GURU FROM GANGSTARR

I'm usually always on the run and my attention span is equivalent to a 5 year old, but I must take some time out to speak on my man Guru. He is currently fighting for his life after having a heart attack and just got out of surgery. I'm praying as well as the "real" hip-hop community for a speedy recovery.

Although a lot of cats front pretending to be down with Gangstarr since day one, claiming that they've been following the movement since Manifest..cmon son. But for me, the impact came once Step In The Arena hit stores. Days before downloading from the internet, you had to search out real shit. I remember hearing the song Step in The Arena and getting amped, the track was banging, Guru's lyrics were sick, but for me, the scratches that Premier hit every song with had me addicted. Ever since the days of hearing songs like UTFO's "Leader of the Pack" Run DMC's "Jam Master Jay" songs that had heavy scratches caught my interest. (I guess I should have been a djay) I religiously picked up every Gangstarr album since then, and felt connected to their music and movement.

Step in the Arena, Daily Operation, Hard To Earn, Group Home, Jeru all came out around this time period when hip-hop was at it's peak (in my opinion) Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito, Mayhem & Sunset NYC College radio was in effect, all those classic Big L radio rips you hear now on youtube, us New Yorkers were hearing him get busy LIVE, amazed at the direction the underground was going at that time. Hip-hop's code of ethics was enforced and corn ball rap wasn't tolerated as it is now. My mind state is still in that era, it impacted me soo much I refuse to be brainwashed with whats going on now, not like the rest of you. But for me, Gangstarr set the standard for that movement. They're music spoke volumes, without talking shit, Gangstarr's music put suckers (and the industry) in their place. I remember visiting Los Angeles right when Moment of Truth dropped, and Power 106 had Gangstarr on as a special guest. I remember the radio djays commented saying.."Gangstarr is in the building, and that the vibe in the studio was extremely serious." Just the appearance of Guru and Premier together on the scene gave off the vibe that its time for Real Shit, no bullshit.

In the background, Verbal Threat (Kool Sphere & M.C. Reppond) we were making our moves on the underground scene, but never wanted to be associated with anyone ever other than Gangstarr. For us, they were the perfect definition of what true hip-hop is. As years passed, things happened for a reason, and we were connected to Guru and Premier on several occasions..to eventually going on tour with Guru and of course recording the classic track "Reality Check" with Dj Premier.

So with all that being said, we're REALLY pulling for Guru's safe return back to perfect health, to his family, and finally back to music. He's a stand up dude, extremely talented, and us over here at Verbal Threat have him in our prayers on the daily. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, and remember, it's emcees like Guru that brought respect back to hip-hop..we'd love to see him back in action, and of course a Gangstarr re-union. Stay strong money grips!