU. We know and understand that countless fans want to express their condolences and love and, to that end, we are planning a memorial event in the near future that will be all-inclusive. Please look for further details from the family as they become available.

from The Elam Family

Thanx to the DJ Premier Blog

TONY TOUCH - TRIBUTE TO GURU

Part 1: Scarface talks about making “Betrayal”

Part 2: Owen Lamb, who was the voice on the beginning of JFK 2 LAX, talks about introducing Tony Touch to Guru, which then led to Tony DJ’ing for him.

Part 3: Greg Nice calls in to speak about how he came up with Guru in the 80’s.

Part 4: Tony takes calls from the fans and Owen addresses the Solar situation.

Part 5: Doo Wop, who was Guru’s DJ on his final tour, calls in to give his perspective.

Part 6: Bun B calls in to talk about how important Guru was for his career. He also discusses the time he met Guru, and how important that moment was to him.

Part 7: Fans call up and spit something in memory of Guru.

Thanx to The Diggers Union & Nah Right

A Tribute To Guru

20th April 2010 was a real sad day for Hip-Hop as the world was hit by the news of Guru from Gang Starr has passed away on 19th April. Anyone on Twitter saw how crazy it went as people was sending crazy love to Guru. This has to be one of the biggest thing in Hip-Hop as Guru might a lot to us in the Hip-Hop Culture. Alot of DJ's showed love to Guru by playing his music. Here are some mixtapes and do check Mr Cee's tribute show. One love from all of us as Guru will be missed. R.I.P. God!

MR CEE GURU TRIBUTE MIX.

BIG UP MR CEE FOR THIS...THIS CAME FROM THE HEART.

DOWNLOAD

DJ DOO WOP REMEMBERS GURU THE FATHER, LAST TOUR
For 15 years, Doo Wop worked alongside Guru as a tour deejay and collaborator. The mixtape legend appeared on Guru's Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures album, making a sequel to the Gang Starr classic "Step Into The Arena." In the wake of this morning's tragic announcement of Guru's death, HipHopDX approach Doo Wop to reflect on his friend and peer.

Doo Wop revealed that Guru was aware of his cancer as of last year, a diagnosis he kept private from the fans. "In mid-2009, Guru called me to discuss something about an upcoming Japan tour and to also tell me that he's gonna pass by my crib after a doctor's appontment he had scheduled due to some back pain he was having," remembered Doo Wop. "Next thing I know, he calls me and I could tell he was obviously in tears, then he says the doctor told him he has cancer."

The 95 Live maker continued, speaking on his relationship with the Boston-born emcee. "[Guru] wasn't just someone I recently met and worked with for a brief period. No, this was my friend of over 15 years, someone I toured over 33 countries with. Sometimes my phone would ring and my Caller ID said 'Guru cell,' I'll pick up and he'll say, 'Peace. Hold on,' then I'd hear him giving the phone to his son while saying, 'Here, it's uncle Doo Wop.'" The personal relationship extended to Guru's son, named K.C. "His son would tell me everything they did or were about to do that day. As busy as Guru was, he did what a great father is supposed to do and that was to make sure his son didn't grow up wondering why his dad doesn't make time for him."

While Guru's cancer diagnosis was kept private even in the wake of February's heart attack news, Doo Wop was able to reveal the Gang Starr emcee's reaction to the news. "The day he found out he had cancer, all he kept saying was how he gotta beat this because his little man needs him. I toured with Guru from 2005 [through] November, 2009. He wasn't feeling well on that last tour we did together, but pushed himself to stick it out."

Doo Wop also added that an incident prevented the longtime friends from speaking more recently. "During that tour, one of Guru's people's and I had an altercation that was long coming. That happened right in the middle of the tour, and the rest of the tour was so uncomfortable due to this issue." Doo Wop did not specify who he had the altercation with. "I told myself, 'This is my last tour, I'm done.' My mind was made up 100%. When we got back from that tour, we landed at JFK [Airport] and all rode back together." The bittersweet moment would prove to be significant to Doo Wop, especially today. "I was the first one to be dropped off. As I was exiting the car, I knew that the altercation which occurred would end up in me no longer being his tour deejay, but I had no idea that would be the last time I would ever see my friend."

