In a tribute mix for the recently-departed Guru, DJ Premier and rapper Big Shug were among those who spoke on the emcee.
DJ Premier described his visit to Guru in the hospital, who had been in a coma for some time. “When I saw Guru, it just really fucked me up. I wore a Gang Starr shirt, first of all, just for the energy, and jus so he knew that’s forever with us. Forever.”
Premier debunked any possibilty that Guru may have woken up, and opined that he wasn’t being well-taken care of. “From what I was hearing – him waking up, and writing and tweeting…there’s no way! There’s no way! We saw him – he looked so gone! And if you love him, and you’re care of him, why in the fuck did his nails look longer than a fucking ruler? [And he had a] clump afro. I’ve taken care of people in the hospital. You can wash their head, you can clean their nails up, clean their feet. His feet were swollen, and his toenails were really disgusting. So because of that, it really fucked me up.”
Preemo described his final gestures to Guru, as well. “I took the logo off my shirt, and rubbed it against his whole body…and I told him a message from me about how much I loved him, and we were for life, and we are still for life. And then I kissed him on the face to let him know that I was gonna miss him, because it seemed like he was already gone. All the tubes and respirators, I witnessed that.”
Big Shug, one of the original members of Gang Starr, also spoke about Guru and detailed the origins of the group’s name. “I wanted to be called ‘Gangsters’ because I was a really street dude back then, but Guru said…it might be a little scary because they were scared of Hip Hop [since it was] was still new. So I said ‘Okay, well…since I represent the gang…and you were kinda like a star because you were educated, a cleaner dude in that regard, we could be ‘Gang Starr.’ And he said, ‘That’s dope. We could be ‘Gang Starr.'”
Shug also explained the symbolism behind the Gang Starr symbol. “When you see the original star and the chain, that’s what it represented. The star is Guru shining – intelligent, educated – and the chain stood for me being like a gang representative.”
In his closing words, Big Shug offered some kind thoughts about his departed friend. “I’ll always respect and treasure Keith, Guru. When we started out…he didn’t rap. He was just an educated brother. I really taught him…until he really got it. And we always said…if one of us made it, we’d come back and get the other. So he stayed true to his word on that part. And because of that, I was able to see the world, and see things I never saw.”
Listen to the Keith “Guru” Elam Tribute Mix by DJ Premier here.
Im glad Primo was able to shed some light on this. No disrepect to Big Shug but you should take the whole “I taught Guru to rhyme sh*t to your grave.” Dont ever say that wack sh*t again fam. I saw you forget you verse for FALA 4 times in a row here in ATL at a Gangstarr show. LOL. BTW.Be a real “Gangster” and go kick Solar’s ass.Thank you in advance,
Sincerely,
G.R.E.A.T. SCOTT
it didn’t seem like he was saying he fathered guru’s style or some shit, more just that he mentored him and that guru stayed true to his promises.
it’s deeeep.
but PREMIER is correct about one being able to clean up a hospital patient, whilst they’re in a coma. in that respect, it seems that maybe SOLAR didn’t look after G.U.R.U., the way he should have!
LMAO!!! Well said G.R.E.A.T. SCOTT….well said…
Check out the song I dedicated to GURU RIP – My Ambition – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ewKMDeQF7E – Ryythm
Nobody wants to hear your wack ass opportunist music. Post that bullshit on your myspace page, faggot.
If he was in a coma & he woke up at one point then the hospital would have known… why dont they just ask doctors to see if solar is really lying or not..
I felt that shit Premier said though.. You can tell he really cared for him… If solar is lying(which i think he is), then he needs to be hung by his dick for lying on a dead man.. A very well respected man.
Let it go Solar its over for you, we all think that you are a fool, disrespecting guru’s legacy…Big up to premo
Guru rest in peace
Eat a DICK Solar:
http://solar-eat-a-dick.com/
R.I.P Guru!!
Can we not just get Freddie Foxxx to go and pay Solar a visit, I’m pretty sure he’d be able to find out the truth….
yo someone is def lying no doubt. didnt they say earlier that no one from gurus old crew was aloud to see him in the hospital if so then how did primo go see him by his bedside. yo solar is a lil slut for that. he specifically said that no one from the gangstarr crew was aloud near guru. yo freddie foxxx need to live up to his name and bump his knuckles up against solars face!!
