Last week the Hip Hop community was rocked by the sudden loss of "the over weight lover" Heavy D. His loss was probably the first time many young Hip Hop fans ever heard of Heavy D but for many of us older Hip Hop fans it was a shock to hear of his loss. The truth is we took Heavy D, as most of our legends and pioneers in Hip Hop, for granted. Heavy D represented a light hearted side of Hip Hop that is definitely missing now. I don't mean light hearted as in making pop music for the sake of cross over success but a truthful real music that Heavy D and other artist at the time made that gained them as much respect as any gangsta rapper at the time. Heavy D went on to be a actor and executive while still making music. It's unfortunate that it takes a loss for us to realize the contribution by someone like Heavy D. Below check out the tribute mix DJ Premier did on his Hip Hop Nation satellite radio show.

I found this Premo video at Imflashy. Premier talks about putting together the B.E.T. Cyphers and more. Here's what Imflashy had to say:

DJ Premier made his way to Chicago a few weeks ago for the Red Bull Big Tune finals and we had the opportunity to sit down with him to talk about what he’s been up to lately. In part one of our exclusive interview with the legendary producer, we discuss his role with the BET cyphers and how BET is sitting on exclusive footage of Busta Rhymes’ cypher but didn’t put it out because he didn’t want to. Premier also discusses his upcoming project, his new artists and to wrap up, he mentions possibly doing some work on Drake’s upcoming sophomore album and that Drake is currently working with 9th Wonder. As you can tell in the interview, when we mentioned Premo and Drake working together we got the classic “cough” method from Premier’s manager. Now does that mean he was signaling to Premo to be hush hush on how much he reveals about the two of them working together or was it simply a coincidence that he had to cough at that moment. I guess we’ll see in time, but I’m pretty sure they’re cooking up something extra dope.

Part one of TheWellVersed interview, check out the rest by going HERE. Spotted at 2dopeboyz, so good lookin' out!

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You know its a sad day when something as monumental as this goes down outside the U.S. first! Then again maybe we don't deserve it. Shout out to the Japanese for hosting this event and supporting these two legends as well as good music over all. I hope Primo and Pete Rock take this on the road in the States. Hit the jump for some footage of the actual show.
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Miami New Times - Words by William Hernandez: My first memory of Gang Starr, the legendary duo of MC Guru and DJ Premier, comes from mid- to late 1992. I was living in Colombia and had a friend with a satellite TV who recorded hip-hop videos from BET's Rap City. I'll never forget the first one I saw, for their classic track "Dwyck," which featured Nice & Smooth and was shot at the pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Fast forward 11 years to October 2003. I was covering the Soulfrito Festival for Urban America Newspaper. Gang Starr was the headliner for the event, and it was worth waiting in the sun all day, almost getting heat stroke. Guru and Primo performed all the hits from their recent album, The Ownerz. It wasn't until after 11 p.m. that they did a press conference, and after that I was able to interview Guru and DJ Premier while they walked to their transportation back to the airport.

I remember vividly walking through a corridor with then, and Guru putting his hand on my shoulder. It felt as if I was walking with Muhammad Ali or George Foreman to boxing ring. I was so excited and nervous interviewing one of my favorite hip-hop groups that my hand holding the tape recorder started trembling. This would turn out to be Gang Starr's last-ever performance in Miami.

A year or so later, I was able to talk to Guru again, this time over the phone, to discuss his Jazzmatazz 7.0 project. That was the last time we spoke. CONTINUE READING..

Also check out the recent interview Sway (of MTV) did with Guru's controversial business partner; Solar. UPDATED: DJ Premier releases official statement about Guru's death on his blog. Hit the jump to read his letter.
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Above is a pic I took of Guru the last time I saw him in person. The pic was taken at Crazy Hood Productions offices in Miami, Florida some time around 2003/2004. Guru came to my offices a couple times to work on some tracks and a mixtape I did with him. I remember getting drunk with the homie and him telling Gang starr tour stories. Regardless of any rumor, Guru not once spoke ill of DJ Premier. I also didn't notice any health issues at that time. He was all about making good music! Hip Hop lost another legend and at this rate Hip Hop will be lost! R.I.P. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal!