Guru, one half of pioneering Brooklyn-based hip-hop group Gang Starr, is in a coma in a New York City hospital after suffering a heart attack over the weekend. Guru is best known for penning hits such as “Words I Manifest,” “Discipline,” and “Just To Get A Rep” with producer DJ Premier.

Best wishes to one of the genre’s most influential emcees….

The 43 year-old, whose real name is Keith Elam, will reportedly undergo surgery Monday.

“Guru is struggling with a serious health issue. We appreciate all your love and well wishes. we continue to hold out hope that Guru will make a full recovery from this, and ask that his privacy on this matter be respected. Again Thank you for all your support through this trying time,” says hip-hop producer Solar, who works with the rapper.

Guru was named #45 in a “Top 50 MCs of Our Time” list at About.com.