Yesterday (May 27), iconic poet, author and activist Gil Scott-Heron was confirmed dead at 62 years of age. Information is still being released to the public, but Heron’s caretakers verified the reports, along with music publisher Jamie Byng.
Within Hip Hop, Gil Scott-Heron is remembered for his influences on the art of rapping. Gil’s 1971 song “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” has been influential on the culture, as well as interpolated by the likes of Common in his single, “The 6th Sense.” Additionally, Heron’s work has been sampled by Kanye West, who included the fellow Chicago, Illinois native on last year’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasyalbum on “Who Will Survive In America.” West’s productions were also used as soundbeds on Heron’s 2010 album, I’m New Here.
In his life, Gil Scott-Heron published five books and released over a dozen recordings. Last year, he appeared with Nas and Mos Def at several events.
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At the time of his death, Gil Scott-Heron was said to be recording an album for XL Recordings.
