Gil Scott-Herron died today. Only 62, but he had already laid the groundwork for socially conscious rap music forty years ago as a young poet, jazz musician and songwriter. He will be best remembered for “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, his riff on a Malcolm X quote and the abysmal state of televised misinformation and entertainment. But he had many, many other gems. Here are a few of my favorites.
“No Knock” calls bullshit on government promises for racial and social progress. Very funny, angry stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOUMvjw9RlA
“Home is Where the Hatred Is” is funky and full of disgust. Amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VqGWfq0Btg
“Pieces of a Man” broke my heart when I first heard it. Still does. Just about a guy getting a pink slip.
Yeah, forty years old, still relevant. Sorry to see him go.