Primo stuck up there.
r.i.p guru!!! his music will last forever,in my eyes he is immortal! bless
Make sure u have a man cut him a check, 2 match.
THERE NO WAY THAT GURU COULD OF WRITE A LETTER IF HE WAS IN A COMA. ITS FUCK UP THAT SOLAR DID THAT. R.I.P GURU
I knew something was fishy about that whole letter. I’ve been listening to gangstarr since i was young as hell, bumpin Don’t Take It Personal on my way to school> Anywho, i understand in 2003 that Guru was tired of the hip-hop public not showing their respect to true hip-hop artists, but come on!! 21 years later and the bond of Guru And Premier, hell the whole Gangstarr Foundation still means something. Nothing against Solar,but he can’t take Premier’s place. Where was he for No More Mr.Nice Guy. Where was he for Step in the Arena. Where was he for Hard to Earn. Where was he for my favorite GS album Moment of Truth!!! I could name em all cuz i got em all. I’m bumpin Credit is Due right now Cuz Credit was been Due to Guru and Premier. CoronaQueens I’m out!!!!
I knew something was fishy about that whole letter. I’ve been listening to gangstarr since i was young as hell, bumpin Don’t Take It Personal on my way to school> Anywho, i understand in 2003 that Guru was tired of the hip-hop public not showing their respect to true hip-hop artists, but come on!! 21 years later and the bond of Guru And Premier, hell the whole Gangstarr Foundation still means something. Nothing against Solar,but he can’t take Premier’s place. Where was he for No More Mr.Nice Guy. Where was he for Step in the Arena. Where was he for Hard to Earn. Where was he for my favorite GS album Moment of Truth!!! I could name em all cuz i got em all. I’m bumpin Credit is Due right now Cuz Credit was been Due to Guru and Premier. CoronaQueens I’m out!!!!
Hey Solar, if you and Guru were so tight, why aren’t you pictured on ANY of the album covers? Guru and Premo are on all the Gang Starr albums. Guess Guru didn’t think so highly of you.
@HARRIS89
i mean i got the same vibe from the quote. I dont think @G.R.E.A.T. SCOTT is far off.
Good to know!
And thousands of sincere and serious tall people I met on ___Tallconnect.com___ are the most amazing people I ever met! they care nothing but real love and chemistry! that’s what we are looking for in today’s world! 🙂
Nigga ‘Solar’ Who is dead man walking!!!
Guru Charity Not Guru’s: Linked To Solar’s Wife, May Not Be Valid Non-Profit
http://www.birthplacemag.com/2010/04/guru-letter-charity-questions/
The passing of veteran rapper Guru, formerly of pioneering hip hop group Gang Starr, has done little to end a stream of ongoing controversy surrounding the fallen musician since reports of his initial cardiac arrest this past February. Part of this controversy revolves around a “farewell letter to fansâ€, released to the public shortly after his death by his music and business partner, Solar, purportedly detailing Guru’s last words and thoughts.
While there is much debate regarding the authenticity of the letter, one particular point/counterpoint is worth noting.
In the letter, Guru is quoted as saying, “I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life.†Several blogs and media outlets began repeating this information, linking it to the Each One Counts Foundation, at http://www.eachonecounts.org. Fans were seen sending messages linking to this organization via Twitter and other social media channels, such as one message imploring people to ignore the drama surrounding the last rap icon, and donate to the charity.
Allegations are swirling against Solar, particularly that the farewell letter he attributed to Guru could not have been penned directly by the ailing, comatose musician. This was implied in part by the statement released by Patricia Elam, Guru’s sister, which also stated that, “the family is not aware of any foundations established by Guru.†Based on these allegations and several contradictions issued by Solar, Birthplace Magazine decided to question the charity situation. Just like much of the story surrounding the final months of Keith “Guru†Elam, the answers are not completely clear.
Each One Counts
Brian Harrington’s organization
As we reported, there are two non-profit organizations listed with the Internal Revenue Service named “Each One Countsâ€. The first, Each One Counts Foundation, Inc., was founded by former Villanova basketball player Brian Harrington and assistant coach Doug West and raises funds to help “ease the physical pain and suffering of terminally ill children who are receiving pediatric hospice or palliative care.†Despite several blogs, fans, and other sources linking to this foundation in reference to the Guru “farewell letter to fansâ€, it has become clear that this is not in fact the foundation in question.
