GIL.

Big Brotha Gil reshaped my approach to both musical and poetic works of art when I was a teen, & he continues to inspire much of what I create today... Thank you and Happy Birthday to the original Chairman of the Vibeosphere, Mr. Gil Scott-Heron.

GIL SCOTT HERON.

This old dude inspired me as both a writer and performer, and helped to teach me how speak creatively of my struggle as a Blac artist, a Blac man, and a Blac American.

I can't count the number of times I played "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and "Pieces Of A Man" on vinyl, cassette, and compact disc in my wonder years, mesmerized by the voice, emotion, and astral projection that Gil injected into my psyche with aged words of wisdom.

I have admittedly emulated, and respectfully imitated him over more than a short period of my coming of age as a writer and a musician, and I would not be where I am if not for the powerful words of Gil Scott-Heron.

Rest In Poetry, godfather.