The X Label brings to you the Jazzmatazz Loungin T-shirt! This artwork beautifly combines the album cover of Guru’s Jazzmatazz Vol 1. and the song “Loungin.” “Loungin” is a single from the Jazzmatazz Vol 1. album featuring the gifted trumpeter Donald Byrd. *Pre-Orders available now. **Comes in Black & Grey colors. In 1993 Guru released Jazzmatazz Vol. 1. Guru decided to take music to new heights by utilizing the brilliance of actual jazz musicians to produce the sounds to rhyme too. He merges his potent and forever meaningfull rhymes with beats and instruments directly from authentic lounge jazz. The album fuses an assortment of jazz talents both old and new, including Donald Byrd, Lonnie Liston, Roy Ayers, Courtney Pine, Branford Marsalis , and Ronny Jordan. He used the melodic voices of Carleen Anderson and N’Dea Davenport and collaborated with french rapper MC Solaar. The variety of guest artists adds diversity and originality to each track, and gives the album a distinct jazz feel. In its own right the album is a historical document of jazz and hip-hop starting to blend.
In 1986 MC Keithy E (now known as GURU) completed a demo tape that featured the early members of GangStarr; DJ Mikey Dee and Damo D (Beat Box). The tape that was recorded at “Radio One” studios in Boston, includes multiple racks featuring the young Guru rhyming and displaying his singing voice over a bare drum machine. The demo tape was clearly made and sent directly to Magnus Johnstone (a local DJ/Radio Host in Guru’s hometown of Boston) for his show. Both the demo tape’s cover and the actual tape are labeled “for Magnus”. Magnus Johnstone founded Lecco’s Lemma radio show in 1985. It was a groundbreaking hip-hop radio show, the first of its kind in Boston and one of the only rap radio shows in the world at that time. What made it even more revolutionary for the emerging Boston hip-hop scene was that Magnus encouraged local rap groups to come down to the station and perform on the air. Since the show was Boston’s outlet for up and coming hip hop artists, it was a big deal to appear on the show. This demo tape earned MC Keithy E and crew the right to be on the show and share their talents to the listeners. With this amazing print from 1986 by the hands of GURU, THE X LABEL brings to you THE KEITHY E DEMO HOODIE. * The hoodie is American Apparel. Sizes are unisex (We recommend for women to order one size smaller then their normal size).
The X Label brings to you the Keithy E Demo Skateboard Deck. Created by Dunkees, the deck is an original artpiece inspired by the cover of Guru’s (MC Keithy E) demo tape. Get this one of a kind skateboard deck to add to your Guru memorabilia in remembrance of the legend.
THE X LABEL brings to you a limited edition recreation of Guru’s (MC Keithy E) Demo Cassette Tape. This recreation of Guru’s demo cassette tape consist of the exact image Keithy E made for the cover, Keithy E’s handwriting of the songs on the tape, and the actual songs from the demo. Pop it in your vintage boombox to listen to Guru’s never before-heard songs or put it on a mantle and keep it as an amazing collectors item that was a part of the foundation of Guru’s hip hop legacy. ****Tape info: In 1986 MC Keithy E (now known as GURU) completed a demo tape that featured the early members of GangStarr; DJ Mikey Dee and Damo D (Beat Box). The tape that was recorded at “Radio One” studios in Boston, includes multiple racks featuring the young Guru rhyming and displaying his singing voice over a bare drum machine. The demo tape was clearly made and sent directly to Magnus Johnstone (a local DJ/Radio Host in Guru’s hometown of Boston) for his show. Both the demo tape’s cover and the actual tape are labeled “for Magnus”. Magnus Johnstone founded Lecco’s Lemma radio show in 1985. It was a groundbreaking hip-hop radio show, the first of its kind in Boston and one of the only rap radio shows in the world at that time. What made it even more revolutionary for the emerging Boston hip-hop scene was that Magnus encouraged local rap groups to come down to the station and perform on the air. Since the show was Boston’s outlet for up and coming hip hop artists, it was a big deal to appear on the show. This demo tape earned MC Keithy E and crew the right to be on the show and share their talents to the listeners.
Inspired by the Andy Warhol theme, The X Label brings to you “Guru Warhol.” The image comes from the actual cover of the CD on Guru’s Jazzmatazz Streetsoul Vol.3.
This t-shirt is strictly for the real GURU hip hop heads! In 1995 Guru released, Guru Presents Ill Kid Records, his first solo album outside of the Jazzmatazz series. The album consist of various artists such as Jeru, M.O.P, Group Home, Bahamadia, and Big Shug. Guru flexed the other side of his musical talents producing the majority of songs on the album. A rare gem of an album, this t-shirt showcases the artwork created by Guru displayed on the cover. The name ILL KID was also what Guru liked to call his alter-ego, his wild and untamed side (hence the deranged looking figure). Take home a piece of GURU history and if you’ve yet to listen to the album make it a priority!
This t-shirt was inspired from the song “Guidance” on Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 3: Streetsoul album. Guru dedicates this song to his son (KC). The quote, “Walk your own walk and keep your head to the sky” is a piece from the song. This amazing image of a young Keith Elam (Guru) speaks for itself. The image and quote from “Guidance” are analogous as in essence Guru is speaking to a younger version of himself.
