Who Is Guru (rapper)? Age, Biography & Wiki
Born on July 17, 1961, Guru, whose real name was Keith Elam, made a significant mark in the music industry before his untimely death in 2010. As of 2025, he would have been 64 years old. Known for his smooth lyrical delivery and deep voice, Guru was one half of the influential hip-hop duo Gang Starr alongside DJ Premier. The duo is acclaimed for their innovative fusion of jazz elements in hip-hop and has produced timeless classics such as "Mass Appeal" and "Moment of Truth."
Guru's legacy extends beyond music; he was known as a mentor to many up-and-coming artists and was integral in shaping the East Coast hip-hop scene. His insightful lyrics addressed social issues, personal struggles, and the pursuit of knowledge, making him one of the most respected figures in the hip-hop community.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 17, 1961 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 April, 2010 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Guru (rapper)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Guru stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. In terms of weight, he was reported to be around 180 pounds (82 kg) during his prime. His body measurements, typical of artists in the hip-hop industry, showcased a blend of strength and style that resonated with his fans.
Keith Edward Elam (July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010), better known by his stage name Guru (a backronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal), was an American rapper, record producer and actor. He was a member of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, along with DJ Premier.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Guru maintained a relatively private personal life. He was known to have been in relationships, though details about specific girlfriends were seldom disclosed. In 2007, he had a son, named Keith, though he kept much of his family life away from the public eye. Even in his absence, Guru's influence remains in the music world, where many artists and fans celebrate his contributions.
His father, Harry Justin Elam served both as a judge and a lawyer as he subsequently also became the first African American judge appointed to the Boston Municipal Court of Massachusetts and he later also became Chief Justice of the same court and lastly he was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court.
Prior to his judgeship years, between 1971 and 1988, he was a prominent lawyer in the city of Boston from 1952 to 1971 and his mother, Barbara, was the co-director of libraries in the Boston Public Schools system.
He attended the Advent School on Beacon Hill in Boston, Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts, and Cohasset High School in Cohasset, Massachusetts for high school. Elam graduated with a degree in business administration from Morehouse College in Atlanta and took graduate classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2010, Guru had an estimated net worth of around $10 million, a testament to his success as a musician and producer. His earnings came from various sources, including album sales, live performances, and music royalties. In 2025, while his net worth has not changed, his influence continues to generate interest and revenue for his estate, through posthumous releases and licensing deals.
Career, Business and Investments
Starting in the late 1980s, Guru's career took off with the formation of Gang Starr. The group's unique blend of intelligent lyrics and innovative beats redefined the hip-hop genre. Apart from his music career, Guru ventured into several businesses, including a clothing line and a foundation focused on youth education. His entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated his desire not only to entertain but also to empower others through art and mentorship.
Guru also pursued collaboration projects with various artists and had a successful solo career marked by his album "Jazzmatazz," where he integrated jazz musicians with hip-hop artists, further showcasing his inventive approach to music.
Social Network
Guru, while not as active on social media during his lifetime, has a significant presence across various platforms today. His legacy is honored on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where fans and fellow artists share memories, music, and tributes. Posthumous releases and documentaries have further cemented his status as a hip-hop legend.
DJ Premier produced a tribute mix to Guru and has released a public letter along with Guru's sister Patricia Elam. Harry J. Elam, an older brother, wrote a personal memoir in remembrance published in The Boston Globe on April 23, 2010.
The Elam family had a Guru tribute website set up where visitors were able to view tributes and sign a memorial page. Guru's nephew Justin Nicholas-Elam Ruff made a 16-minute documentary in which he narrated the story of his late uncle.
Education
Guru was educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he majored in architectural design. It was during his college years that he discovered his passion for hip-hop, leading him to become a prominent figure in the music industry. Guru often cited his educational background as a foundational element in shaping his lyrical perspective and commitment to intellectual themes in his works.
In conclusion, Guru remains a pivotal figure in the world of hip-hop even in 2025. As fans and artists continue to celebrate his life and work, his impact resonates through the music and culture he helped shape during his lifetime.
