Yesterday, I was sad to find out that singer and poet Gil Scott Heron died at the age of 62. Best known for his poem and song, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” Heron was one of the important links between the 60s Beat poets and the Black Arts/Power Movement, and the Hip Hop and Spoken Word generations. Many poets and writers, such as Chuck D from Public Enemy, Kanye West, Common, Talib Kweli, and poet Lemn Sissay, credit him with teaching them how to speak and write in way that is meaningful to their audience. Also, several rappers, like West, have sampled his music in their own songs. Heron influenced many on the importance of caring about others, about their own community and about those less fortunate, even through his own struggles with drug abuse. Heron was a legendary poet, singer and man, and I wish I had the chance to see him and meet him. But now I hope he is finally at peace. Rest In Poetry.
The Revolution Will Not be Televised
Home Is Where the Hatred Is
Kanye West – My Way Home (Sampled Home Is Where the Hatred Is)
We Almost Lost Detroit
Common – The People (Samples We Almost Lost Detroit)
Black Star – Brown Skin Lady (Also samples We Almost Lost Detroit)
Sherese Francis: Futuristically Ancient 