Gil Scott-Heron dies at 62 – Top 5 tracks that pay Hip-Hop homage to the Godfather of rap

The world has lost a true artist, poet and social critic. Gil Scott-Heron, famous for penning The Revolution will not be Televised and Winter in America amongst others, passed away aged 62 in Manhattan.

During the 1970s Gil was a prominent voice in the black protest culture and his poetry and music influenced a generation of artists.

His albums are often cited as a pre-cursor to hip-hop, despite the Windy City native shying away from the ‘Godfather of Rap’ label that was sometimes bestowed upon him. Despite his reluctance he was as influential to rappers, like Mos Def and Common, as Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters were to Clapton and Keith Richards.

In tribute to the late, great Mr Heron, Purple Revolver has compiled our top five Gil sampling Hip-Hop tracks;

5. Mos Def – Mr Nigga

Sampling Legend in his own Mind (1980).

4. Game – Angel

Sampling Angel Dust (1978).

3. Kanye West Feat. Bon Iver – Lost in the World

Sampling Comment #1 (1970).

2. Common – 6th Sense

Sampling The Revolution will not be Televised (1970).

1. Black Star – Brown Skin Lady

Sampling We Almost Lost Detroit (1977).