Thanx to Hip Hop DX

DJ MATTHEW AFRICA - GANGSTARR
01. Intro
02. You Know My Steez
03. Just to Get a Rep
04. Mass Appeal
05. Step in the Arena
06. Now You're Mine
07. The Militia feat. Freddie Foxxx
08. B.Y.S.
09. Take It Personal
10. The ? Remainz
11. Full Clip
12. DWYCK feat. Nice & Smooth
13. Who's Gonna Take the Weight?
14. Jazz Thing
15. Soliloquy of Chaos
16. Check the Technique
17. Credit Is Due
18. Speak Ya Clout feat. Jeru the Damaja & Lil Dap
19. It'z a Setup feat. Hannibal
20. Words I Manifest (Remix)
21. 2 Deep
22. The Place Where We Dwell
23. Suckas Need Bodyguards
24. Flip the Script
25. What You Want This Time?
26. Love Sick
27. Ex Girl to Next Girl
28. The Planet
29. Make 'em Pay
30. Execution of a Chump
31. DJ Premier Is In Deep Concentration
32. Take Two & Pass
33. Gotta Get Over (Taking Loot)
34. Rite Where You Stand feat. Jadakiss
35. I'm the Man feat. Lil Dap & Jeru the Damaja
36. Code of the Streets
37. Tonz 'o' Gunz
38. Next Time

Download DJ Matthew Africa

GURU TRIBUTE
Check out these Guru related topics from my blog:
- DJ Mystery & DJ Focuz - Rakim vs Guru
- DJ Books - The Gangstarr Foundation
- DJ Wonder - Get Well Soon The Guru Respect Mix
- DJ 3rd Rail - Gangstarr Megamix Volume 1
- Pipomixes - Soliloquy Of Gangstarr
- DJ Supa Dave - The Best Of Gangstarr
- Gangstarr - Moment Of Truth
- Gangstarr - Rarities Volume Y
- Gangstarr - No More Mr. Nice Guy
- Gangstarr - Daily Operation
- DJ Enuff - The Gangstarr Collection

R.I.P Guru. Gang Starr/Jazzamatazz

GURU PASSED AWAY AFTER HARD BATTLE WITH CANCER, R.I.P

From www.djpremierblog.com

Guru has passed away yesterday morning (April 19) after a long battle with cancer.

According to Solar, Guru suffered from the malicious illness for over a year and after numerous special treatments under the supervision of medical specialists failed, the legendary MC succumbed to the disease. Guru always tried to keep this harrowing diagnosis in private but in early 2010 he had to admit himself to hospital due to serious effects caused by the disease.

Since the onset of illness, Guru tried to live a “normal” life as an influential and outstanding musician, loving father, family man, and best friend. Doctors encouraged Guru to think positive that the cancer can be arrested and that a full recovery is possible but several special treatments including hard hitting chemotherapies failed.

While in hospital with terminal cancer, Guru wrote a letter, which was provided by Solar, to his fans addressing his illness, his shining music career, his family and loved ones.

“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,” read the official Guru statement.

“My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody’s feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own.”

The statement reads on, “I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of GangStarr, I am very proud of what GangStarr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with GangStarr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life.”

Guru, born Keith Elam, rose to fame in the 80’s as the founder of the legendary rap group GangStarr. The group released the classic single Words I Manifest followed by their critically acclaimed debut album No More Mr. Nice Guy (1989) and the classic album Step In The Arena (1991). Guru was the first artist to truly blend Hip-Hop with Live Jazz beginning in 1993, and seeing the vast influences his Jazzmatazz concept has had on the industry, it is clear that Guru’s musical contributions have been way ahead of their time. Guru has worked with such great artists as Herbie Hancock, Isaac Hayes, Donald Byrd, Ramsey Lewis, Roy Ayers, Chaka Kahn, Branford Marsalis, David Sanborn, Bob James, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Common, Angie Stone, Jamiroquai, Macy Gray and Damien Marley, to name a few. Despite the fact that Guru isn’t hailing from New York, he is noted as a pioneer of the New York sound and true lyrical Hip-Hop. Guru later on joined forces with hit producer Solar and formed his label 7 Grand Records with the goal to keep “real” Hip-Hop alive.

