Category: Eddie Murphy

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How Richard Pryor Set The World On Fire

BY: GURU JAY
Photo By: Wikimedia Commons
Do you watch the Laugh Factory? Right after a hard day of literally working at the factory, how about watching comedians perform at the Laugh Factory? Richard Pryor was a foreman at the Laugh Factory. He could make standup comics out of clay in the same way Henry Ford made Mustangs out of steel.
Mike Epps and Tracy Morgan owe Richard Pryor’s legacy a fortune. Would there even be an “Eddie Murphy” without Richard Pryor? Did you know Saturday Night Live wanted Pryor as their inaugural host but executives feared the worse? That’s why George Carlin was chosen.
What’s so funny? Everything was a laughing matter with Richard Pryor. The comedy legend made sure his audience was having fun. Pryor is called the best because being funny was his calling. And he was the crème de la crème.
Now you see Steve Harvey doing his thing and it’s all good. What’s more, he doesn’t have a problem saying Richard paved the way for him. Jerry Seinfeld said Richard Pryor was the “Picasso of our profession.” No matter how great a comedian gets, he must acknowledge the great ones.
Have you seen Which Way Is Up, Brewster’s Millions, and Harlem Nights? Richard Pryor movies (and especially his standup specials) must be consumed on an empty stomach. With Pryor laughter comes from the gut. The comedian addressed the most controversial topics all while keeping his cool. His comedy worked because he wasn’t confrontational but observational. Plus, all types of women fell dangerously in love with him.
What was Richard Pryor’s secret to success? He understood people. We cannot overemphasize the importance of interpersonal communication. Pryor knew how to use the right word at the right time, what was better left unsaid, and how to make you feel special.
I’ve seen every Richard Pryor Show episode. Moreover, I can’t go a month’s time without his comedy. Check out Car Wash for a throwback.
Final thought, Richard Pryor almost died after setting himself on fire. Ironically, this same man set the world on fire too! How did he do it? It was an inside job.
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Who’s Laughing? Dave Chappelle, Marlon Wayans, and Nick Cannon

BY: GURU JAY


Previously, I asked who’s wilder and crazier than Russell Brand. Let’s begin with Dave Chappelle. Have you seen Chappelle’s Show? Maybe, you’re like me and have watched every episode.
In one episode, Dave loses a movie role to Nick Cannon (who I will discuss later). It was extremely wild and crazy. Who remembers Wayne Brady’s notable appearances on that TV show? 
I first learned about Chappelle’s Show in high school. The show had just started, and my math teacher kept saying, “I’m Rick James, bitch!” In addition, Chappelle is widely known for his portrayal of Prince.
I believe Dave Chappelle is the funniest standup comic in history. Most people acknowledge Richard Pryor as the most iconic comedian. Without question, all great standups borrow from Pryor. 
I’m not knocking Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, or Katt Williams. I study comedy and the people I’ve mentioned are professors. Everybody should appreciate a variety of selections.

Also, we must acknowledge madman Marlon Wayans. The Wayans Brothers sitcom was a classic. Shout out to John Witherspoon.
Marlon Wayans is one of the wildest and craziest comedians in show business. A Haunted House 2 is out of control. When we went to see it, every jaw in the theater dropped. This guy makes thugs with mean mugs crack smiles. He’s off the wall.
No one has a more hilarious Twitter page than Marlon Wayans. That’s why I retweet him often. Plus, he has tweeted over 61,000 times.
Last but not least, Nick Cannon deserves recognition for Wild ‘N Out, America’s Got Talent, and Drumline. Did you know Nick is on radio too? How does he get any sleep?

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Moreover, I recommend watching his Showtime specials.
The versatile Nick Cannon is similar to Jamie Foxx. Like Foxx, Cannon has used TV, radio, movie, and Internet platforms to market his brand. While it may seem that he is grandpa’s age, he is actually only 35 years old.
Nick Cannon and Dave Chappelle star in a new “Spike Lee Joint” called Chi-Raq. Samuel L. Jackson (Not Laurence Fishburne) narrates the movie. It debuts December 4th. 
Who’s laughing?

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Jay Z, 80s Entertainment, and Money

BY: GURU JAY

80s Entertainment

Enter into my time machine. Let’s enjoy 80s entertainment. The world was so much different and so much the same as now.
Music reached a creative climax around 1988. Movies saw a boost from graphics and special effects with Star Wars and Disney films. Although there was a recession, musicians like Michael Jackson and Madonna, and movie stars such as: Clint Eastwood and Eddie Murphy thrived as the entertainment business boomed.
Did you know President Ronald Reagan was an actor before becoming Governor of California and Leader of the Free World? Plus, radio and television entertained millions before the World Wide Web ever existed. It was a much simpler time.
Kids were bullied the old fashioned way. There was no such thing as SnapChat. They had pagers or beepers back then. You actually called people on their home phone lines.
Nowadays text and email make communicating impersonal. Online bullies hide behind supposed anonymity and avatars. Still, my iPhone and your Android is kind of awesome.

