Guru, real name Keith Elam, who founded the rap duo Gang Starr, died yesterday (April 19) after a yearlong battle with cancer at age 43.

The rapper slipped into a coma on February 28 after suffering a heart attack. Shortly after his death, Guru’s extremely dubious business partner Solar produced a letter that he said Guru dictated to him from his death bed.

The letter gave Solar full control of his money, assets and “all elements of his character after death.” The letter also specified that the rap duo’s DJ Premier not be allowed to use the name Gang Starr for future profit or fame.

Premier spoke on the breakup in a 2006 interview with XXL magazine, saying “If I confirm it, then it’s official. If I don’t confirm it, then we still together.”

Guru is survived by a son, KC.