Gil Scott-Heron (Considered The Father of Rap) Dies at 62

Gil Scott-Heron, a spoken-word artist and musician whose early '70s work helped lay the foundation for rap, died in a New York City hospital on Friday. He was 62 years old. Scott-Heron made a huge impact with his 1970 song "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," but later struggled with severe drug addiction that often sidetracked his career.

Numerous hip-hop stars tweeted their admiration for Scott-Heron, including:

• Public Enemy's Chuck D, who wrote: "We do what we do and how we do because of you."
• Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah, who wrote: "Salute Gil Scott-Heron for his wisdom and poetry! May he rest in paradise."
• Cee-Lo Green, who wrote: "Rest in Peace to the God Gil Scott."
• Eminem, who wrote: "RIP Gil Scott-Heron. He influenced all of hip-hop."

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