Jay Z

Defy odds by taking chances. Look at Oprah. A few years ago, Oprah launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) with Discovery Communications as a partner. She gambled and thankfully OWN is profitable.
The first program I watched on this network was Master Class. The guest was none other than Jay Z. Without Jay Z, I doubt Kanye West would have a great rap career. With Jay Z, Kanye West’s status elevated.
People attribute Jay Z to a rags to riches success story. I own Blueprints 1 and 2. If you have Blue Print 3, can I borrow it?

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You see Jay Z defies odds and takes chances everyday. So people believe in him because he exudes confidence or as he calls it “swagger.” How many folks dream about meeting Oprah, let alone get interviewed by her?

I often fantasize about the future and apply my thoughts to the present. While I reflect on the past, I don’t concentrate on regrets. Roc Nation Sports is a major imprint because of the founder’s fearless attitude.

Jay Z was made in the 80s. Like entertainment he is a business. Learn from him and start strategizing. Jay Z not only mastered the art of music making, but also the science of making money.

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The Martin Lawrence Entertainment Effect

BY: GURU JAY

 Photo By: Wikimedia Commons


The Martin Lawrence effect is larger than comedy. Martin Lawrence transformed entertainment via television, movies, and popular culture. The great comedian is the best of his generation. Furthermore, Martin is one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Martin remembers where he started and knows how to finish. He entertains the masses as if they’re one person. Everyone enjoys Martin’s sitcom reruns and standup specials.
1st Amendment Standup showcased upcoming comics. Because Lawrence cultivated talent, the comedian indirectly influences the entertainment world. Regardless of your preferences, Martin Lawrence proves he is the man! Starring in movies ranging from Rated G to Rated R, Martin makes everybody laugh.

Comedy needed a message and a higher power made Martin Lawrence a messenger. Over the years I’ve watched Martin mature into a living legend. His comedy special Run Tell Dat rivals Eddie Murphy’s Delirious and Katt William’s Kattpacalypse.
Initially, I wanted to write a comparison article but after seeing Lawrence’s Inside the Actors Studio, I decided against it realizing his unique character. Truly, Martin Lawrence is one of a kind. How does the Joker throw out an Ace of Spades every hand? Channeling his creativity, craziness is Martin’s strong suit. 
Through the years Martin managed to keep busy. Even Kevin Hart can’t challenge Martin’s depth of work and countless contributions. The original Def Comedy Jam host steps out on stage like Floyd Mayweather, Jr. moves in the boxing ring.
Moreover, Martin Lawrence seems larger than life because of his unmistakable charisma. Like Richard Pryor, the comedic actor appears affable. The Martin sitcom opened doors for Wayans Brothers, Jamie Foxx, and Steve Harvey.
The best Martin Lawrence movies include: Life, Big Mommas, Bad Boys, Blue Streak, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, Death at a Funeral, National Security, and Wild Hogs. Name your favorites in the comments section. I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!

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Who’s Better? Jerry Seinfeld Vs. Adam Sandler

BY: GURU JAY

Is Jerry Seinfeld or Adam Sandler funnier? Or should I ask who is luckier? They’re both talented comedians. But, take away Seinfeld’s TV show and he’s average.
Sandler is funnier because his funny bone extends 3 extra inches. Seinfeld is luckier since his sitcom guarantees cash. Some say Sandler is overpaid.
Let’s distinguish between comedic actors and comedians. There’s a difference between scripted sitcoms and live standup routines. Other great comedians constantly get overlooked in this area.
The media doesn’t publicize Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, and Tim Allen enough. That’s why Ferrell created Funny or Die. That’s also why Allen does Chevrolet commercials. For what it’s worth, Seinfeld signed on for Microsoft advertisements.
The comedy business isn’t for the faint of heart. Though Seinfeld and Sandler receive more attention, they pushed their brands hard. Jerry promoted the Bee movie nonstop. And Adam kept on pushing despite a few box office blunders.
Jerry Seinfeld and Adam Sandler are two of the best comedic actors in cinematic history alongside the likes of Eddie Murphy and Will Smith. As a side note, no one really views Smith as a comedic actor.
Do you consider Adam and Jerry great comedians?
What if I threw Ben Stiller into the mix? Would you rather see Ben and Jerry do standup or eat their ice cream? David Spade is another underrated comedian Hollywood doesn’t fully support and appreciate.

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What are your favorite Adam Sandler movies? I recommend Grown Ups, Funny People, Happy Gilmore, and Mr. Deeds. Looking back on their careers, not many celebrities are luckier than Sandler and Seinfeld.
Credit Adam’s agent for negotiating lucrative contracts. Thank Larry David for creating Jerry Seinfeld’s sitcom. Do you like Seinfeld better than Everybody Loves Raymond?
I respect TV legends; and, Jerry Seinfeld certainly fits the bill. Also, I admire great comedians; and, Adam Sandler is exceptional. So, who’s better? Well, isn’t Adam always first?

