New York MC Guru has passed away aged 43.

Guru, who rose to prominence as a member of Gang Starr with DJ Premier, died yesterday morning following a battle with cancer.

Producer and business partner Solar said in a statement: "The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all-time - my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru. Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius.

"For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can't tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself."

His family also released the following statement: "The Elam family wishes to thank the fans of our son/brother/father uncle/nephew/cousin Keith aka Guru for the outpouring of love, concern and support. Our hearts are broken by the loss of someone we loved so much. Guru was devoted to his young son, who will most keenly feel his absence.

"Guru suffered from multiple myeloma for over a year. Accrued complications from this illness led to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. As a result, Guru was in a coma from mid February until his death and never regained consciousness.

"Early on the morning of April 19, he became hypertensive due to low blood pressure. He again went into cardiac arrest and slipped away from us."

"Guru died far too young but he was, and we are, proud of all his many legendary musical contributions.

"The family is not aware of any foundations established by Guru. We know and understand that countless fans want to express their condolences and love and, to that end, we are planning a memorial event in the near future that will be all-inclusive. Please look for further details from the family as they become available."

Earlier this week a letter supposedly written by Guru on his deathbed was published, but according to his family and subsequent reports, it would have been impossible for him to have composed the note as he'd been in a coma since February.