Going Shopping with RuPaul at Lenox Square in Atlanta in 1989

RuPaul takes Nelson to the Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta in 1989 to do some shopping. Video by Nelson Sullivan

[@michaeloeffler9514]

I am addicted to Nelson's vlogs now. Something about the way he conducts himself is calming. ... Way ahead of his time.

[@TS-qq7vr]

His very steady camera work with a heavy hand held is really quite masterful. People with crappy cell phone footage (who hold the camera vertically for horizontal playback no less) should watch and learn from this guy if nothing else.

[@ch36799]

So do i🙂

[@maxheadrum9030]

And I have no respect at all for RuPaul

[@lambo8637]

I thought the same thing ot eases my anxiety watching his videos

[@RETRO_BELL]

Nelson's vlogs are like stepping foot into a time machine..💙 -Addicted in Ohio

[@Nikkipicky]

Nelson...one of the forefathers of vlogging💗

[@nealanpaulaking9708]

NikkiMi I love these big old malls

[@edeneverly2573]

THE FATHER! This IS vlogging. Only difference is there was nowhere to upload it. But it was vlogging. Can you imagine what he would be thinking if he knew this would all be collected and put up online these years later? And he was making commentary about the future of the mall. He was pretty spot on. Ahead of his time.

[@AlexRiversMusic]

NikkiMi THE father of vlogging

[@aldofhister6859]

@@AlexRiversMusic Nelson is a product of his own demise since 1978 there has been talk among the gay community about a disease and get nobody said a word -! And the gay community knew damn well how it was coming about !

[@acsingleton1]

NikkiMi exactly what I was thinking! Lol

[@jennytaylor4165]

Nelson can seem poker-faced and humourless, but he has a quiet natural comedy about him, I think, and the deadpan-ness frames it! Interesting character.

[@sw_fit50s]

I love him, he’s so authentic and seemed to be friends with everyone

[@jamesnorris9637]

Thus is awesome

[@LO1381ATL]

As a native to Atlanta, this brought back so many memories. Mick's restaurant, C&S, etc.

[@supremajullibeama6249]

I appreciate you.

[@skipads5141]

Absolutely. I love watching Nelson, especially back home in South Carolina or with old family. I could care less for 1 second of his vapid friends.

[@parkera9012]

This is so cool seeing Ru before he really took off. Really makes you see his true character which seems pretty fun

[@annother3350]

He seems like a nice guy. Watch him on Alan carrs show in recent years

[@crazysingingchick]

I agree. He’s so adorable in this.

[@AllisonChains64]

@@annother3350 Alan Carr has another show? I really loved his chat show!

[@lauralettau]

yeah he seems like a fun friend

[@lendalee2451]

Wow I remember growing up n the 80s and the malls is a place were everyone of all ages went but now most have closed!

[@ThomasCollectables]

I like the way he went out of his way to appreciate his surroundings

[@aud654321]

ThomasTankCollectables yes

[@Moonlight-mz7mu]

ThomasTankCollectables why I love art. And artists, they see the beauty around them in a way much different.

[@mrmountainhiker9646]

yes 🙌

[@a.j.fisher813]

Me too. Good point! I LOVE your screen name, my 3 year old daughter lives Thomas... and my son, who is now 20, watched him too.

[@ThomasCollectables]

@@a.j.fisher813 Thank you! I should probably use another account for commenting on videos 😅

[@chrislaudrille1035]

I really wish Nelson Sullivan would have had a chance to live for the next 50 years. He would have been a fucking rock star now. It’s a shame he passed, life’s not fair. He has a great personality for a show host.

[@michaelmantas321]

what did he die of?

[@sumguy2581]

@@michaelmantas321 heart attack brought on by cocaine use. Rumour had it that he had AIDS, but if he did it isn't what killed him.

[@GenerationalDisappointment]

Michael Chronopoulos He has a vlog from the day before he died, July 3rd. You can physically see a difference in him. Short of breath, unmotivated, sweating. But he spent it with friends and a dog. I suggest watching it, the way he speaks makes it sound like he knows it might be his last days.

[@rachelw821]

@@sumguy2581 it looks like he has a lesion on his face here (like what people with aids get)

[@anatoly86]

@@rachelw821 he had a mole removed.

[@chilezp]

It's like he was filming this for the future.

[@halfmt4643]

That´s usually what you do when you film or take photos. lol

[@theresalopez8675]

Half MT I was going to say something similar. Lol

[@theresalopez8675]

Are you also an artist?