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Is Eddie Murphy the Best Comedic Actor Ever?

BY: GURU JAY

Photo By: Wikimedia Commons
Of all celebrity types, standup comedians wear the thickest skin. Even Dave Chappelle gets booed offstage sometimes. Some people are mean, nasty, and never satisfied.
If you have a good sense of humor, a little negativity shouldn’t discourage you. You’ll find that constructive criticism helps propel you to newer heights. Nothing’s stopping you from becoming the next Eddie Murphy.
Comedy’s competitive nature might frighten some. I admire Murphy because he’s fearless. He doesn’t back down from a challenge.
Furthermore, Hollywood still embraces him after four decades. Eddie started on Saturday Night Live in 1980. Since then, he’s always been a conversation starter.
Comedians often impersonate Eddie’s unique laughter. Have you tried laughing like Edward? Man, Murphy is such a character.
If Eddie Murphy was strapped for cash, he could sue everybody who borrows from his ‘Raw’ and ‘Delirious’ comedy specials. Several comics cite Murphy as their influence. Without a doubt, the celebrity is a superior force in entertainment.
Moreover, Eddie Murphy’s movies dominated the 1980s and 1990s. ‘Trading Places,’ the ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ franchise and ‘Coming to America’ are just a few of Eddie’s blockbusters. In addition, the ‘Shrek’ franchise helped earn Eddie Murphy much respect and admiration.
Yes, he’s had many strikeouts, but he hits more home runs than Barry Bonds. If they start testing comedians for performance enhancing drugs, Eddie would fail the test. All I am saying is Murphy’s on steroids because he has a significant advantage.
Did you know Eddie Murphy has generated over $6 billion at the box office? According to box office mojo, he’s made more movie money than any other comedian. He’s currently the fifth highest grossing actor in cinematic history.
In the words of Sam Smith, when you’re in Eddie’s space, you latch on like fangirls. At the peak of the comedian’s fandom, he was first among equals. Out of all comedic actors, Eddie is the best ever.

Photo By: Wikimedia Commons 

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Why Comedians Make the Best Pharmacists

BY: GURU JAY


Growing up, they said I was so funny that I should be a standup comedian. Whenever, I heard those words it was sometimes sarcastic. Well, now I take it as a compliment. It’s my calling card. Over the years, I have developed a fond appreciation of comedy. I crave comedy like Harold and Kumar crave White Castle.

How I came to love comedy

Have you ever seen MTV’s Beavis and Butthead? When I was a boy, I watched Beavis and Butthead religiously. Then, more shows like South Park and Family Guygot me, along with one million other teenagers, hooked.  After reaching fifteen years old, I stopped watching cartoons and started watching: The Jamie Kennedy Experiment (JKX), MTV’s Punk’d with Ashton Kutcher and Chappelle’s show. 

The Jamie Kennedy Experiment is creative, unique and different. I recommend that you go on a scavenger hunt and find a few episodes of Jamie Kennedy pranking people.  Also, Jamie Kennedy made a movie at the peak of his fame called Malibu’s Most Wanted. It’s about a young white man acting “black.” 

Punk’d is similar to JKX but more popular. Ashton Kutcher “punks” celebrities in this hidden camera television show. Although Ashton Kutcher got his big break on That 70’s show, Punk’d put him on the map by Hollywood Boulevard. 


The next stop on Hollywood Boulevard is Dave Chappelle. Dave Chappelle is a top five favorite comedian of mine. Without a shadow of a doubt, Chappelle’s Show on Comedy Central is the best comedy show of my generation. His comedy is on the edge. He goes to places no one else ever will. He is as good as standup comedians come. His success is only limited by his potential. 

Why Comedians Make the Best Pharmacists 

“Laughter is the best medicine.” So, comedians are the best pharmacists.  Comedy is universal in appeal. A funny face in New Zealand is just as funny as a face in Nantucket. Comedy is an art form and also a big business. 

Pharmaceutical companies make billions of dollars soothing people’s pain. Believe it or not, comedy can heal you. Recent studies show a correlation between laughter and health. Just crack a few smiles and your cold will go away. 


So, comedians make the best pharmacists because they distribute the pills for your cure. Jokes are pills that comedians hand out to their patients. The audience members are the patients. They are waiting patiently for the right dose of comedy. 

As I get older, I realize that the best comedians not only make a lot of money but they travel the world and live a fun lifestyle. Comedian George Lopez was intoxicated at a Canadian casino. This shows that there are downsides and upsides to the business. If comedy is easy, everyone can do it. Comedy is not easy. It’s hard. 


Comedian Kevin Hart lives by the motto “Everybody wants to be famous but nobody wants to put the work in…” His claim to fame is working harder than anybody else. His hard work has paid off because he is in a ton of movies. 

My top three comedians are Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy and Dave Chappelle. Others such as George Carlin and Katt Williams round out my top five. I love comedy and I believe laughter is the best medicine, and comedians make the best pharmacists.

Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

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