Veteran rapper Guru suffered a heart attack over the weekend in New York City, and is now in a coma. Details are still hazy but according to his former GangStarr partner, DJ Premier, he will undergo surgery today (March 1).

Hit producer Solar released a statement exclusively to Yo! Raps that reads, "Guru is struggling with a serious health issue. We, the whole 7 Grand Records family, appreciate all your love and well wishes. We continue to hold out hope that Guru will make a full recovery from this. We ask that his privacy on this matter will be respected. Again, thank you for all your support through this trying time."

Guru, whose real name is Keith Elam, rose to fame in 80's as one of the founders of the legendary rap group GangStarr. Born and raised in Boston, MA, he worked with then-GangStarr member DJ Mike Dee to release three singles from 1987-1988. He then linked up with DJ Premier and together they released the classic single Words I Manifest followed by their critically acclaimed debut album No More Mr. Nice Guy (1989) and the classic album Step In The Arena (1991). The two are also known for their songs Discipline and Just To Get A Rep. Despite the fact that neither Guru or Premier hail from New York, they are noted pioneers of the New York sound. In recent years however, the group split up due to personal differences. Their last album, The Ownerz, was released in 2003.

Most recently, Guru released a solo album titled Lost And Found in May 2009 featuring the singles Divine Rule, Fast Lane, and Best Of My Years. He also offered his 2005 album Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures for free download to the masses which shows how he appreciates his fans.

During what must be an incredibly hard and stressful time, Yo! Raps send prayers, thoughts, and wishes to the Elam family, frequent collaborators and producers Solar and DJ Premier as well as fans.

- By Sharniece Moore