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With roots across the East Coast, Gimel ‘Young Guru’ Keaton was born and raised in the fabric that has made hip-hop what it is today. Before becoming a Grammy Award-winning engineer and one of the most influential figures in hip-hop production, he was a star high school basketball player in Wilmington, Delaware, with the option of playing at the collegiate level upon graduation. Ta. Keaton had an older cousin who attended Howard University in high school, but after returning home he knew it was time to hang up his jersey and immerse himself in HBCU culture.
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“I caught the bug. The feeling I had seeing so many dynamic young Black people on their campus going about their business was surreal.”
He often reflects on how his time at Howard University shaped his trajectory. As members of the prominent HBCU community, Young Guru embodies the transformative power these institutions offer Black youth. At Howard, I not only honed my technical skills; He has also developed a fierce resilience and creativity that has propelled him through every challenge in his career.
“That’s the Howard way of thinking. No matter what problem you run into, you solve it. I always say this: When you hit a brick wall, Howard shows you how to break through it. It’s not an option to not get over the wall. I called my friends and had a support system and I made it through.”
Howard University, like many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is more than just an academic institution. It is a cultural sanctuary that provides Black students with the tools and resources they need to excel. Young Guru’s experience is proof of how HBCUs empower students to break through boundaries and “walk through the brick wall” of society’s expectations.
After leaving Howard, Guru became one of hip-hop’s most respected sound engineers and DJs. Known for his work with hip-hop icon JAY-Z, Guru has been dubbed the “Sound of New York” and has also worked with legendary artists such as Eminem, Mariah Carey, and Rihanna.
Although Keaton still works with JAY-Z, he is excited about his current role as director of the Roc Nation School of Music Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Production at Long Island University in Brooklyn. The school serves as a world-renowned destination for world-class education and outstanding career development, providing students with the tools necessary to succeed in the entertainment field. As pioneers in the hip-hop field, Keaton students are exposed to valuable information and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
“When a student comes to me and says, ‘Hey! “I don’t want my students to not be able to get the job.” I want to expose them to Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton so they can feel comfortable taking on any role. ”
This year, Keaton students will experience an all-new, state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos recording studio for the first time. Keaton has carefully selected a collection of high-end equipment to give students the best opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the analog tools that power many of the latest plug-ins.
“This new Dolby Atmos studio further solidifies our school’s position at the forefront of music education,” said Gull. “Every detail within our facility is meticulously managed for our students, and we look forward to helping them make the most of their on-campus learning experience and prepare to enter the workforce with unprecedented favorable terms.” Masu.”
In a world where barriers still exist for Black creators, Young Guru’s story shines as a beacon of hope and possibility. His success is a reminder of the untapped potential within HBCUs. At HBCUs, young Black hearts are equipped to dream big and achieve greatness. These institutions serve as starting points, providing the resources, support, and community that allow Black students to not only envision their futures, but boldly shape them.
About State Farm:
For more than 100 years, State Farm’s mission 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 increase opportunity and promote community development. State Farm not only increases access to opportunity by sponsoring events such as Billboard’s Hip Hop Live, which hosted HBCU-owned businesses in the Good Neighbor Marketplace, and other advocacy efforts, but also increases access to HBCU-owned businesses around the world. champions the cultural and social contributions of
