DJ Premier talks Guru’s death
DJ Premier Addresses Guru’s Death, the Rumored Letter, and Gang Starr’s Legacy
In one of the most emotional chapters in hip-hop history, DJ Premier spoke on Guru’s death with heart, honesty, and purpose. The unexpected loss of Guru, born Keith Elam, earlier this year sent shockwaves across the music world. As one-half of the legendary duo Gang Starr, Premier was not just a collaborator, but a brother in sound and spirit.
Now, as the year draws to a close, Premier breaks his silence in depth—offering clarity on their relationship, dismissing the infamous “deathbed letter,” and laying the groundwork to preserve their legacy with unseen archival footage. For fans of real hip-hop, this is more than closure. It’s a reaffirmation of what Gang Starr stood for.
A Tragic Loss and an Unshakeable Bond
Guru passed away in April after a year-long battle with cancer and complications stemming from cardiac arrest. He was 48 years old. As the voice of Gang Starr, his calm, deliberate delivery and philosophical lyricism gave the group its depth. Premier, the sonic mastermind, crafted beats that defined boom bap and shaped the sound of 1990s East Coast rap.
Although the two had grown apart in the years leading up to Guru’s passing, Premier makes it clear that the love never faded.
“It was a sad day for me to get confirmation on the death of a man who I will continue to call my brother,” Premier writes in a heartfelt public statement. “From 1988–2004, we experienced so much success together… no one can re-write history or take away my love for him.”
DJ Premier Denies the Controversial Letter
In the aftermath of Guru’s death, controversy clouded the grieving process. A letter, allegedly written by Guru on his deathbed, surfaced online. It claimed to disavow DJ Premier, crediting Guru’s later-day partner Solar with overseeing his medical care, life decisions, and future tributes.
But Premier adamantly refutes the letter’s authenticity.
“The letter didn’t exist,” Premier states in a recent interview with Sway on MTV. “Even if he did write that letter, I know how he writes. I’ve been around this guy for 23 years. I know everything about him and I know his family real well—and they ride with me.”
Premier’s calm dismissal of the letter doesn’t come with spite. Instead, it’s delivered with composure and class. In what many interpret as a swipe at Solar—who has faced widespread criticism for limiting access to Guru during his final days—Premier focuses not on drama, but on truth and love.
The Funeral: Private, Personal, Powerful
Premier recalls the funeral as a personal and emotional moment, shared with those closest to Guru.
“We had a private funeral with his remains there and [I] spoke at the funeral,” he shares. “It was a lovely ceremony. I did everything from the heart, off my head—which is how you’re supposed to do it.”
Longtime Gang Starr affiliate Big Shug also spoke during the ceremony. For those who followed the crew from the beginning, this final moment brought together the original family that built Gang Starr from the ground up.
Premier’s Focus: Honoring Guru the Right Way
Despite the rumors and online discourse, Premier remains laser-focused on preserving the integrity of Gang Starr and honoring Guru’s memory properly.
“As long as Gang Starr is not hampered, and my love for Guru and his family is not hampered, anything else outside of that really flies off the shoulder.”
These words reflect both grace and intent. In a genre that too often fuels division, DJ Premier’s approach reminds fans of what truly matters: the legacy of the music, and the man behind the mic.
Gang Starr’s Legacy: Untouched and Unbreakable
From Step in the Arena to Moment of Truth, Gang Starr built one of the most respected catalogs in hip-hop. Their music has always been about knowledge, street ethics, and growth—never gimmicks. As DJ Premier breaks down his reaction to Guru’s death, he doesn’t speak in fragments. He speaks in whole truths, just like the records they made together.
Gang Starr wasn’t just a rap group—it was a philosophy. A sound. A benchmark of excellence. And that legacy lives on, unshaken by rumors or rewritten narratives.
Unseen Gang Starr Footage on the Way
In one of the most exciting revelations, DJ Premier announces plans to release never-before-seen footage from Gang Starr’s prime.
“I’m putting together a Gang Starr DVD because I’ve been filming since 1989,” he tells XXL. “I did all the filming until 1993. I have hundreds of tapes of me and Guru arguing in the airport, him and Shug fighting—Guru tried fighting everyone. Now, you look at it and it’s like, damn, I miss that.”
This archive, filled with raw, behind-the-scenes material, offers fans a rare window into the duo’s creative and personal dynamics. For true heads, it’s more than content—it’s history.
Solar’s Role and the Public Backlash
While Premier avoids direct attacks, the hip-hop community has been less reserved. Solar, the producer who worked closely with Guru in the final years, is widely viewed with suspicion. Many fans and artists have accused him of isolating Guru from longtime friends and family and manipulating his public image in death.
The so-called “letter” credited to Guru appears to many as Solar’s attempt to rewrite history—going as far as to suggest Premier had no place in posthumous tributes or Guru’s life.
But fans haven’t forgotten the real history. And neither has Premier.
“One thing I would never do is play around with the truth about his life,” Premier wrote in his original statement.
Get Used to Us: Premier’s New Project
While reflecting on the past, DJ Premier also continues to build. His label, Year Round Records, recently released the compilation LP Get Used to Us. The project features a mix of underground legends and rising stars—many handpicked by Premier himself.
The album is a testament to his ongoing mission: to uplift authentic hip-hop and give new voices a platform, all while staying true to his roots.
Final Thoughts: A Farewell Full of Integrity
As DJ Premier discusses Guru’s death, it becomes clear that his focus isn’t on revenge or rumor—but on remembrance. He doesn’t bite into controversy for clicks. He builds legacies from truth, sound, and experience.
Guru may be gone, but through DJ Premier’s words, his music, and the upcoming archival footage, the soul of Gang Starr continues to shine. It’s not just a farewell—it’s a commitment. A promise to keep the legacy alive, undiluted, and untouched by noise.
And for fans of Gang Starr, that’s the only tribute that matters.