Dave Chappelle’s ‘8:46’ Packs 400 Years Into 30 Minutes
The comic’s voice is as eloquent as ever in his surprise Netflix special discussing race in America
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So much of Dave Chappelle’s power lies in his voice. In the 20 years since his first hour-long stand-up special, as he has spoken eloquently, brilliantly, even sloppily about race, his metaphorical voice has been singularly influential. But it’s his literal voice that harnesses so much of his strength. Chappelle’s jokes nestle in inflection — in his tonal changes and the spaces between them.
Think about his truly iconic comedic moments. “I’m Rick James, bitch” is defiant, with enough of a space and deep breath before the “bitch” to drive it home. “Where is Ja?!” is even, loud, and exasperated. “I’m not a nigger, either” from the Netflix special Sticks & Stones is soft, cocky, and fully aware of the fact that he’s driving his point home perfectly. Chappelle has worked his vocal inflections to the point that just him raising his voice ever so slightly gives the crowd the cue that that a joke is coming. He knows this; it’s why he takes us on rides solely with the use of sound, building anticipation with each elevated octave…
