1. Gil Scott-Heron – ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’ (1971)
‘This is his most famous song and he’s someone I would consider – alongside The Last Poets and The Watts Prophets – the founding father of modern MC-ing. I feel like his impact and influence is very much still with us and that song laid the gauntlet for what the role of the MC could be at its best; in terms of speaking truths, participating actively in revolutionary struggle and change, and working in the sense of the community. I think that song summed it all up, with a healthy dose of political irony, satire, great lyrics… It’s just incredible.