Guru’s longtime partner, Solar, issues an official statement about the lost of the legendary MC which you can read below:

“The world has lost one of the best MCs and Hip-Hop icons of all time — my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru! Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it but tragically this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius. For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can’t tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself. Guru prepared this letter [read above] while he was in the hospital for the fans. I hope now that Guru has moved on to a better place! Guru is a great Black American Hero and should always be remembered as such and he is much more that just a Hip-Hop icon — he has changed the world for the better. I salute my fallen brother Guru! He will be missed tremendously!” Solar stated.

We will sorely miss Guru, both from a personal and from a professional standpoint. Our warmest condolences to Guru’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines

On Twitter i posted 20 of my favorite turtablism routines by other turntablist. So many crazy and amazing routines have been made by the likes of The Beat Junkies, Craze, Clever, Pogo, Cut Master Swift, Bizness, Madcut and many others. The list goe's on and the artform is endless as new routines by others are still made today from using real records to Secrato or tracker, it's what we do with it and what we get out of it, it's entertainment and keeping the music alive.

Here is my Favorite Top 20's:

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 20 a jam master jay tribute

{Great tribute set by DJ Premier, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Carpri and DJ Jazzy Jeff}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 19 INVISIBLE SCRATCH PICKLES

{This was a team battle set aimed at the X-Ecutioners. Even so, it was a great team routine by DJ Q-Bert, Mix Master Mike and Short Kut}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 18 DJ BOOGIE BLIND

{DJ Boogie Blind is a true hardcore battle DJ, He plays to win just like the rest of the X-Ecutioners. I love his style and that set here, you can tell he's already won.}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 17 Rob Swift

{Another member from The X-Ecutioners. Rob Swift to me in turntablism is like Bob James to Jazz. He just makes good and clever routines}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 15 Prime Cuts

{I never really check for Prime Cuts of the Scratch Perverts but this brother can cut up a record and leave a dude all missed up. Very skillfull and sharp.}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 14 X-ecutioners ( X-Men)

{A great showcase at the DMC in 1999 by the X-Ecutioners when they were on form. Great team work, great choice of music, all entertainment}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 13 DJ A-Trak

{A kid at that age doing a routine like that, now tell me thats not entertaining}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 12 DJ Noize

{DJ Noize came in nasty in the mid 90's, he really mastered his records and ready to kill at will. DJ Noize made me wanna kick some ass when i started battling}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 11 DJ Dummy

{Now DJ Dummy should of won this battle as he named called everybody in this battle. It was entertaining, well planned out and everybody loved it. Most talked about set ever}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 10 DJ Scratch

{DJ Scratch Of EPMD has always been of my favorite DJ. He's what a Hip-Hop DJ should be for a rap group}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 9 DJ Babu

{From the Beat Junkies, DJ Babu is funky, He's got that mellow flow in his set}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 8 DJ Mr Thing

{Mr Thing is one of the dopest turntablist ever, kills it every time and got mad styles. Best out of the Scratch Perverts and is the uk version to what DJ Premier doe's on records

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 7 Mista Sinista

{Mista Sinista from the X-Ecutioners kills it every time. Action specks louder than words and is my all time favorite from the X-Men crew}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 6 Total Eclipse

{Total Eclipse routines is 100% funky and makes turntablism look fun to do}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 5 DJ PRECISION

{This brother is dangerous on two turntables. I Just love the swiftness and the way he doubles up his cuts while he juggles.}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 4 Dj Q bert

{One of the greatest turntablist to bless a turntable. Just check how Q-Bert takes drumming to another level}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 3 Dj Cash Money

{King of turntables. Cash Money and DJ Jazzy Jeff are the reason why i do this hobby as a full time job and here is DJ Cash Money set which was amazing at the time}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 2 Grand Master Roc Raida (R.I.P.)