The phrase “MC Of The Year” is written on the cover of one of Guru’s earlier demo tapes in the exact format on this t-shirt. In a 1986 interview with Boston’s local DJ Magnus Johnstone (whom Guru pitched his first demo tape too) Guru explains that this year he is going after the title, MC Of The Year. “What I’m trying to do is get my raps circulated into companies and people with clout so I can get on the set and be MC Of The Year, listen clear!”.
The crown on this t-shirt is from the Empire Management logo. Empire Management represented Gangstarr for a number of years. Guru can be seen wearing an Empire Management t-shirt in the “Dwyck” music video. “Gifted” not only explains Guru’s talent as an MC but it is also the first word from the backronym (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal). Lastly, Guru’s signature (Keithy E) which was the first name he went by as a MC is displayed on the t-shirt. A nice blend of Guru’s history in one!
In 1986 MC Keithy E (now known as GURU) completed a demo tape that featured the early members of GangStarr; DJ Mikey Dee and Damo D (Beat Box). The tape that was recorded at “Radio One” studios in Boston, includes multiple racks featuring the young Guru rhyming and displaying his singing voice over a bare drum machine. The demo tape was clearly made and sent directly to Magnus Johnstone (a local DJ/Radio Host in Guru’s hometown of Boston) for his show. Both the demo tape’s cover and the actual tape are labeled “for Magnus”. Magnus Johnstone founded Lecco’s Lemma radio show in 1985. It was a groundbreaking hip-hop radio show, the first of its kind in Boston and one of the only rap radio shows in the world at that time. What made it even more revolutionary for the emerging Boston hip-hop scene was that Magnus encouraged local rap groups to come down to the station and perform on the air. Since the show was Boston’s outlet for up and coming hip hop artists, it was a big deal to appear on the show. This demo tape earned MC Keithy E and crew the right to be on the show and share their talents to the listeners. With this amazing print from 1986 by the hands of GURU, we introduce the 1st commemorative shirt for THE X LABEL.
In chronological order we present to you the many names that Keith Elam (GURU) had during his musical career. MC Keithy E Guru’s birth name is Keith Elam (Keithy E). When Guru began rapping, he went by the name MC Keithy E. The top of his first demo tape cover boldly states “Introducing MC Keithy E.” ILL Kid Guru came up with the name ILL Kid to express the person he would become when he would act up and spaz out. DJ Premier states that Guru would actually warn people and say, “you don’t want me to let the ILL Kid out” before doing so. He referred to himself as ILL Kid on the songs Speak Your Clout (Hard To Earn) and Illest Brother (Daily Operation). A caricature of the ILL Kid (A wacked out, deranged looking figure with exaggerated bow legs, a gun in one hand, and a record in the other) was created and tattooed on Guru’s right shoulder. This caricature can also be seen on the cover of Guru Presents Ill Kid Records, released in 1995 (his first solo album outside of the Jazzmatazz series). Baldhead Slick At one point Guru used to rock a fade or have his hair in twist. Once his hairline started to recede he decided to shave it all off. The fresh baldy spawned the name Baldhead Slick. This was around the same time the rap group ONYX (every member of the group rocked bald heads) came to fame and helped make baldheads fashionable. The baldhead became Guru’s signature look. Baldhead Slick was also the name of one of his albums. Guru’s Baldhead Slick & da Click was released in 2001. It was his second solo recording outside his Jazzmatazz series of albums. Keithy E The Guru The name Keithy E The Guru came about in his transition from Boston to New York. Still holding onto his name Keithy E, he added the name Guru to represent his worldly knowledge. G.U.R.U. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. God is Universal; he is the Ruler Universal.
Guru’s prolific lyrics and profound voice has left a permanent mark in hip hop history. His purpose was clear and driven from the heart. This clothing line seeks to uphold the message and continue the mission of a legend.
Guru has impacted the hip hop nation since the 1980′s with his unique insight and powerful delivery that garnered him mass appeal. He has left a number of stains on peoples’ brains with the knowledge he kicked and has made it quite clear that no one can step into his arena. It was his daily operation to educate minds with thoughts and worldly views that stretched beyond comprehension . The man flat-out had Skillz. He was never afraid to battle rap and leave you there right where you stand, nor was he to proud to convey that he was lovesick though we knew he would move from ex to the next. He forced us all to take a look at ourselves and how we’re living, prepping us for our moment of truth. A master of his art form who’s rep just grows bigger, Guru is Royalty. He’ll be watching over hip hop from above the clouds raining down, holding it down. Hip Hop has lost a legend. The world has lost an extraordinary man. He lives through the music he left behind because they are the words that he manifested. GURU was truly gifted and unlimited with rhymes that were universal.
Guru Jazzmatazz Loungin tshirt available now!!!!.. Get it at http://t.co/XXxPhbeA http://t.co/IzxW66za #2012/02/21
RT @PrettylilBloggr: "I decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow, if i failed if i succeed at least i lived as i believe" R.I.P ... #2012/02/21
G.U.R.U's father is attorney Harry J. Elam Sr., the first African American to preside as a judge in Boston #BlackHistory #2012/02/21
RT @iamMrJump: G.U.R.U's father is attorney Harry J. Elam Sr., the first African American to preside as a judge in Boston #BlackHistory #2012/02/21
RT @KeithyETheGuru: I keep a vast stash of Magnums cuz I like to bone... #2012/02/18
