Legendary poet, musician and author Gil Scott Heron has passed away this afternoon after being hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. Heron is often referred to as the "Godrather of Rap." His spoken word tracks paved the way for what would later be known as hip-hop. Heron struggled for decades with addiction and was released from prison in 2003 after serving a two year sentence for cocaine possession.

Heron's biggest claim to fame was his 1974 compilation album, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."  

You will not be able to stay home, brother.
You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out.
You will not be able to lose yourself on skag and skip,
Skip out for beer during commercials,
Because the revolution will not be televised.

R.I.P.