The iconic MC, Jazzmatazz creationist and Gang Starr co-founder Guru has announced the release of his brilliant new solo release, Guru 8.0 Lost and Found. Guru has once again teamed up with NYC’s brightest producer Solar to create his second solo album and what will be their fourth release on their label 7 Grand, which they co-founded in 2004.

According to both Guru and Solar, it is to serve as an upgrade to contemporary Hip-Hop. “It’s necessary to get upgrades to keep real hip hop alive”, explained the legendary MC. “The concept of real hip hop had gotten lost, but now it’s found again on this record. 8.0 represents that next level growth”.

Guru 8.0 finds both MC and producer expanding stylistically, with songs like the Southern-inspired "Fast Lane", or “Divine Rule”, which revisits hip hop’s early days and finds Guru rhyming over a disco-inspired beat. Staying true to form, the duo offer tracks like “Best of My Years”, which allows listeners to travel with Guru through his years of experience.

“This is the next evolution of intelligent hip hop; hip hop on the next level", said Solar. He added that the album is a sign of Guru’s continued ability to command the hip hop arena.

The album also showcases the talents of 7 Grand artists K Born, Highpower, Doo Wop, and the debut of Solar as an artist in what he calls a natural evolvement of who he is. There is also a key guest vocal performance from UK soul star Omar, who skilfully flows over a superb Solar track complimenting Guru’s urgent rhyme delivery.

While Guru has continued to number his album in succession with his critically acclaimed Jazzamatazz series, he cautions fans to remember that this is a distinctively different project. “This is not hip hop jazz”, Guru stated. “This is straight hip hop. So lyrically you’re going to have that straight hip hop element”.

Guru 8.0 Lost and Found is a major compliment to Guru’s legendary musical legacy and shows that his love for the artform and culture called hip hop is still thriving more than ever.

Guru 8.0 Lost and Found will be released in March 2009.