Rest in Peace GURU.

[Groo The Perverted]

Damn this sucks. I didn't wanna believe it at first, but now MTV UK's site is reporting it as well.

Influential rapper Guru has died aged 43 after a battle with cancer.

The New York born MC had suffered cardiac arrest on March 2 and was in a coma for some time.

A statement said: “Guru has passed away yesterday morning (April 19) after a long battle with cancer.

“According to (producer) Solar, Guru suffered from the malicious illness for over a year and after numerous special treatments under the supervision of medical specialists failed, the legendary MC succumbed to the disease. Guru always tried to keep this harrowing diagnosis in private but in early 2010 he had to admit himself to hospital due to serious effects caused by the disease.”

Guru became famous after teaming up with DJ Premier in group Gang Starr. The duo released six studio albums between 1989 and 2003 and became famous for making “conscious rap” before splitting under acrimonious circumstances.

Since then Guru had released a series of ‘Jazzmatazz’ albums where he teamed up with classic jazz, soul and hip hop artists.

He also continued to tour the world with a band and producer Solar.