GURU Week Part 2: Deep Concentration

So, it’s the first anniversary of Guru’s untimely passing today. We’re not planning on doing anything for the 2nd, 3rd anniversary or beyond but we thought this week we’d mark it out of respect, so that one of the greatest rappers from one of the greatest rap groups ever is not forgotten. Guru’s distinctive voice and a career that spanned three decades forms a large chunk of hip-hop history. Whether you first became aware of Guru through his Jazzmatazz albums or you were there from day one, it matters not, Keith Elam had skills.

It wasn’t until 1989 when Guru had already released three singles with seminal label Wild Pitch that DJ Premier came into the fold.  On ‘Movin’ On’, Guru was still working with Damo D-Ski who rapped alongside Guru on the 45 King-produced single. One year later, by the time ‘Words I Manifest’ dropped, all previous members of Gang Starr were seemingly out of the picture and Premier was officially one half of the group. It was this partnership that we all came to revere whether it was ‘No More Mr Nice Guy’, ‘Step In The Arena’, ‘Daily Operation’ or ‘Hard To Earn’ when you first got hooked.

So, today of all days, in light of all the revelations that came out just over a year ago, we celebrate the genesis of a partnership that was integral to the mass appeal of Gifted Unlimited.

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Movin’ On

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Manifest Remix

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Positivity Remix

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DJ Premier In Deep Concentration

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