Released 50 years ago
Bicentennial Nigger
Richard Pryor · 1976
40 min · 9 tracks
A provocative blend of sharp wit and raw humor that dissects race, identity, and American culture through Pryor's unique storytelling style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bicentennial Prayer — This track serves as a poignant reflection on the state of America during its bicentennial celebration, blending humor with a sobering critique of societal issues.
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Mudbone Goes to Hollywood — In this narrative, Pryor explores the absurdities of fame and success through the character Mudbone, showcasing his storytelling prowess and observational humor.
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Black Hollywood — This track critiques the portrayal of African Americans in film and television, highlighting Pryor's ability to challenge stereotypes while providing sharp social commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Pryor's sharp storytelling and character work create a unique blend of humor that resonates deeply with themes of race and identity.
What we noticed
- The album features a narrative structure where Pryor shifts between characters and anecdotes, creating a dynamic flow throughout the tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate audience interaction, allowing for spontaneous humor that reflects the live performance setting.
- Pryor's delivery varies in pace and intensity, with moments of quiet reflection followed by explosive laughter, enhancing the emotional impact of his stories.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hillbilly 2:14
- 2 Black and White Women 4:05
- 3 Our Gang 2:48
- 4 Bicentennial Prayer 6:42
- 5 Black Hollywood 5:24
- 6 Mudbone Goes to Hollywood 10:10
- 7 Chinese Restaurant 1:18
- 8 Acid 4:54
- 9 Bicentennial Nigger 2:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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