Dave Chappelle Stupid

Dave Chappelle talks about his breakdown in a magazine called Esquire:

"Culturally: "The bottom line was, white people own everything, and where can a black person go and be himself or say something that's familiar to him and not have to explain or apologize?" Professionally: "I felt like I was really pressured to settle for something that I didn't necessarily feel like I wanted."Personally: "The thing about show business is that, in a way, it forces dysfunctional relationships in people."

White people do not own everything. That is ridiculous. There are many black drug lords that own plenty of things. You can express yourself anywhere. But when people want you to tweak and change what you doin, and maybe do something a little different, you should not cut and run to Mother Africa. You should negotiate and be professional, making the best of the situation. Dave Chappelle took sketch comedy to a new level, and then abandoned his fans. He threw away his chance of leaving behind a remarkable legacy. This whole conflict strikes a cord with me because it hits close to home...

About two years ago I performed at a huge benefit in a homeless shelter called "Homeless People are Kind of Like You and Me, Only Poor, Homeless, and Sh***y Smelling." I was the final act. There were a few rappers and a few singers before me. They was good too. I was nervous. When they caled my name, I said a prayer and went out there and rocked that homeless shelter so hard the people who were in blankets and talking to theyselves stood up and clapped. The workers stopped handing out unused needles and applauded. And for one moment, the theivery and debauchery that got them to where they were that day went away, and all they could think about was Lady Raptastic. It was a beautiful day. Who was to know, as I walked out to the bus stop to catch a bus home that a production agent would tap me on the shoulder. Unfortunately, I thought he was going to rob me, so I body slammed him over my shoulder and jammed my heel into his neck.

After the hospitalization and subsequent death of this man, another individual from that same agency contacted me about signing a record deal. I was so excited I dropped my cell phone and it broke. I went and bought a new one, but I did not have his number so I could not call him. I sat and waited for him to call, but he never did, and my opportunity flew out the door like a white dove of peace. That story is nothing like Dave Chappelle's, but it sorta relates.

(Source)