One half of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr, Guru (born Keith Elam), lost his year-long battle with cancer on Monday. Elam had fallen into a coma in March after suffering a heart attack. Shortly thereafter, several sources claimed Elam had woken from the coma but was left in fragile condition.

He was only 43 years old. He is survived by his son, KC.

Below is an official message from the Elam family:

To read a somewhat controversial letter that Elam supposedly had written during his final days in the hospital, visit DJ Premier’s blog.

(The Daily Swarm, Pitchfork)