I keep running back this video. It hasn't stopped being funny. The lingering zingers compelled me to closely analyze why Aziz Ansari pulling a page from the Dave Chappelle comedy playbook is so fresh. If you haven't opened the forwarded email with a direct link, Ansari, as Randy the posturing shock comic producing a mixtape with TV On the Radio's Dave Sitek, accuses teen sensation Justin Bieber of stealing "Baby," one of Bieber's biggest hits, from Randy.
1. Attention to detail
Accusatory, hyperbolic videos permeate YouTube (Did Jay-Z rip off "Run This Town?" Did Dane Cook steal jokes?) and the skit's graphics homage these user-made, dramatic, yellow journalism vids. Also, Randy bobbing his head upon hearing Sitek's beat, in a fit of exaggerated pyschosis, comes from a decade of behind the scenes rap videos (like "Fade To Black") wherein artists flip out upon hearing a dope beat. Instances like these are oftentimes sincere, mostly self-aggrandizing, crowning flashes of hubris. Ansari knows his viral movements.
2. The cast
It starts with the self-serious Nick Zinner, who happens to tour the world with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs; he sells the performance with no smiles and the same stoic attitude he's fermented in years of playing behind one of rock's most outlandish, compelling singers. It continues with Sitek hamming up the producer-behind-the-boards caricature. Ditto for the foaming-at-the-mouth hype man. It ends with the chubby fellow portraying Bieber.
3. The penis
After Bieber and this ruffians trash Randy's studio, they tag a mildly humorous warning. But also, for no reason whatsoever, spray paint a penis. Subtle poetry.
4. The Chappelle's Show homage
Hard to believe it's been six years since the otherworldly second season of "Chappelle's Show," mainly because it took comedy and slang years to catch up. We should all recall how funny Wayne Brady, a cookie cutter comic popular with safe audiences, channeling Denzel in "Training Day" was. I'm Wayne Brady bitch carried all decade through Britney Spears' semi-comeback. The line is dead, yet Ansari and company siphon laughs. That's skill.
5. The fact that Aziz Ansari, with the services of indie rock royalty, felt inspired to record a full cover of a Justin Bieber hit.
It's just great.
1. Attention to detail
Accusatory, hyperbolic videos permeate YouTube (Did Jay-Z rip off "Run This Town?" Did Dane Cook steal jokes?) and the skit's graphics homage these user-made, dramatic, yellow journalism vids. Also, Randy bobbing his head upon hearing Sitek's beat, in a fit of exaggerated pyschosis, comes from a decade of behind the scenes rap videos (like "Fade To Black") wherein artists flip out upon hearing a dope beat. Instances like these are oftentimes sincere, mostly self-aggrandizing, crowning flashes of hubris. Ansari knows his viral movements.
2. The cast
It starts with the self-serious Nick Zinner, who happens to tour the world with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs; he sells the performance with no smiles and the same stoic attitude he's fermented in years of playing behind one of rock's most outlandish, compelling singers. It continues with Sitek hamming up the producer-behind-the-boards caricature. Ditto for the foaming-at-the-mouth hype man. It ends with the chubby fellow portraying Bieber.
3. The penis
After Bieber and this ruffians trash Randy's studio, they tag a mildly humorous warning. But also, for no reason whatsoever, spray paint a penis. Subtle poetry.
4. The Chappelle's Show homage
Hard to believe it's been six years since the otherworldly second season of "Chappelle's Show," mainly because it took comedy and slang years to catch up. We should all recall how funny Wayne Brady, a cookie cutter comic popular with safe audiences, channeling Denzel in "Training Day" was. I'm Wayne Brady bitch carried all decade through Britney Spears' semi-comeback. The line is dead, yet Ansari and company siphon laughs. That's skill.
5. The fact that Aziz Ansari, with the services of indie rock royalty, felt inspired to record a full cover of a Justin Bieber hit.
It's just great.
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