Bernie Mac (1957-2008), R.I.P.

One of the unsung giants of comedy has passed away.

Bernie Mac was been a staple of black comedy for over 30 years, only relatively recently receiving his due appreciation from the mainstream (read: white) audiences. His status within the world of black comedy can be noted in his placement as the closing act in Spike Lee's 2000 Original Kings of Comedy--a more prominent placement than three other more commercially successful comics Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey, and D.L. Hughley. Mac's talent was his vivid tell-it-like-it-is, no bullshit storytelling. This probably hindered his career as far as the wider audiences, but no doubt endeared himself all the more to his fans.

Here is his opening bit from Kings. Needless to say, the audio is NSFW:



R.I.P.