Chicago born author, poet and musician Gil Scott-Heron passed away Friday at the age of 62. He died at St. Lukes Hospital in New York City after becoming ill following a trip to Europe.
Dubbed The Godfather of Rap by some, a title he rejected, Scott-Heron has influenced scores of rappers with his spoken word poetry that he described as "black music or black American music."
His most well known song "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" was recorded when he was just 18-years old for the album 'Small Talk at 125th and Lenox.' In total Scott-Heron recorded fifteen studio albums and nine live discs throughout his career. Most recently 'I'm New Here' in 2010.
Scott-Heron also penned several novels and books of poetry.
Many rappers including Kanye West, Common, Mos Def, MF Doom and RBX sampled his work.
Upon hearing the news of his passing many in the hip hop and r&b community tweeted their condolences.
"I just learned of the lost of a very important poet...R.I.P. Gil Scott Heron. The revolution will be live!!" Usher tweeted.
Chuck D of Public Enemy wrote: "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."
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Gil Scott-Heron "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"
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