holysoul:

Etta James Cry Me A River

propers to awordoraline

tuneage:

Gil Scott-Heron - “Winter In America” (Live)

It’s with heavy hearts that music fans bring in this long weekend - we just lost one of the most unique and influential voices of the last 40 years: Gil Scott-Heron. The poet, R & B artist, and hip-hop godfather was 62. In the 70’s, his blend of spoken-word soul covered issues of race, city life, politics. His wasn’t just a topical style though - his voice was nuanced. His classics include “We Almost Lost Detroit,” which dealt with the partial meltdown of a nuclear reactor in Detroit and “Home is Where the Hatred is,” a impassioned cry from the oppressive inner-city. While he wasn’t always fond of hip-hop’s direction, his influence - implicit or explicit - is undeniable, most notably with his prototypical socially critical rap. Younger fans of contemporary hip-hop might recognize some of his music too, sampled by the likes of Kanye West, Mos Def and Talib Kweli, Blackalicious, and a many more.

In 2010, he released the critically lauded I’m New Here, his first album of new material since 1994. Unfortunately, the resurgence in Scott-Heron’s career and, most importantly, his life, has come to a premature end. As summer season dawns, we remember one of the best who ever did it. Rest in Power.

officialbeastieboys:

Gil Scott-Heron R.I.P.