Rap star Guru dies from cancer

Rapper DJ Guru has died from cancer at age 43, according to a statement from his producer.

New York: Rapper DJ Guru has died from cancer at age 43, according to a statement Tuesday from his producer.

"The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all time," according to a statement from the New York-based rap artist`s producer. The statement said that the rapper died Monday. Though never a chart topper, Guru, whose real name is Keith Elam, was well known for his jazz-infused hip hop and intellectual lyrics, often delivered in a monotone. Before launching a solo career in 1993 he founded the rap duo Gang Starr. He was hospitalized in February after suffering a cardiac arrest following a long battle with cancer. The statement from his producer, Solar, included a letter that the rapper addressed to his fans. "I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting," it read. IANS