Gil Scott Heron "Message to the Messengers" (which advises young rap artists to use their power wisely) to "Work for Peace" leave no doubt that his sociopolitical observations still apply to our youth today. "Messengers" is a very insightful track off his title album "Spirits" which was released in 1994.
"They want half of us on dope the other half incarcerated" same game when will we wake-up?
"Gil" Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011) was considered by many to be the Godfather of Rap Poetry combining them into a jazzy beat. Gil Scott is known primarily for his work as a spoken-word performer in the 1970's and 1980's his soulful lyrics addressed social and political issues of the time, delivered in both rapping and melodramatic vocal styles. His own term for himself was "bluesologist",which he defined as "a scientist who is concerned with the origin of the blues."
Scott-Heron remained active until his death May 27, 2011, and in 2010 released his first new album in 16 years, entitled I'm New Here. A memoir he had been working on for years up to the time of his death, The Last Holiday, was published posthumously in January 2012.Scott-Heron began his recording career in 1970 with the LP Small Talk at 125th and Lenox.
