28 May 2011

Gil Scott-Heron RIP

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh. I heard it first from The Poor Mouth. R.I.P., yes.

One of my favorite Surrealists, British-born Leonora Carrington, also passed away on Friday in Mexico, at the age of 94. I will feature her on Surrealistic Sunday, if you'd like to stop by.

Best,
Gina

Claude said...

Great, great poet and great, great musician. I repeat the word great to emphasize that there was real music in his words. They were singing! He didn't use a background of notes and instruments just as companions to his poetic raps. It was a fusion. He called his art bluesology. Perfect term for what he was presenting to us.

I truly admired the energy of his philosophy, and the clarity of his conscience. Tough life for people of his ilk. Tough life for the world. You see problems? Stop complaining that others are blind and do nothing to help. Get up, make a choice, speak up and move towards solutions. It's your job!

His addiction kept gnawing his body. So, so hard to eliminate. Often impossible. But it didn't destroy his soul.

Rest in Peace, Gil Scott-Heron. Your songs are heard. On Earth and in Heaven.

jams o donnell said...

He is a sad loss. RIP Gil

Claude said...

Jams - I always had a bit of trouble understanding the language of rap music. I would have missed Gil totally. But a friend brought him to my attention. We heard a couple of interviews with him. It revealed his social conscience, and his desire to assume reponsibility. Then, I started to notice how well the lyrics integrated with the music. He was no ordinary rapper.

It bothers me that his death was hardly mentioned anywhere. It's so good that you posted him.

jams o donnell said...

I agree Claude he was something special. I find a fair bit of rap music to be unpleasant, violent and misogynist. Not all of course by a long chalk. Very few have the social conscience and intelligence of this great man.