After a protracted struggle with cancer, Keith “Guru” Elam of Gang Starr has passed away. He was just 43.

There’s been some question in the internet era about Guru’s capabilities as a rapper. They should be dismissed. His is the greatest case against the modern, dogmatic definition of lyrical lyricism. Because Guru’s strength lied not in hot punchlines or clever multi-syllable rhymes but purely in his ability to instill wisdom. Maybe that particular brand of wisdom has aged poorly or maybe it’s just that the whole positive (and never negative) aspects of his raps don’t hold up under the cynicism of today’s new jacks, but to grow up listening to Gang Starr was to be schooled. Having a Gang Starr tape was like having a wise uncle. And yet Guru was never soft. NWA presented the idea of street knowledge only to quickly tip the scales too far to the streets. Many of Gang Starr’s successors only ever focused on one side of the coin. Guru was balance. And he will be missed.

I’m about to go in on some #RIPGURU posts over at the Tumblr. Rarities, scans, articles, whatever I can find around here.

Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal is currently in a coma after suffering a cardiac arrest. He is scheduled to undergo surgery tomorrow. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery.

(And please check your “Primo made the group” internet revisionist idiocy at the door. Keith is one of the greats.)

Update: Guru’s surgery was a success.

R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass died Wednesday evening, his former publicist said. He was 59.

UK hip hop pioneer Derek Boland bka Derek B passed away after suffering a heart attack over the weekend. He was 44 years old. Derek maybe most relevant to our conversation because of “Rock The Beat,” the bonus beats from which would later become a New Orleans Bounce classic, by way of Cameron Paul’s “Brown Beats.” Respect to his friends, family and fans.

WBLS DJ and hip hop pioneer Mr. Magic passed away this morning after suffering a heart attack. Ms. Info has the details. Condolences to his family and friends.

Related: Mr. Magic Archive@ Will C.