One of my dad’s favorite anecdotes was to give people flowers when they could still smell them. In honor of my dad’s 62nd birthday I decided to give some flowers to one of the great geniuses of African American expression. GIL SCOT-HERON is a consummate artist. He was an accomplished author before he even published music, and we all know his mighty poetic artistry is what has come to define the spoken word genre.
I should give credit to the Giant Step and Lyricist Lounge families that introduced me to GIL SCOT-HERON and another giant genius, JOHN COLTRANE. It was at dank, tiny club in New York City called S.O.B.’s that I saw GIL SCOT-HERON perform live. The pain and relevance contained in his lyrics was so readily apparent on his face. It was almost as if GIL wouldn’t be able to complete his set. He seemed ready to just be overcome with emotion and keel over. When GIL SCOT-HERON spoke of the demons that chased the junkie into oblivion you knew he WAS that addict and he was holding on for dear life.
In 2006, GIL announced that he was HIV positive even as he still struggled with heroin addiction. I appreciate GIL SCOT-HERON for being the messenger from GOD for me that ODB was as well as ‘TRANE and BILLIE HOLIDAY were. Look past the drugs and the alcohol and the substances that they were given to dilute their message. They were representatives of love. When I am loving someone that is where I find GOD everytime. GOD has already blessed GIL SCOT-HERON. When you find some love today give thanks for your blessings.
Message To The Messengers
Home Is Where The Hatred Is
Lady Day
We Almost Lost Detroit
Or Down You Fall
The Revolution Will Not be Televised
The Bottle
Home Is Where The Hatred Is….Thats my joint. Got to dig in them crates at home and just vibe out when I get the chance.
Home where the Hatred is my shit. Common version is too
Great post Dallas. Yo man check out some 90s R&B tracks in the last post in my blog. Let me know what you think.
^^ Actually it was Kanye’s, but Common’s verse was too ill on that track
Gil Scott is truly an unparalleled artist. Ain’t no father to his style, well with the exception of H. Rap Brown but I never heard him flow to any beat or smooth rhythms and he doesn’t have a significant catalog that can touch Heron’s. Gil was definitely real when it came to his art and words.
I still bump Heron. I just have to put him and some Lost Poets cuts on the ‘puter and iPod.
Hey D, peep the unauthorized DP remix!!
Haha, good looking Billy. This some real shit right here. I been wanting to get into this dude for a while now but I neva got around to it. His style is dope, but his influence is so universal I feel like I already heard his stuff just by listening to all the Natives Tounge backpack stuff. But I gota give props to him for doing his thing, and props to you for representing.
Excellent Post DP!!!!
that Lady Day/John Coltrane song is a beast. And so is Pieces of a man. Oh, and Whitey on the Moon.
“But Whitey’s on the moon…” is a great way to end any complaint.
Man, my I-pod battery died today….but whitey’s on the moon.
I got water in my ice cube tray…. but whiteys on the moon.
Every time I listen to “The Bottle” I get chills as to how that song was prophetic about dude’s life.
Favorite Gil Scott Heron song of all time-Your Daddy Loves You! He’s dedicated it to me numerous times in concert as he’s an old friend of the family. I have baby pictures rocking my baby afro with him…we go waaaay back.
Winter in America is the everlasting truth!
Gil Scott Heron-An artist-poet-truth teller-amazing human being, inspiration to me and thousands more. His last album “Spirits” should have been hailed as the album of the decade. Everything he ever touched kicks you in the balls. When I met him he greeted me with love and signed my book for me. Meeting him was like when I met my other hero Gordon Parks I felt like I was dreaming. God Bless Gil Scott Heron and the best way to salute him is to go out and buy all his albums, let the world know the power and beauty of this man.
Respectfully, Ernie Paniccioli
author of “Who Shot Ya?”
What a great artist to spotlight. Some of these younguns need to do their homework and peep the originators. he is unparalleled in both style, delivery and message. And may your Dad rest in peace.
To Billy aka WIlliam H. ………so I tried to listen to the UGK today thoroughly while Working and I had to fucking stop it, by the way is Pimp C the ultimate cusser on wax. Hot Damn Pimp I know you are the god of Direction,Geography and your Topography game is on point but mix in an adjective that isnt the word Bitch or Fag.
*proceeds to bump 80’s Freestyles volume 1*
*pause*
fwd – did you guys here about this douche ReThuglican Bob Allen? Perhaps the greatest self-ethering in human history
http://elgringocolombiano.blogspot.com/2007/08/fl-state-rep-bob-allen-epic-self.html
^”hear about”. No dee dee dee.
got this joint on my e-mail…
“What up Dallas,
Thank you for putting these cats on Gil Scott Heron. “We Almost Lost Detroit” is like my favorite song, I did my research (asked my pops) and he told the story behind that song. The nuclear power plant scare in ’79. My pops said that was crazy as hell…and he did say They really almost lost Detroit. Good shit though, Gil Scott Heron is a revolutionary and a real nigga, like a real hardbody nigga. Lol peace homie”
Shit like that helps me stay on this blog grizzly 4 reala.
One of the Greats. Props DP.