Gil Scott-Heron, the poet and musician, died in New York City on Friday at age 62. Best known for searing, funny spoken-word songs like "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and "Whitey on the Moon" — tracks that would later be cited as important influences for generations of rappers — Scott-Heron also wrote two novels and three collections of poetry. His most recent album, I'm New Here, was released last year. It's terrific — as is nearly everything he released, in particular his collaborations with jazz musician Brian Jackson.

The New Yorker has made its 2010 profile of Scott-Heron, which discusses his struggles with substance abuse and his time in jail in the early 2000s, available for free.