Released yesterday, Montreal, Quebec emcee Bless made “April Showers” in honor of late Gang Starr emcee Guru, who died of cancer in April, 2010. Bless and Guru maintained a friendship and creative relationship during the Boston, Massachusetts-born emcee’s life. Guru appeared on Bless’ 2003 Platinumberg album, The Movement, on the song “Talking To Me.”

Speaking to HipHopDX, Bless explained his just-released dedication, “‘April Showers’ was written at a crossroads in my life. I was mourning the loss of my sister Davina, and in the midst of that, I had received the news of Guru going into a coma. The idea for the song was already in the back of my mind, but strangely, I was unable to come up with a third verse. Guru ended up passing away in April so I found it only fitting to call the song ‘April Showers,’ and dedicate the rest of the track to him. This song represents the changing of seasons, the cycle of life, and new beginnings.”

Bless continued, “I wrote April showers not only as a tribute for the two people who impacted my life so deeply, but also as a way for me to grieve and get all those emotions out. This is a song about where I have been, the people who helped shape me, and hope for tomorrow. I remember being at one of the lowest points in my life and thinking…I’m spinning out of control and need to organize my thoughts and gain some perspective which I did, the only way I knew how; through music. If I can share my story with others, who are going through hardships, and show them it is possible to not only continue living but thrive, than that’s a win for me.”

“April Showers” is available at digital retailers now.