Robin Williams around 1980 in New York.
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Earlier this week, Dave Chappelle released the first episode of a podcast, “The Midnight Miracle”, with co-hosts Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli. On “The Tonight Show,” he revealed that the idea came about when Bey (who goes under the name Mos Def) and Chappelle were taking shelter in a basement waiting for a tornado. Each episode is released on vinyl in addition to streaming, Chappelle said.
The first episode, entitled “How to Inspire (Side A)”, feels more like a mixtape than a podcast, with short sections of conversation that are strung together by jazzy gospel interludes. The show begins with a discussion about Amy Winehouse and then turns into an appreciation from Roots presenters Black Thought and Malik B. At the end of the show, Chappelle and his co-presenters share their experiences with popular Bay Area comedian Robin Williams in full with archive audio from Williams openly speaking about life, addiction, and the ego.
Chappelle and Bey weren’t close friends of Williams, but have some stories of how they met him in San Francisco. Once, Chappelle said, he saw Williams at FTC Skateboarding on Haight Street and invited him to his show on the Punch Line. In the green room it became clear that Williams wasn’t just there to watch.
“He was very gracious, but I didn’t feel like showing up,” says Chappelle. “He was sitting in the green room and I could tell by his prey, oh well, I want to go on. He doesn’t care to check me out, he wants to move on. “
Comedian Dave Chappelle on January 30, 2020 in North Charleston, SC
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Chappelle goes on to describe the end of the set when Williams, Chappelle and Bey were all on stage together. It turned into a freestyle rap session where Bey was surprised by Williams’ willingness to break into rhyme.
“That’s what they call a strange pairing in the world of wine. It was a strange pairing, but it was perfect, ”says Chappelle, who then reveals that it was the last time he saw Williams.
The episode ends with poignant archive footage of Williams talking about the meaning of life.
“You see what matters, you are different. Far beyond yourself. Itself goes away. Ego, bye. You notice that there are a lot of great people to be thankful for. And a loving God. Otherwise, good luck, ”says Williams.
Listen to the full episode below.
