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.


“Home is Where the Hatred Is” is funky and full of disgust. Amazing.


“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.

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