Rudy Ray Moore's tracks that influenced rap stars

His story was recently propelled into the spotlight thanks to  the Eddie Murphy film Dolemite Is My Name.

Now the back catalogue of pioneering American comedian Rudy Ray Moore could get a new lease of life, after his manager Donald H. Randell put a batch of original tapes – and the rights to release them – up for auction.

Moore, who died in 2008 at the age of 81, became known for his alter-ego Dolemite, a kung fu-fighting pimp. The character began as a stand-up persona and went on to star in a series hit ‘blaxploitation’ movies. 

Moore released his first comedy album as Dolemite, Eat Out More Often, in 1970. He followed it up with two more albums featuring jazz and R&B musicians playing in the background as Moore recited explicit rhymes about Dolemite’s world of pimps, prostitutes, players, and hustlers. 

His work influenced many later rap stars, including Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre and Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Being sold off is the complete set of master recordings from his comedy albums, plus unreleased material including outtakes and instrumental tracks.

Bidding for the catalogue, here, currently stands at $250,000 (£188,000), which is below the reserve price. In the last 12 months, with the aid of the extra profile the Golden Globe-nominated Netflix film brought to Moore, the recordings netted $41,833 (£31,500)

Here is Randell’s video about the auction:

Published: 28 Aug 2020