With roots all over the east coast, Gimel ‘Young Guru’ Keaton was born and bred within the fabric that made Hip-Hop what it is today. Before he became a GRAMMY Award-winning engineer and one of the most influential figures in hip-hop production, he was a high school basketball star in Wilmington, Delaware with options to play at the collegiate level upon graduation. Keaton had an older cousin who attended Howard while he was in high school and after a trip to homecoming, he knew it was time to hang up his jersey and immerse himself in HBCU culture.
“I caught the bug. The feeling I got on their campus, seeing that many dynamic young black people all about their business was surreal.”
He often reflects on how his time at Howard University shaped his trajectory. As a member of the illustrious HBCU community, Young Guru embodies the transformative power that these institutions provide to young Black people. At Howard, he didn’t just hone his technical skills; he also cultivated a fierce sense of resilience and creativity that has propelled him through every challenge in his career.
“It’s the Howard mentality. No matter what problem you come across, you figure it out. I always say it like this: If you run up on a brick wall, Howard was the place where you learned how to break through the wall. Not getting through the wall is never an option. You called on your friends, had a support system, and just got shit done.”
Howard University, like many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is more than an academic institution; it’s a cultural sanctuary that equips Black students with the tools and resources they need to excel. Young Guru’s experience is a testament to how HBCUs empower students to break boundaries and “run through the brick wall” of societal expectations.
After leaving Howard, Guru went on to become one of Hip-Hop’s most revered sound engineers and DJs. Known for his work with Hip-Hop icon JAY-Z, Guru was dubbed “The Sound of New York,” and has also worked with legendary artists like Eminem, Mariah Carey, and Rihanna.
Keaton still works with JAY-Z today, but is excited about his current role as the Director of Roc Nation’s School of Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production at Long Island University Brooklyn. The school serves as a globally renowned destination for world-class education and exceptional career development, equipping its students with the tools needed to thrive in entertainment. As a pioneer in the Hip-Hop space, Keaton’s students are exposed to invaluable information and have access to state of the art facilities & technology.
“If a student tells me, ‘Hey Gu! I prefer working in FruityLoops, and then there’s a major job where I could work on a movie… But they team hiring works in pro tools.’ I don’t want my students to not be able to take that job. I want to expose them to Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton, so they can feel comfortable stepping into any role.”
This school year, Keaton’s students are the first experience the all new, state of the art Dolby Atmos recording studios. Keaton curated a collection of high-end equipment to afford students the best opportunity to gain hands-on experience with analog tools that are utilized for many modern plugins.
“This new Dolby Atmos studio further solidifies our school’s place at the forefront of music education,” Guru said. “Every detail in the facility was methodically curated for our students and I’m excited for them to maximize their learning experience on campus and prepare to enter the workforce with an unprecedented advantage.”
In a world where barriers still exist for Black creatives, Young Guru’s story shines as a beacon of hope and possibility. His success is a reminder of the untapped potential that lies within HBCUs, where young Black minds are equipped to dream big and achieve greatness. These institutions serve as launchpads, providing the resources, support, and community that enable Black students to not only envision their futures but also to shape them boldly.
ABOUT STATE FARM:
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm also actively supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through initiatives that enhance opportunities and promote community development. By sponsoring events like Billboard’s Hip Hop LIVE where they hosted HBCU owned businesses at the Good Neighbor Marketplace and other outreach efforts, State Farm not only helps increase access to opportunities, but also champions the cultural and social contributions of HBCUs in the world.