‘Block
Party’ shows music, comedy for
social change
By
Lauren Williams
Online Forty-Niner
Assistant Opinion Editor
Dave Chappelle, Comedy Central’s famed funnyman, has made a career from
stand-up comedy and his role in the hit film “Half Baked.” However,
in his new documentary, “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party,” but
he demonstrates he has not only perfected the art of laughter, he also has
a passion for music and is concerned with the betterment of the disadvantaged,
urban community.
In his film, Chappelle hosts a free concert for the people of Brooklyn and
invites dozens of people from his hometown in Ohio to join in the festivities.
Chappelle even invited Ohio’s Central State University to kick off the
event and perform with some of the renowned musicians. Among the many spoken-word
hip-hop artists featured in the film were Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli,
Common, Dead Prez, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, the Roots, Cody ChesnuTT, Big Daddy
Kane and the reunited Fugees.
Also, throughout the film Chappelle travels around urban cities showing neglected
areas that are seldom shown in the media. As he visited these areas Chappelle
was shown chatting with hippies and other locals, driving through town announcing
his concert through a bullhorn.
Although the film featured destitute communities and other serious subject
matter, the film was extremely upbeat and comical, focusing on the positive
energy and inspiration the concert brought to the community.
Not only is this film a crafty combination of comedy and music, but also an
insight to a society often overlooked in the media. Instead of featuring artists
who have stereotyped black culture as merely consisting of flashy cars, this
movie gives a voice to underground artists who are often banned from the radio
for their controversial material.
Rather than singing about trivial, material possessions the way many mainstream
hip-hoppers do, the musicians featured in this film sing about the plight of
underprivileged minorities or spiritual change that is both uplifting and inspirational.
Regardless of its cultural overtones this film is incredibly entertaining and
absolutely hilarious and should be watched just to see Chappelle get demolished
while verbally dueling an audience member on stage.
Music lovers of all genres
can appreciate the powerful words of the performers and Chappelle fans will
enjoy the new skits and stand-up material.
“
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” will be released in theater March
3 and should be seen by anyone who likes to laugh or listen to good music.
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