A private memorial service to celebrate the life of legendary poet / musician Gil Scott-Heron took place at Harlem's Riverside Church last night (Jun. 2). Nearly 300 friends and family members gathered to pay tribute to the man often credited with being the "Godfather of Rap."
Scott-Heron died on May 27, after contracting an illness on a recent European vacation.
At the service Gil's 31-year-old daughter, Gia, performed some of her own poetry to "honor and celebrate" her father.
She said in her poem: "But because he was before his time, and because time is unfair, we weren't even aware that his time was up. But time can never diminish the bonds of unconditional love. So though your demise is publicized, this new revolution will be televised."
Rap star Kanye West appeared at the memorial service and closed out the tribute with his song "Lost in the World," which sampled Gil Scott-Heron's recorded poem "Comment #1." You can hear the studio version of the song to your left. NBC called the performance "a tastefully censored rendition." Kanye was dressed in black, wore a pair of dark sunglasses, and hugged members of Scott-Heron's family at the end of the service.
Gil's book publisher, Jamie Byng, told Nydailynews.com: "Gil would have really loved it. I thought it was a beautiful service. It was a celebration and also a tribute. We all wanted to hear his voice." There will be a public viewing tonight from 6-9 p.m. at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home at 81st Street and Madison Avenue.
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