Gil Scott-Heron

The 1971 classic "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," is probably the cornerstone of Gil Scott-Heron's recording career. The unique mix of politically charged spoken word and pre-rap lyrical rhyming set the stage for several urban artists who would evoke similar traits in their music 10 years later - calling it rap. After spending two years in jail for drug possession in 2001 and going through rehab upon his release, Heron began refocusing on his career and dabbled in the electronica field. Despite fans' wariness in hearing his next album would incorporate this new genre, it was a pleasant surprise and a tremendous success, marking Heron as an artist capable of immense diversity. Though he's primarily known for his spoken word/jazz fusion music, there is no denying the influence Heron has has on countless musicians, many of whom have directly imitated his style.