In 2001, during the early days of Napster and 4 GB hard drives, I downloaded a mysterious audilo file. It was a jazzy piece of hip-hop floetry called “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” written and spoken by a guy named Gil Scott Herren. I found it again — this time on YouTube, and this time, with some nice visuals to accompany it. Check it out.
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Kevan Gilbert is a life-size replica of a 5'8" tall human being, and comes with several interchangeable outfits and a realistic haircut. In the daytime hours, Kevan works as a Project Manager at Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission. When he’s not spending time with his beautiful wife Kendra in their hometown of Burnaby, BC, Kevan is available to meet, chat and collaborate.
Hey ke-van!
I really apreciated the words, it was great encouragement to keep going and know that I am on the right track. I don’t think you were off base at all (hope not!). Thanks friend.
So the revolution was televised after all?
My english teacher played this for us in my grade 12 english class, and I thought that he probably donned the beret he often wore and listened to it with his eyes closed in his desk chair during his spares.
I love Gil Scott Herren. He’s, like, a huge inspiration for Public Enemy, Saul Williams, and a slough of other black reformers.
His stuff has aged quite unbeautifully, though.
Kiki: You’re welcome!
Thomas: More like…webalized. And yeah, it does have that posturing beat poet flavour to it, doesn’t it?
Harrison: By “unbeautifully,” are you suggesting that Herren’s references to Scag, Xerox, Nixon, Hog Maws and Steve McQueen aren’t current? Oh come onnn…