There are once in a generation-artists, and then there’s Dave Chappelle. His meteoric rise, fall, and then rise again is like watching a real-life version of Rocky III. His articulate blend of thought provoking, ridiculously observant nuances and unparalleled timing has made him the epitome of the word icon. He once claimed to have never been beaten up as a kid because quote “I’m Hilarious…” He’s absolutely right. From playing Ahchoo in “Robinhood: Men in Tights” to “Killing Them Softly” with Chip, accepting the Mark Twain Award and convincing Aziz Ansari to not get any sleep. He’s hilarious.
I was 22 when “Chappelle Show” was at the absolute pinnacle. People could be heard everywhere audibly imitating the previous night’s episodes with laughter always following. Every Thursday night felt like the start of the weekend because of that show. From Prince to Rick James to Lil Jon, the characters were endlessly funny. I truly believe the only thing underrated about this opus, was the musical performances that accompanied each episode.
In a perfect column of time and space, the ascension of his show ran parallel to the hip-hop world and it’s rise to power in not only the music industry, but American culture as a whole. Kanye West, before he was off the chain. DMX, spitting a ridiculous three song set in a parking garage. Mos Def methodically ripping his latest track “The Edge” as Chappelle drives him around in NYC. John Mayer assisting Dave in providing musical evidence that the racial stereotypes in America still exist… but we all love “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn”. Dave created his own version of “The Beatles” on “The Ed Sullivan Show” every week purely based on who he was friends with. The result was a big-bang level of unbelievable performances, by ridiculously talented artists.
Dave’s passion for music would carry well past the show as was seen in his 5th symphony “Block Party”. Jay-Z, The Fugees, Kanye, The Roots…. Seriously…do you really not want to catch that spectacle of greatness? His work with the Duke Ellington School of the Arts is impactful in infinite ways in the shaping of American urban arts progression. The opportunities he’s providing will someday grace his insane resume of credits in the form of future artists. Most recently he decided to assist his friend Bradley Cooper in a movie that was nominated for best picture. Chappelle stole the movie in one scene, as acknowledged by Cooper demonstrating not only how versatile he was as an artist, but also encompassed his ability to reach all audiences in just a few moments and words.
The constant evolution and revolutions of Dave Chappelle’s career, and how it has influenced pop culture is incredible. His flawless taste and innate ability to know what the dope shit was, combined with a national platform and extremely large microphone will forever be engraved in music history as a legend who never learned to play an instrument.
Dave Chappelle’s Immaculate Setlist
- Mos Def- The Edge
- The Roots- The Mic
- Wyclef Jean- If I was President
- DMX-Ruff Ryder’s Anthem, What’s My Name
- Ludacris- Stand Up
- Cee-Lo Green- Call Me
- Common feat. Kanye West- The Food
- Outkast-Rooster
- John Legend- Around My Way
- Prince- Charlie Murphy True Hollywood Stories
- Rick James- Charlie Murphy True Hollywood Stories
- Puff-Daddy- Making the Band
- Lil Jon- A Moment in the Life
- John Mayer- What Makes White People Dance?
The Modern Renaissance Man 
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