http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13582880 I think Michael Franti sums up Gil very well ... Scott-Heron's talent was his ability to "make us think about the world in a different way". He would make listeners "laugh hysterically about the ironies of American culture, anger at the hypocrisy of our political system, all to a beat that kept us on the dance floor, with a voice and flow that kept you waiting with anticipation for the next phrase".
rip to a seminal artist for sure. right up to last year's "i'm new here" and the excellent re-work by jamie xx the revolution lives on..