DJ Kool Herc, Gil Scott-Heron in Honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month & Honoring June as Black Music Month!

Clive Campbell AKA DJ Kool Herc

Known as the father of Hip Hop, Clive Campbell brought the world what we know today as rap,  a spirit of Jamaican music within Hip Hop.   Born April 16, 1955,  he says it all began when his father brought home a PA system and didn't know how to hook it up.  His sister later asked him to do a party for her, he ran out and got 20 records and put the party on.   Clive Campbell was born in Trench Town Jamaica later moving to Franklyn Town before moving to the Bronx, NY.   Growing up in Jamaica his musical influences were Prince Buster, Big Youth, The Skatalites, Don Drummond, Sir Coxone Dodd, and his father.  Jamaica was not devoid of American music and James Brown was one of his favorite artiste "thats who inspired me." 

Unfortunately, we have not given enough credit to the founders, the foundation of most of our music.  Clive Campbell deservers to be recognized as for me he blended my favorite sounds into one and gave the world Hip Hop.  I won't give my view on the state of Hip Hop as it stands today, but I will let you know there is excellent Hip Hop out and we should support the best.  Much of the best Hip Hop is an expanded form of poetry,  spoken word.   Black people are the first speakers on the planet and as such we have mastered the delivery.  Gil Scott-Heron is one of the masters of poetry

Giles "Gil" Scott-Heron

Born April 1, 1949, in Chicago, IL.  He lived his early life with his grand mother in Jackson, TN right ouside of the Home of the Blues, Memphis.  His father, Giles "Gil" Heron, was known as the "Black Arrow" a professional futbal (soccer) player from Jamaica.  His mother Bobbie Scott-Heron lived in the Bronx and sang in the New York Oratorial Society were he came to live upon the passing of his grand mother.  In 1974 he released "The Revolution will not be Televised" which became not only a hit recording but, a mantra that lives on until this day and can be heard on many Hip Hop recordings.  Gil Scott-Heron has written three books of poetry and has over 20 recordings including my favorite The Military and the Monetary, get together whenever they feel its necessary, they turn our brothers and sisters into mercenaries....

Black music influences the world today in all its many forms, and our Caribbean fam is a root that's just as influential  in Black American music as Black American music is in Caribbean music.    Black music is an expression of our culture to the world. 

Sources:

The Davey D Interview 1989

The Jamaica Observer

Wikipedia online

Comments

[hagar's daughter]

Ensayn !,
I've heard of Clive Campbell's contribution to hip hop, but had forgotten his name. I know a little of Gil Scott-Heron's work. but didn't know his roots were in the Caribbean.

I've never heard heard of Caribbean Heritage Month; maybe I've been under a rock or something. My great-grandfather was Jamaican I think. Nobody knows for certain and no one bothered to ask. I just know he had a strong accent especially when he got angry. I digress.

Music is so important; it helps to soothe our souls. I'm just having a hard time with what's being marketed as hip hop. I know you've told me before that hip hop isn't dead and I've taken your word on that. I've lost interest a very long time ago (since PE's Fight The Power) in what's being marketed today as hip hop. It bores me. Everyone wants to rap about money, murder, and mistreating women. What's that about?

[[Victor Amenta]]

HD, Thanks for coming by. I have a seriously long explanation as to what murder, money and woman hating is all about. Myself and a friend were talking about this same subject and naming off those still in the Hip Hop world that are still on the uplift for our people

[hagar's daughter]

Can you email me just a few of those positive artist. I want to check them out.
hagarsdaughters@gmail.com

Thanks

[blackwomenblowthetrumpet.blogspot.com]

Hello there!

I found out about your blog at HAGAR'S DAUGHTER BLOGSPOT!!

{waves}

I notice that she's been here already! *LOL*
Hi HG! (smiles)

Thank for mentioning Gil Scott Heron! He is still a phenomenal poet and I hope that he continues recording his work and that the younger crowd becomes more familiar with his classics!

{thumbs up}
Lisa


You are always welcome to drop by my blog and share as often as you'd like! The door is always open! (smile)

[BHC]

Ah Ensayn, you got me reminscing...Kool Herc was the man!

Gil Scott-Heron is an amazing poet, with an amazing flow!

"The revolution will not be televised.
The revolution will not be brought to you by Xerox
In 4 parts without commercial interruptions..."

Bless!
BHC

[[Victor Amenta]]

@HG, I will do that!

@BWBTT! Welcome and thanks for coming by and please come back again! I will surely come by your spot. Gil Scott-Heron is the man and should be recognized as a such, a poet.

@BHC, thanks for checking me here. The Revolution will not be Televised is so true. Just look at Iraq, almost invisible now, the same wouuld happen here if an open revolution were to take place.

[Blaqthought67]

Positive Artists: Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoah Monach, 9th Wonder, Lil Brother, KRSONE, Jurrassic Five, Blackthought and the Roots, etc,...the list goes on, just because you dont see them in videos doesnt mean they do not exists...if you are a TRUE fan of Hip Hop, you know they exists...like everything else, dont let the American media tear down what we have built.

[Lady Elix]

Check out his birthday tribute mix on Who’s that Lady Music Show blogspot. Share this link http://tinyurl.com/65zl9dz