The revolution will not televised, it will be a footnote at the bottom of the page. So stands the sonic legacy of Gil Scott-Heron in the eyes of the many.

Scott-Heron’s 1979 blazing anthem for black power The Revolution Will Not Be Televised is undoubtedly an innovative three minute masterpiece; proto hip-hop grooves and funky flute collide allowing Gil to rap his message loud, black and proud. Gil Scott-Heron is much much more than a solitary protest song however.

His career has rolled and tumbled through thirty years of melancholy, rage and righteousness, underpinned by an evolving sonic palette and a sackful of elegant tunes. His fifteen plus studio albums have rarely been recognised by the music establishment however. Recently released from another troubling prison-term perhaps the elder statesman of rap can break off the shackles of 'Revolution' and deliver us the record that finally gives him some long overdue celebration.

Alex Wilson

Posted In They Shoulda Been Huge, Sep 10 2008.