Gil Scott-Heron has died at the age of 62.
The musician passed away yesterday afternoon at a hospital in New York, according to Lisa Gottheil, his publicist at XL Recordings.
It is not currently clear how he died, although some reports suggest that he became ill following a trip to Europe.
A poet and author, Scott-Heron rose to fame with his socially conscious spoken word pieces and music in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He blended jazz, blues and soul in his work and is widely considered to have been an influence to contemporary rap and hip-hop artists.
Eminem wrote on Twitter: "RIP Gil Scott-Heron. He influenced all of hip-hop."
Cee Lo Green said: "Rest in peace to the GOD GIL SCOTT," and Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe wrote: "Can't find the right words to properly honour the late great Gil Scott-Heron so I'll just say thank you. GSH RIP."
His 2010 album
I'm New Here, his first release in 16 years, introduced him to a new audience and was recently remixed by Jamie Smith of The xx.
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