Guru, a rapper from the pioneering hip-hop group Gang Starr, is in a coma after suffering a heart attack over the weekend; DJ Premier, the other half of Gang Starr, first confirmed the news on his Sirius Satellte Radio Show Sunday.

See today’s top celebrity news photos

The 43 year-old, whose real name is Keith Elam, will reportedly undergo surgery Monday in a New York City hospital.

Hip-hop producer Solar, who works with the rapper, tells UsMagazine.com: “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.”