The Closer is a stand-up comedy movie special by Dave Chappelle. Filmed at the Fillmore in Detroit, it premiered on Netflix in October 2021. After its release, controversy followed, leading him to step away. But why isn’t controversy anything new to him?

In life comes a defining moment, a clear vision of what we want to pursue in the future. For Dave Chappelle, it was comedy. At the young age of 14, he made his first on-stage appearance.

“From the first time I ever held a microphone, I was sure this was it.”

-Dave Chappelle, The Unforgiven (2020)

That night he heard applause coming from the stance. Hence, this fueled his confidence to only get better from thereon. But he wasn’t the only one with aspirations.

Attending a stand-up comedy club equaled an open mic at “The Hip-Hop Shop” (R.I.P. Proof). Everyone wanted to hold the mic to present their new material. But once they passed it, you had to be ready to spit.

Unfortunately, the clubs reached only the attendees. Mind you, in the late ’80s, there was no World Wide Web nor online connections. So, comedians depended on the venues. Luckily for him, hard work paid off and he began shining from the rest.

In 1992, he penetrated a much wider audience by appearing on “Def Comedy Jam.” A 30-minute television space for entertainers. From the late Bernie Mac (2008) to the then-young Martin Lawrence, it was the place to be.

Four years later, Dave made it to Hollywood and began doing minor roles as on Eddie Murphy’s “The Nutty Professor” (1996). Not long after, he starred in his first movie “Half Baked” (1998).

As his time on the big screen began to increase, it was clear that he was hungry for more. Atop of 2003, he released his TV show called “Chappelle’s Show.”

With a running time of 15 to 25 minutes, the program included parody sketches tackling topics such as politics, stereotypes, injustices, and hip-hop acts. Unfortunately, while recording its third season (2004-2005), it crumbled.

To find peacefulness, he flew to another continent to re-think his career and also take some time for himself. In the following years, he made some live appearances and began touring.

By the end of 2016, Chappelle made a deal with Netflix just like Adam Sandler. So, one year later, the streaming giant unleashed three specials (“Deep in the Heart of Texas,” “The Age of Spin“, “Equanimity“).

The shows were so popular that the streaming giant doubled their accord adding three extra ones:

• The Bird Revelation (2017)
• Stick & Stones (2019)
• The Closer (2021)

Undoubtedly, the online streams helped him reconnect with die-hard fans and attract new viewers. Certainly, like his sketches, he has always been bold when it comes to his on-stage presence.

Dave Chappelle’s The Closer

Unfortunately, with each one of his airings, controversy has unfolded. Therefore, on “The Closer,” he announced his temporary retirement from the spotlight.

“It is over. Im not telling another joke about you until we are both sure, that we are laughing together.”

-Dave Chappelle, The Closer (2021)

The truth is that a special from Dave is like a Hip-Hop record. For his entire career, critics have been trying to cancel him. But he has prevailed and vouched for his right to tell jokes.

• How “Hip-Hop’s foundation” sparked a movement

In addition, what makes it entertaining is his storytelling which includes all the fundamental elements to engage with the audience. Thus, appealing as an album to listen to.

From Chris Rock appearing on Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” to Chappelle featured on Big Sean’s “Detroit 2,” the comedy world has merged with rap’s elite.

Similar to Hip-Hop, he remains a voice for the community. With all that being said, whenever he decides to return to the spotlight, we will be waiting.

Watch the trailer for “The Closer” in the link below.

1. “The Closer” stand-up movie. Directed by Stan Lathan (Netflix, 2021). ↩︎

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