Guru’s Jazzmatazz
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Guru developed a reputation among hip-hoppers as a stylish, truth-telling rapper, though he never received much commercial success. His innovation and his allegiance to musical history–not his lyrics or style–distanced him from his peers. His mellow voice wasn’t as commanding as Chuck D’s or as charismatic as Rakim’s, but his lyrics were always suavely delivered and meaningful, which helped him stand out from such hard talkin’ braggadocios as L.L. Cool J and Kool Moe Dee. He attracted his own following, one that appreciated thought-provoking rhymes and music. Like Public Enemy, KRS-One, and Eric B and Rakim, Guru managed to realistically depict the streets and offer alternatives without seeming soft. Something he continues to do today.
At Metro Guru prefaced his performance of “Watch What You Say,” the first single from his album, by explaining what inspired him to write it. “This is for MCs who be talkin’ mad yang but don’t be livin’ it and don’t even know anybody who’s livin’ it,” he said, referring to the trend of rappers who make tough rhymes without the real-life experience to back it up. Guru built his reputation on no-nonsense verses like, “What if I take away your ornaments / And strip you down to the raw deal / Then I’ll reveal / The evidence / Because you don’t really represent.”
