The family of rapper Keith “Guru” Elam has announced the details of a celebration of the Gangstarr founder’s life to mark the one-year anniversary of his death. On April 21st, Revive Music Group will mark their 5th anniversary as well during a celebration dubbed the Revive Da Live Big Band Tribute G.U.R.U. and the Jazzmatazz Legacy. The big band tribute to the rapper will be directed by pianist Marc Cary and trumpeter Igmar Thomas, while a variety of special guests will hit the stage during the live, musical production for Guru. Guru’s nephew Justin Elam-Ruff will debut The X Label G.U.R.U. clothing line, which like the event, will benefit a trust fund set up for Guru’s son, K.C. Elam. The Revive Da Live Big Band Tribute to G.U.R.U. takes place April 21st, 2011 at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City. Guru passed away from complications of cancer on April 19th, 2010 at the age of 48.
Although he spent majority of his rap career in New York City and his tribute is there I think it is very important that fans know that Guru was from Boston, MA. Roxbury is where Guru grew up and began rapping. This is a fact that is constantly overlooked both by the industry and even the upcoming artists in Boston and Massachusetts fail to recognize. Guru's "monotone style" and deep lyrics mad e many pay attention to his rhymes and learn from the stories he told on different knowledgeable subjects like "Discipline" or "Take A Look At Yourself". Guru was not only a great rapper/MC but he was also a great artist who created a groundbreaking sound and new era fro Hip Hop with his "Jazzmatazz". He was a smart, educated man who used his talents to chase his dream of being heard by millions of people. Love and respect has to be shown by Hip Hop and his hometown for reaching his goals. Above are interviews I did with Big Shug, Guru's Gangstarr Foundation affiliate and Krumbsnatcha a couple days after he had passed away. RIP Guru and MA$$ will carry on your name and contributions to the game.
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