{Man, it hit me hard when Rob Swift told me that he was in hospital at the DMC's but hit me harder the next week from that that he passed away. Roc Raida was not to be fucked with on the turntables. All his routines was flawless. Roc Raida to turntablism is Bruce Lee to Kung Fu}

Top 20 Favorite Turntablism Routines: 1 DJ STEVE DEE

{The greatest routine ever as he gave birth to beat jugglingaka The Funk, Without this man, beat juggling would not be here. Respect the creator.}

What's Next?

As April is coming to end, well! It's mid April but i am counting the days untill it hit's the 30th as that is my Birthday, it's time to get next. Early this month I supported Birmingham's Hip-Hop DJ Miss C Brown, as she held an event called "One's & Two's". It was on 8th April (held at The Bull's Head) and this event was an Open Deck night for Hip-Hop DJ's. Hosted by one of Birmingham's finest DJ's Justice while Miss C Brown control's the decks the event was on. The open deck was fully booked as soon as everybody stepped in, more DJ's wanted to get on but the later they came you missed out by trying to get on. While Miss C Brown was warming up the decks and Justice was keeping everybody warmed up, the DJ's that signed up was on stand by. First up on the Open Deck list was Dizzy & Sawhago who dropped a nice little early 90's set, then DJ Adapt who is known to be a House DJ but dropped some of the hardest set that night with some heavy, dirty bass, hardcore Hip-Hop. After DJ Adapt i stepped in by giving everybody an update of what's new and still hard hitting, i ended my set by doing my "Step Into A World" and "Simon Say's turntablism showcase. Mr Winters finished the open deck night as Mega Stress who was suppose to be last stepped out. Classic rap tracks was played all night and the DJ's that didn't get are asking when is the next session. You'll have to find that out by asking Miss C Brown, check www.misscbrown.co.uk Also check www.youtube.com/user/ibrahimkareem who filmed the MC's that was freestyling their ass off after the One's & Two's session.

The CDR boy's Tony and Gavin from Burntprogress have been busy with their CDR nights in London and took part of the Red Bull Music Academy which was in February and march. The CDR Eastmidlands DJ's are planning there next sessions for Leiceaster, Nottingham and Derby. You can find all info's at www.burntprogress.com In the meantime you can check out the CDR Archive Seletion London mixed by yours truly. http://rapidshare.com/files/376215160/CDR_ARCHIVE_SELETCION_LONDON.mp3

CDR People- Soundspecies feat Foreign Beggers

Boiling & Shouting- Phill Craig

Green In The Colour Hope- Mr. Beatnick

Open My Heart-

A Free Soul- Simon S

Malarky- The Earlyman feat Killap

Brought to Live- Deborah Jordan

Fwoommp- Analog Jones

Golden Days- Randolph

Deeper- Novasoul

Radio Us- Rich Bik

Soul Glo- Fatima

Peace to my man Sl from HWD for doing that crazy interview about Legacy. Looking fwd to seeing that video. Peace to Vish, War (photo), my sister Nat Nat (photo), Owk and the filming crew. Also a big shout out to Rob Muirhead, Malik (MD7), Juice, and Tyrone Hyman. On that note, it's battle season as the DMC's is ready for battle, so as i have my head down working on new routines do check me on www.twitter.com/psykhomantus for updates on show's, downloads and crazy stuff. Peace!

Jonzi D's THE SURGERY - freestyle hip hop theatre

Another wicked night of freestyle Hip Hop theatre curated and hosted by Jonzi D. Featuring a very talent cast of artists including South African emcees, Hymphatic Thabs, Krook'd da Warmonga and gin i grindith, The Albany, in South London on 6 March was packed out. The audience got to watch and comment on a whole load of different pieces. Want to know more, look up www.jonzi-d.co.uk

Re: Load Sexy Thing feat HWD produced by Psykhomantus