It all started with one man who was willing to crash on couches, eat sparingly & work menial jobs in New York to be where he had to be to make his dreams come true and put his city on one day. Even though the beginnings of Gang Starr and Gang Starr Foundation all started in Boston close to 30 years ago, their membership and extended family spread throughout the boroughs of New York and their influence is now worldwide. These things were all made possible through the drive and determination of one man named Keith Elam.
We all know Guru as the MC half of Gang Starr. We all remember the unique timbre of his voice. We all marveled at his conviction on the mic even when he was delivering in a laid back, relaxed manner. Guru was also an accomplished producer, an aspect of his amazing career that often gets overlooked. He had an eye for talent. He advocated for Lord Finesse to get signed to Wild Pitch after hearing his demo (which he took it upon himself to do at Stu Fine’s office).
Guru also discovered and signed Bahamadia in addition to producing several of her most notable songs. Together, Guru and DJ Premier crafted the sound that came to define Brooklyn and East New York. Who would’ve ever expected that a transplant from Boston and another one from Houston came to create, symbolize and fully embody the sound and aesthetic of one of the most storied and highly regarded boroughs in Hip-Hop history?
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