Part 2 of The deconstruction and celebration of Mr. Gil Scott-Heron

Gilbert "Gil" Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011)

 Mr. Scott-Heron established much of the attitude and the stylistic vocabulary that would characterize the socially conscious work of early rap groups like Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions. And he has remained part of the DNA of hip-hop by being sampled by stars like Kanye West.

Working with a college friend, Brian Jackson, Mr. Scott-Heron turned to music . He recorded 13 albums from 1970 to 1982, and was one of the first acts that the music executive Clive Davis signed after starting Arista Records in 1974. In 1979, Mr. Scott-Heron performed at Musicians United for Safe Energy’s “No Nukes” benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden, and in 1985, he appeared on the all-star anti-apartheid album “Sun City.

His music was powerful, lyrics were relevant and his voice beautiful. LaNita Duke will start a year in review, local political and national political commentary, and a music goodbye to President Barrack Obama; Musical  analysis will be provided by Art Historian Dianne Johnson