A lot of people my age don't truly appreciate the comedic genius of Dave Chapelle. After watching a few stand-up specials and the first two seasons of The Chapelle Show, I was convinced that this guy was perhaps the greatest comedian of my generation. People always talk about Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy and as a comedy buff I did take the time to go back and listen to their material. While both are hilarious they didn't quite stick with me like Dave Chapelle, here's why.
1. Dave Chapelle doesn't hold his tongue.
Chapelle's show on Comedy Central didn't become their greatest show by accident. The show was edgy and touched political issues as well as issues within the African American community that many people wouldn't dare to delve into. The man made the uncomfortable topics funny and made people think by pushing the envelope. Many people never understood the humor sadly and missed out on some gems dropped by him in the early 2000's.
2. Dave Chapelle appealed to different demographics.
Arie Spears once said that Key and Peele were not accepted by the African American community because they don't have that "black aura" to them. Dave Chapelle was fully accepted in the black community while still gaining a cult following from all demographics.
3. Chapelle is Diverse
The range of topics and the new jokes by the comedian truly sets him apart from most. The show truly highlighted the creative genius and the limits pushed. Some of the most memorable skits such as the Race Draft, the Niggar Family, The Black (White Supremacist), and one looking into if the internet were like real life proved to be both prophetic and real. Chapelle still has morals which I truly respect as he would not be subjected to certain demeaning roles which led to the ending of the show.
Nevertheless, Chapelle will forever be on that Mount Rushmore of top comedians period, because of what he does for comedy, his community, and humanity. The charitable works that he has done for different communities and children will go unnoticed, but I truly believe it's all about what you do when no one is watching. We would never have these moments from him, hilarious skits, and life lessons if it weren't for the behind the scenes work.
