Life at Run The Line Mansions has been somewhat slow as of late with the whole family representing colds.
Runny noses aside, the news of Gang Starr emcee, Guru's tragic death recently inspired me to sharpen my pencils and rock a portrait.
Online, it seems like everybody and their grandma is flexing a Guru Tribute of some sorts or other, which just goes to show the impact Keithy E had on us Heads. In the last week I must have listened to 10 or more different Guru Tribute mixes, including DJ Premier's insightful radio salute.
I had the pleasure of meeting Guru a few times. As an other-enthusiastic aspiring DJ, I did my best to holla at him at the Gang Starr Full Clip Tour after party at London's Astoria, but he was understandably more concerned with talking to the ladies than listening to me. I wasn't mad. He passed through Mr Bongo one time while I was on my lunch, and my boy Wayne Wonda scored me an autographed 12" (good looking out). I also met him at Camden's Kung Fu randomly - he joined us at the bar and chatted for some time, and was real cool and super humble.
Obviously the questionable final statement and Solar's bizarre behaviour have had the internets buzzing, but I don't want to dwell on that. Instead I'd just like to offer a simple Rest in Peace to Guru - my thoughts go out to your friends and the Elam Family.
Anyways, check the sketch below (click to enlarge) and feel free to leave a comment.
All the best,
Mark 563
