Gang Starr were formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1985. Gang Starr were one of the most influential Hip-Hop acts to emerge from New York City in the late 1980s. Guru initially set-up Gang Starr with DJ 1,2 B-Down but he left in 1989 and Guru replaced him with DJ Premier.

Producer DJ Premier and lyricist Guru, released several classic hits and set standards for hip-hop in the early 1990s. Throughout the years Gang Starr recorded on Wild Pitch, Chrysalis and Virgin record labels.

Gang Starr were known mainly for their unique style, which combines elements of New York swing, jazz and hip hop. Two of Gang Starr's tracks reached the Billboard top 100. These were "Mass Appeal" (number 67) and "You Know my Steez" (number 76).

On September 1, 2005 Guru announced that Gang Starr were no more and that the group had split permanently.

Guru's birthname was Keith Elam. Guru died on April 19, 2010 of cancer, he had been in a coma since February 28, 2010 when he suffered a cardiac arrest.

DJ Premier is still active in the music industry. DJ Premier was rated the best producer in Hip Hop history by About.com.http://rap.about.com/od/toppicks/ss/Top50Producers_8.htm Recently he has developed a strong recording relationship with Christina Aguilera. DJ Premier has produced many of her recordings including worldwide smash hit "Ain't no other man".

• 1989: No More Mr. Nice Guyhttp://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7657159
• 1991: Step in the Arenahttp://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1135926
• 1992: Daily Operationhttp://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1135943
• 1994: Hard to Earnhttp://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1135953
• 1998: Moment of Truthhttp://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1033233
• 1999: Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr (compilation album)http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1033320
• 2003: The Ownerzhttp://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=5836332
• 2006: Mass Appeal: Best of Gang Starr (compilation album)http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7337286