Last night on UK bbc2 there was a program about stand up comedy in America, this week it was focusing on the 90s and in particular the influence of 'black' comedy. While watching it I had a thought that the comedy of the early 90's may have had a large influence on Prince's music of the time.

Two things made me think of Prince, firstly they were interviewing that journalist that I've often seen being interviewed about Prince's influence on black culture, I think his name is Nelson George? Secondly, they did a bit on the Def Jam Comedy Nights tv shows (never heard of it over here in the UK) where for the first time black comedians had the chance to let loose and swear, etc. about black street culture. At the start of 'Pope' there's a sample that goes: "You don't understand, I ain't afraid of you motherf***ers" and they showed the comedian (can't remember his name) doing that line on this show. Always wondered where that came from.

Plus, they did a bit about a tv show Chris Rock did, where famously he focused on the difference between black culture and 'niggers'. Around this time, if you listen to Prince's music, he started swearing a lot and going on about 'niggers' all the time, especially on 'Exodus' so maybe he was directly influenced by all this?

Also there was a bit about The Original Kings of Comedy tour, the highest grossing comedy tour ever, which featured 4 oldish black comedians that the mainstream had never really heard of. They dressed in big old style mafia-esque suits, about this time Prince started his 'ganster glam' look in big bright suits.

Not being in America, this was the first time I'd heard about this substantial shift in the mainstream popularisation of black culture. I've never heard anyone make the link between the comedy of the time and Prince's music, what do you all think?

metalorange said:

I missed this but from what you say, it certainly seems to makes sense. Perhaps, some of our US followers can contribute? Let's hope maxxx will weigh in with his 'Prince wanting to be hip with Black culture' theory.

mawnin, dahlings!

lemme add my bit about this subject, cuz this is pretty interestin:

before i start, the "i ain't scared of..." sample on "pope" wuz from bernie mac. anyway, i think that p wuz kinna-sorta influenced by african-american comedians but 2 a point. p has a wicked sense of humor himself as well.

mine!!!

on last week's episode they used Sexy MF and Controversy on the end credits

Was this the presented by a guy called Mark Lamarr?

If so it is a big series about USA cultural influences, maybe even black cultural influences but don't quote me on that one; regardless Prince is unlikely to get a hearing as Mark Lamarr has gone on record manay a time in the press, radio and TV shows where he gets to review records as someone along with Keith Richards who think Prince is over rated.

On both counts I believe it is sour grapes /jealousy more than anything - but hey different strokes for different folks.

metalorange said:

Of course names like Richard Pryor etc influenced P's humour and culture in general.

I hadn't seen Bernie Mac's standup act before so was cool to see the "pope" line in action. I knew who he was though from films etc.

Heard Sexy Mf and Controversy on the week before also.