Hugely influential Gangstarr rap iconhas passed away, according to reports in the United States.Formed in the mid 80s, Gangstarr's output helped push hip hop out of the electro doldrums and towards something more flexible. Introducing elements of funk, jazz and soul into their sound Guru's liquid flow rode over the top.The duo split a decade ago in fractious circumstances, with Guru going on to front Jazzmatazz. Announcing that he was suffering from cancer last year, the rapper's health has been the subject of much debate.However new reports from the United States now suggest that Guru has passed away. Website Yo! Raps claims that Guru has died after a long battle with cancer.Passing away in hospital, the rapper was reportedly surrounded by family and friends. Sparring partner Solar has released a letter apparently written by Guru, which reveals that he took his split with DJ Premier to the end."I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting," read the official Guru statement.Continuing, the letter writes DJ Premier out of the Gangstarr legacy. "I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of GangStarr, I am very proud of what GangStarr has meant to the music world and fans."Read the entire statement HERE.