Gill Scott-Heron was an African American poet, activist, jazz, blues and soul musician. Many have credited him for developing the hip hop and neo soul music genres. Laden with messages of political activitism, Scott-Feron introduced the world to music and spoken word that was delivered in rapping and melismatic vocal styles. He was also an outspoken critic of Apartheid nuclear power. Dubbed “the godfather of rap” and “the black Bob Dylan,” his poetic style has influenced hip hop’s legends like Chuck D, who upon learning of Scott-Heron’s death twitted, “RIP GSH..and we do what we do and how we do because of you. And to those that don’t know tip your hat with a hand over your heart & recognize.”
Some of Scott-Heron’s most notable works include the spoken word piece ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,’ Pieces of a Man and 1974’s Winter in America with his long-time collaborator, pianist Brian Johnson. Some of you might also recognize some of heron’s spoken word pieces as they were heavily sampled on Kanye West’s album ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantacy.’
Our thoughts and prays go out to family and friends of the great Gil Scott-Heron. His music and voice will forever live.
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