gang starr – code of the streets (1994)

the boston born rapper guru passed away on april 19. he had been in a long battle with multiple myeloma and was just 43 years old.

best known for his work with dj premier as gang starr, but also for three outings (and heavyweight collaborations) of jazzmatazz, and solo work under ‘baldhead slick’ and other monikers.

i had the good fortune of meeting the man in bristol when he arrived, without fanfare, at a club night i was running one wednesday night around 6 years ago. he seemed a quiet and humble man.

he will be remembered as one of the true pioneers of hip-hop.   

rip guru (july 17, 1966 – april 19, 2010)