R.I.P Gil Scott-Heron (1949-2011)

"RIP GSH... we do what we do and how we do because of you."- Chuck D of Public Enemy 

Most may have only known him by his poetry infused track, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, but poet/musician Gil Scott-Heron was more than just a single song or a catchy phrase. He was - is a pillar of the hip hop and poetry community.

Coined as the Godfather of Hip Hop, Gil Scott-Heron poured the foundation to what conscious hip hop is today. The likes of Common, Lupe, Talib, and Mos Def have Gil to thank for the blues infused social issue style of music. Even Kanye West on Dark Twisted Fantasy honored Gil by using his track, Who Will Survive In America as a way to bring close to his album with a powerful message. The loss of Gil Scott-Heron will be felt by many, but his music will remind us of his legacy.

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