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.
Howard University, like many Historically Black Colleges and Universities , 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.
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.
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.