Richard Pryor Albums (9)
What The Critics Say
Before Richard Pryor officially came out to the mainstream as a comedian and social critic who knew no boundaries, he honed his more raunchy material in black comedy clubs, road-testing the controversial act about sex, racism, and his own screwups that he would use to great effect later in his career. Craps, recorded live in 1971 at the Redd Foxx Club in Hollywood, is a perfect example -- one look at the distinctly adult-looking characters on the album cover and the X-rated track titles and you know the tame stuff Pryor once did on Ed Sullivan has been jettisoned in favor of the ribald. The comedian riffs his way through black culture ("Black Preachers," "I Spy Cops"), sex ("Big Tits," "Getting' the Nut"), and street life ("Wino Panthers," "Crap Game"). And though his monologues and segues aren't as razor-sharp and seamless as they would become on records like Bicentennial Nigger, they're still pretty damn funny. Tracks like "Jackin' Off" and "Masturbating" may seem redundant, but if anyone can expose the differences between the two and milk them for a laugh, it's Pryor. Though not part of Rhino's nine-disc anthology, this record was recently reissued on CD. ~ Steve Kurutz, All Music Guide
'Black Ben the Blacksmith'
Release Date 11/8/1994
Tracks 10
Label Polygram
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'That Nigger's Crazy'
Release Date 10/17/1990
Tracks 11
Label Warner Bros.
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What The Critics Say
Pryor's first truly funny album, after a series of standard stand-up recordings, finally brings together his social/racial/political observations, homespun tales, and vulgar rants. There are some hilarious bits here, particularly "Nigger With a Seizure," "Have Your Ass Home By 11:00," and "Exorcist." The foundation of the era's sharpest funnyman in his natural element. ~ Michael Gallucci , All Music Guide
'Live on the Sunset Strip'
Release Date 10/17/1990
Tracks 7
Label Warner Bros.
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What The Critics Say
One of Richard Pryor's finest records, this album was recorded live (as almost all of them were), which is really the only way to make a comedy record that gives you the full effect of Pryor's genius. The thing that makes this record a bit different is that it was recorded shortly after his near-fatal cocaine freebase accident. Of course, nothing is sacred with Pryor, and his routine on the subject ("Freebase") is one of the funniest of his career -- it finds Pryor at his most outrageous. The good thing about this (and the entire record) is that although Pryor is a bit more in control, the accident didn't diminish his overall, nearly out of control, and often filthy (in the best possible way) delivery. A real classic. ~ Matthew Greenwald, All Music Guide
'...Is It Something I Said?'
Release Date 10/17/1990
Tracks 11
Label Warner Bros.
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What The Critics Say
With this 1975 comedy album, Richard Pryor firmly established himself as a unique, and hilariously funny, presence within the comedy world. Whether poking fun at his own cocaine addiction or discussing the problem of racism that exists in America, on ...Is It Something I Said? Pryor is able to be eloquent and ultimately insightful without alienating the audience by sounding preachy or overtly bitter. Probing and exploring the differences between the sexes and races with an understanding and wit that few have ever possessed, Pryor emerges as an achingly funny, yet poignant, voice for his times. ~ Steve Kurutz, All Music Guide
'Bicentennial Nigger'
Release Date 6/20/1989
Tracks 9
Label Warner Bros.
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What The Critics Say
Produced by his manager, David Banks, Richard Pryor's Bicentennial Nigger is one of the comic genius' most overlooked albums, relatively speaking, probably due in part because there was no accompanying concert movie as there was for Wanted and Live on the Sunset Strip. No matter -- Pryor's amazing talent for mixing expert mimicry, riotous mayhem, and stunning insight is in full effect here. The LP's original cover featured the comedian in various cartoon-styled characterizations, and that's exactly what you get on this perennially funny album. Standouts are "Black & White Women," "Our Gang," "Mudbone Goes to Hollywood," and the saucy title routine that's a showcase for Pryor's extraordinary range. Originally issued on Warner Bros. Records in September 1976, Bicentennial Nigger was issued as a CD on June 20, 1989, and is included in Rhino's box set And It's Deep Too! The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings (1968-1992), released on October 17, 2000. ~ Ed Hogan, All Music Guide
'Are You Serious???'
Release Date 1/1/1976
Tracks 18
Label Loose Cannon
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