Gil Scott-Heron, known as “the godfather of rap” , who is also a poet, musician and author, died at a New York City hospital on Friday, local media reported.

The 62-year-old passed away at a New York City hospital after getting sick upon returning from Europe, CBS News reported.

Gil Scott-Heron was best known for his 1974 compilation album, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,. Scott-Heron recorded more than a dozen albums with jazz and funk legend Brian Jackson and also wrote several books.

Scott-Heron was born on April 1, 1949 in Chicago and was raised in Jackson. His spoken word pieces in the 1970s influenced hip hop and neo soul. His music was a blending of poetry and politics. All his lyrics, often associated with black militant activism, were full of social and political themes.

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