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Dave Chappelle's Block Party

Enigmatic comedian hosts his dream concert, Michel Gondry documents it

By TOM MEEK | March 2, 2006

3.0 Stars

Dave Chappelle, who made millions doing his nasal shtick on Comedy Central and then enigmatically walked away, has spent his down time on a trip to Africa and on this low-budget documentary — directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), of all people — about the comedian’s effort to stage a free rap concert in the middle of a rundown Brooklyn neighborhood, just so folks can have a good time. The result is slick and invigorating. Chappelle has no difficulty sliding socio-political barbs about race and injustice in between gutbusters. The music from Kanye West, Mos Def, the Fugees, and Dead Prez is angry, infectious, and propelled by funk-soul ardor. And Chappelle comes off as humble and introspective as he entertains inner-city youth at a day-care center and during a trip back home to Dayton, where he invites old acquaintances and friends to the show including a chalk-white granny who accepts with glee.

Related: Shaggy frog, Connecting the dots, Sound and silence, More

Topics: Reviews , Entertainment, Hip-Hop and Rap, Music, More

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Watch the trailer for Dave Chappelle's Block Party (QuickTime)

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