After a sad string of events and a year-long battle with cancer, Guru, born Keith Elam and one half of legendary group GangStarr with DJ Premier, passed away yesterday (19 April). He was in a prolonged coma induced by a heart attack in early Febuary this year and died at a New York City hospital.

A letter allegedly penned by Guru has hit the internet, but with all the uncertainties surronding his situation we can’t really be sure that he is the author. Family feuds with his producer and mentor Solar have created an awful situation.

While a lot of us won’t have paid much attention to Guru’s recent music with Solar, what he brought us throughout his career remains a timeless body of work. Classics like ‘Step in the Arena‘, ‘Ex Girl to Next Girl‘, ‘Mass Appeal‘, ‘Royalty‘ and ‘Moment of Truth‘ will forever remain just that.

We thought the majestic ‘Above the Clouds‘ from GangStarr’s 1998 album Moment of Truth was a fitting start to our recommendations this week, which will be in honour of the great MC. May he rest in peace – above the clouds.