As we also reported, the other foundation, Each One Counts, Inc., lists very little public information on record. This is somewhat abnormal for a non-profit organization, which is required by federal law to file particular tax records which are usually available for public review. In the case of Each One Counts, Inc., the only public information was the name the foundation is listed under, Denise Sandoval, and the address, 119 Rockland Ctr, #328, Nanuet, NY 10954.
Denise Sandoval is also known as Denise Mosher. Denise Mosher is the wife of John Mosher, aka Solar. The address is a UPS Store.
By law, tax records of non-profit organizations are available for public review. According to the IRS, if a non-profit grosses less than $25,000 for the year, the organization is required to file a 990N form, also known as an “e-Postcardâ€. Records of these filings are kept online at the IRS website, and are visible to anyone.
There are no 990N forms on file for Each One Counts, Inc.
IRS Form 990EZIf a non-profit organization grosses more than $25,000 per year, they are required by the IRS to file taxes using 990 or 990EZ forms. While these records are not directly available for online search at IRS.gov, there are third party websites that house these records for easy access by the public.
There are no 990 or 990EZ returns on file for Each One Counts, Inc.
While a more exhaustive inquiry is currently in progress with the IRS, this preliminary research can suggest two things. One, Each One Counts., Inc. grossed more than $25,000 a year, and that the third-party website simply does not have the records online. If this is the case, the IRS search we are undertaking will provide more details regarding the financial details of the organization.
Two, the foundation grossed less than $25,000 per year, which we suspect is the case, and if so, it would appear that the required e-Postcard was not filed. This is a violation of IRS law. When asked about the penalty, a representative from the IRS explained that after three years of non-filing, an organization would be stripped of their non-profit status.
Therefore, it is possible that at the moment, Each One Counts, Inc., is no longer in good standing as a non-profit organization.
Solar and Sway on MTV NewsIn an interview with MTV News, Solar was asked by VJ Sway specifically about the not-for-profit organization. Solar asserted, “That’s an organization that was started by Guru, myself and my people. Hopefully it will grow to be a huge, worldwide charitable organization.â€
However, BirthplaceMag.com spoke exclusively with a former associate of the two men, who confirmed the 2003 formation of Each One Counts, Inc., but disputed Solar’s statement, explaining, “The foundation is something Solar stated. Guru was aware of the foundation, but nothing was ever done with it. It was something Solar always wanted to get going but never did.â€
With weeks to prepare for the inevitable, it is unclear why Solar and his 7 Grand Records, would treat such an important endorsement so casually, to not set up a central point of information regarding the charity. As with several other contradictions in the days since Guru’s health decline first made news, the truth behind the validity of this charity, and its mission, is unclear, and the sense is that it continues to cast Solar, and Guru’s legacy, in a negative light.
Also unclear, is to what extent Guru was already contributing to charity, as part of his alleged statement says the foundation is dedicated to “carrying on†his charitable work. If Guru was involved in a charity, and Each One Counts Inc. is defunct, Guru would had to have been working with another charitable organization, leaving one to wonder why not donate to the charity Guru was already endorsing, instead of a charity sitting lifeless in Solar’s wife’s maiden name.
A smaller, but important point to note. Many people have mistakenly sent around information to Harrington’s foundation, assuming it was the one the Guru letter was referring to. It is unknown whether donations have been sent to the wrong foundation, as calls and emails to Harrington have not been returned. In addition, an inquiry to 7 Grand Records and the Each One Counts, Inc.’s accountants on file, to clarify and provide contact information for the proper charity, have also gone unanswered.
Birthplace Magazine will continue to look into the current legal status of the Each One Counts Inc. organization, as well as whether or not the late rapper actually endorsed donations to such an organization. We are hopeful that Solar, 7 Grand Records and Each One Counts Inc.’s accountants will respond to our inquiries, and shed the necessary additional light on this issue.
Anyone think it’s possible that Premo opens his Guru Tribute tape with “Betrayal” (the hook sampled over and over) as a slap to Solar? Seems likely to me.
