Gil Scott-Heron

Gil Scott-Heron is well-known as a spoken word soul performer and his collaboration with Brian Jackson in the 1970s, saw a fusion of spoken word, blues, jazz and soul which provided one of the main influences for Hip-Hop and Neo Soul. Gil Scott-Heron's lyrics often reflected the social and political issues and it can be seen in tracks such as 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' and 'Message To The Messengers'. The track, 'Message To The Messengers', was meant as a wake-up call to the rap artistes then, whom Gil Scott-Heron felt could do more by talking about change rather than to propagate certain social perceptions. Due to his lyrical skills and style, he is widely regarded by many as the Legendary Godfather of Rap.

After 16 years of personal troubles and run-ins with the law, early last month, the legendary Gill-Scott Heron, released his latest album entitled 'I'm New Here'. I was pretty surprised by it. I was expecting a jazz, soul or blues-sounding record from him but there are deviations from his usual genres on this album. His tracks are a mix of spoken word and soulful crooning, delivered in a (evidently older but good) deeper and huskier voice, over a plethora of blues, folk and electronica beats. I must say, I was very impressed when I first heard it. It seems that his new album is a reflection of his life, with interludes about his family background, between tracks. His lyrical depth is served with a (hypnotic and infectious) voice heavy with emotions and soul, so much so that I could feel it in my bones.

Although the album was not exactly what I had expected, I was not disappointed by what I heard. In fact I was intrigued, as an album with so much depth, is something which is a rarity in the music industry these days.

P.S.: I was blown away when I heard 'Your Soul And Mine'. The lyrics has a certain hauntingly good quality to it and works in perfect tandem with the music, which provides the track its driving force.

Gil Scott-Heron - Me And The Devil / Your Soul And Mine



Gil Scott-Heron - New York Is Killing Me