Eminem, Usher, Cee Lo Green Share Their Reactions to Gil Scott-Heron's Death

By Christine Fenno Posted May 28th 2011 01:33PM

Cee Lo Green heard the news and proclaimed, "Rest in peace to the GOD" while comic Sarah Silverman remembered a man who "mirrored ugliness with beauty, audacity & valor."

Gil Scott-Heron, 62, the pioneering author and musician known by many as "the godfather of rap" passed away Friday, according to the New York Times.

As a young man, the Chicago native was one of the first the recording artists signed by legendary producer Clive Davis when the Arista label was being launched. But the onetime prodigy's life grew tragic, plagued by crack addiction. He allegedly fell ill following a recent trip abroad, entering a Manhattan hospital where he died.

The artist's death moved famous fans of his protest-poetry work -- including 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,' the 1970 track sampled by both Kanye West and Tupac Shakur -- to tweet their respects and praise his contribution to the music industry.

Eminem posted the message, "RIP Gil Scott-Heron. He influenced all of hip-hop."

Usher told Twitter followers, "I just learned of the loss of a very important poet...R.I.P. Gil Scott Heron. 'The revolution will be live!!'"

Snoop Dogg shared the tweet, "RIP to 1 of tha greats, gil scott heron."

Chuck D of Public Enemy wrote, "RIP GSH..And we do what we do and how we do because of you. And to those that don't know, tip your hat with a hand over your heart & recognize"

Lupe Fiasco heard the news and said, "Awww man...sad day...RIP Gil-Scot Heron...May God have mercy on your soul!"

Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore tweeted, "R.I.P. Gil Scott-Heron. He gave us 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' & 'We Almost Lost Detroit.' And, in essence, he gave us hip-hop."

TV writer and 'Community' star Donald Glover posted the simple tribute, "You will be missed Mr. Gil Scott-Heron."

Tags: eminem, gil scott-heron, usher

Comments

(25)

Sunday 29 May

By Paul

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Why would rap or hip hop be considered an art form? Most of the juvenile so called poetry is garbage,the so called(artists) (gag) are non talented bums since the musical part of this gibberish (if you must call it music) is pathetic at best,sounds more like background noise at a recycling plant.I say he won't be missed by anyone with a brain.

By Benwa

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Glad to see all these "celebrities," especially fat man Moore were there to help Mr. Scott-Heron deal with his addiction demons. Their public platitues expose their true agenda (publicity, publicity, publicity). I never heard of Mr. Scott-Heron (I'm 53 and white)but it appears that he was a talented man. Hope his demons go back to where they came from and he finds solitude.

By pwilli1465

Good riddance.

By rtatum3480

I had the pleasure of meeting and filling in on stage with Gil-Scott Heron in the early days of the 1970's. I was more than a fan, a friend. The title of his latest album "I'm New Here", says a lot about his struggles in life. The song "Me and the Devil" is telling you and me, what is going on with him. If you will just listen to the lyrics very closely, you will hear of him realizing the time is near. We have all lost the poetry in his music. Rest on Gil-Scott Heron!

Monday 30 May

By gypsy

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Sad day for music lovers. He was one of the greatest of all time! And no Men like him don't die everyday.

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