Scandalous, money greed and lust
In this trife life, there ain`t nobody you can trust
Plus there`s no justice, it`s just us
In fact, watchin` yo back it be must
And each and everyday around the way gats bust
And jealous so-called friends`ll try to set you up
It`s called betrayal
Damn then the second track is “Execution of a Chump” with the opening lines:
I knew this chump, see?
He tried to play me
He was my right hand man, but he betrayed me
etc etc
He tried to backstab (scratched back and forth)
Shit is becoming more obvious to me.
@Asee
I got chills both times esp when he would scratch it over and over for 30 seconds.
He might as well get plastic surgery now, he won’t be able to hide in any country where a person know’s his hip hop!!!!
One plan that came crashing down.
But all jokes aside, i really think this has to due with Nigga Who being jelious of Dj Premier. That’s what i feel. WIth this fake letter and all these tweets. He can never mention Preemo, i wonder why. Think about it!!!
Godd looking.
Rest In Peace GURU.
This confirms that Solar is lying scum. It warms my heart that Primo and Guru went off on good terms
This confirms that Solar is lying scum. It warms my heart that Primo and Guru went off on good terms
This confirms that Solar is lying scum. It warms my heart that Primo and Guru went off on good terms
Much props to DJ Primo, very humble man. Everyone will forever remeber Guru from Gang Starr, But you gotta also respect his solo pieces. I’m sure he put as much blood, sweat and tears into his projects.
Peace, Love & Hip Hop
big up to premo and big shug them are some networth equals right there, rip to the gifted unlimited yell
the death of guru who knew it would lead,
to a new formation of GANGSTARR, premier & solar/
I’m being sarcastic who knew that bastard,would write a letter,
put’n himself in a position to make cheddar/
off some work he never had no parts of
he ain’t right man he worst then the white man/
rape’n an artist on a major he gets no love
& the only super producer i know is hurby luv bug/
SO,quit with them claims,you’ll never attain fame,
with them beats since most of them are ass cheeks/
you had a couple that rocc’d a bit i’ll admit but overall,
yo catallog’s barely worth a mention dawg/
if gifted unlimited rhymes universal
didn’t spit on yo traccs they wouldn’t be worth jacc/
in fact mc’s wouldn’t take em if they was free
G.O.D. stunted yo talent cause he don’t like ugly/
& you my man is the beast,in a time for peace
you sling shots,big up self when KEITH’S deceased/
didn’t know the man but bought his music it was true kid
refused it only when it was over shit that you did,/
cocc succer fucc solar yell
http://www.myspace.com/panhandoelrcorp
I love this rhyme dog. Send it to Preem, maybe he’ll bless you with production
Of course there is someone lying. Hmmm…who should we trust? On one hand there is DJ Premier, the greatest hip-hop producer to walk the Earth…a man who has nothing to prove and no reason to lie because he is respected and has already done it all. Then there is Solar, who ever the fuck he is. From what I can tell, and up and coming cocksucker that will stop and nothing even if it means forging a press release twice”Just To Get a Rep”
solar isnt and will never be shit without guru…this guys beats are so wack i cant believe guru would even consider using his production…solar is a little bitch trying to make profit off guru ,no one will support shit through solar….he better just hand the vocals over to premo to put on gangstarr tribute album,over premo beats…i dont want to hear another project,beat or shit from this so called super producer fagit…he can eat a dick….fuck you solar….if i see u at a venue ,i will smash you son…stay up premo!!!! GANGSTARR FOREVER
This story sounds far more credible than the info supplied by Solar.
Guru was disrespected in death by Solar… Think about that. Any man or woman who will try to use the death of another who was a well liked and respected human being, is a man of no morals or love for God. Im a G from off the block but I respect life and God. Solar will be repaid a thousand times for disrespectin the dead. One love Guru and one love to Premo. The truth is right there to anyone confused. But to have your legacy painted over is a tragedy. Protect your legacy at all cost by keeping true fam close…
God is yourself. Respecting God means to respect yourself. You are all powerful in your life, the man upstairs is the voice of consciousness many years old and evolved deep within parts of your brain that you can’t access by thinking on the surface. Truly know yourself as a god to unlock any kind of wisdom in life. I hear your points solar was a bitch ass for that. But life and how you live and think is god
God Bless the Dead
gifted unlimited rhymes universal, we lost a legend.. R.I.P GURU. Your music lives on and on and on…My kids will know about it.