People News

Rap star Guru, 43, dies from cancer

Apr 20, 2010, 22:37 GMT

New York - Pioneering rapper DJ Guru has died from cancer at age 43, according to a statement Tuesday from his producer.

'The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all time,' according to a statement from the New York-based rap artist's producer.

The statement said that the rapper died Monday.

Though never a chart topper, Guru, whose real name is Keith Elam, was well known for his jazz-infused hip hop and intellectual lyrics, often delivered in a monotone. Before launching a solo career in 1993 he founded the rap duo Gang Starr.

He was hospitalized in February after suffering a cardiac arrest following a long battle with cancer. The statement from his producer, Solar, included a letter that the rapper addressed to his fans.

'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,' it read.