Gil Scott-Heron Lives On in Drake's "Take Care" featuring Rihanna

The genius of Gil Scott-Heron lives on in an extraordinary sample

Drake’s latest single "Take Care" featuring Rihanna does in fact contain a sample from legendary poet, singer and spoken word artist Gil Scott-Heron. That much you may know or recognize if you've listened to the song, but if you thought the sample came from some of his earlier work in the 1970's, you would be mistaken. Scott-Heron who passed away in May of 2011, released his final studio album "I’m New Here" in 2010 after a 16 year hiatus. The sample itself is taken from the remix of his last album.

The young English producer Jamie xx of the alternative band the xx had taken on the task of remixing every song from Gil-Scott Heron's final album into dance alternative club tracks. The album was released about a year ago to critical acclaim before Scott-Heron died. Based on Jamie xx's work with his own band and other production in the UK including most likely the Scott-Heron remix, Drake announced that he would work with the English producer on his second album in 2011. Good move on his part.

The song currently playing on contemporary pop, rhythmic and urban radio throughout the U.S. is now an international crossover dance pop hit. All and all you have to come to the conclusion that the Scott-Heron's vocals lends a stunningly wonderful bridge to the hit song. Therefore we feel some of the song's acclaim should be directed toward the man who is referred to as the Godfather of Hip Hop. Any way it's good to know the genius of Gil Scott-Heron through his gruff, distinguished, and distinctive vocals lives on.

Below is Drake's 'Take Care' with Scott-Heron's sample at the 3:15 mark along with the two versions of 'I'll Take Care Of  You (U)'.