Hip-hop trailblazer Gil Scott-Heron books Tel Aviv show
By Noya Kochavi

Rap pioneer Gil Scott-Heron is to come to Israel for one performance on May 25 in Tel Aviv’s Barbie club.

Known primarily for his late 1970s and early 1980s work, Scott-Heron’s recording work is often associated with black militant activism and has received much critical acclaim for one of his most well-known compositions “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” in 1971.

The protest text he recites in the song became one of the first rap-style recordings, helping to engender later African-American music such as hip hop and neo soul.

The 64-year-old American poet, musician and author, who has been described by music writers as the “godfather of rap” and “the black Bob Dylan,” has continued castigating culture and politics even as rap and hip hop have become mainstream and moved away from activism. His style nods at various genres such as punk, soul and acid jazz.

His latest and 13th album, “I’m new here,” was released in February 2010 on the independent lable XL Recordings. This is Scott-Heron’s first new release in 16 years, during which the artist battled with drug addiction and served a prison sentence for cocaine possession.

The highly-acclaimed new album, dealing with Scott-Heron’s childhood and other personal issues, is marked with a minimalist electronic vibe brought to the production by producer Richard Russel.

The first 100 tickets will be sold for NIS 149, after which the price will be raised to NIS 179.