[@halfmt4643]

Design and build, and restore furniture.

[@DaRealKing303]

@@halfmt4643 LMAO🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@confettistar]

What's interesting about Nelson is he really does enjoy life and appreciate his surroundings. I don't mean the club scene either. I mean just the most mundane things that most of us take for granted. He made the most of his short life.

[@notdreadyet33]

Short life?

[@kyle-sk0rpi0nkeremlima95]

@@notdreadyet33 he died in 1989

[@notdreadyet33]

@@kyle-sk0rpi0nkeremlima95 I read that later. Sad, seemed like an interesting guy

[@kristennicole1361]

He seemed very interested in everything.

[@dshukla5805]

@@kyle-sk0rpi0nkeremlima95 why and how

[@KungFuChess]

Everyone staring at him walking around with this giant camcorder pointed at himself 😂 this guy was definitely ahead of his time

[@itsmepaulad7102]

It's amazing to see someone in the 80s to be a vlogger and it wasn't even popular then. I love all old videos. And to see rupaul is amazing.

[@itsmepaulad7102]

sadie grace plus you're lately I've been on a case that happened in Chicago where a 19-year old black female was found dead in a walk-in freezer and it did not make sense so I've been watching so many videos on that I hope to hear from you soon and I just want to let you know that I thank you for your support and for subscribing to me that means the world to me thank you and I hope to talk to you very soon

[@merncat75]

@@itsmepaulad7102 Kenneka Jenkins 😞

[@amazingabby25]

It's me Paula D that’s weird your comment is 3 years old but I just heard of the freezer yesterday

[@jbt6007]

I remember Ru Paul well in this era. Go-go dancing at Weekends and hanging out at my hair salon. Always friendly and in a good mood. We knew he was going places.

[@TaiJ-Aird]

Ru Paul loved him some coca cola I watched several of these videos and he always buys it!! ....I love how polite they are to each other.

[@Piecesoftheshadow]

Is that THE Rupal from tv?

[@heartstruth6875]

@@Piecesoftheshadow yep. Before he made it big...

[@Piecesoftheshadow]

@@heartstruth6875 Oh wow. Pretty cool.

[@annedavis6090]

@@Piecesoftheshadow yaas

[@ilovejesus1432]

Ikr always asking people to buy him a coke all time the Lolol I noticed that too haha

[@Technogaljustine]

Back in the days when mobile phones weren't so common and if you lost your friends in the mall you'd have to actively look for them instead of calling them! 😅

[@ch36799]

There were mobile phones but they were big and not very popular. And also very expensive.

[@KirksCORNER-1983]

You just page them

[@LocaalDent]

Yes, yes, yes. Or of course you could just send them a message via raven

[@EchoRider515]

😅 I remember that well. A bunch of friends at the mall & me stopping to look at everything shiny... 🤔 "Uuumm, where'd all my friends go?!"😱😂

[@reginaphalange5508]

@@ch36799 their were mobile phones in the eighties but they were literally like double sized bricks and exclusively for the rich just like the iPhone was released and only a few rich or known business people had them until they became cheaper and commonplace. Mobiles werent commonplace as a societal staple till the late 90s early 2000s when it was recognized as a common and expected occurrence for anybody to be able to afford and carry a mobile for any reason. It doesn't become thing officially until you can get 1/10 people with a mobile or the thing you looking for. Late 90s early 2000s, maybe every second or third working adult would carry a mobile or pager. It was mobile, internet, then mobile internet. Nowadays people are looking for the next big thing.

[@owen7185]

Honestly, since I watched my first of Nelson's videos, I cannot stop. A time capsule when the world was a very different place, he's a true artist

[@Munschauer]

“RuPaul is just intolerant; he doesn’t want to go to the Sharper Image.”

[@emilio4358]

I read this comment just as he said it

[@lordmoods5706]

@@emilio4358 same

[@thebabslife]

People were so much calmer back in the day, no pretending, just being themselves. That's the impression I get anyway, like they had nothing to prove.

[@kevinperez3744]

Those were only 4 people out of millions.........

[@ricobhi]

@@kevinperez3744 Billions, even! 😁

[@thebabslife]

@@kevinperez3744 yeah babe cause you know how much I've been looking into this, don't you?

[@jackjohnson7396]

People were basically the same as now. Give or take some. 👨 👩 ☝

[@Carriegoup]

People were the same. Nelson is just a naturally calm person. Believe me when I say there were many fake people back then, especially in the nightclubs, thats just how people in general are and always will be.

[@DolOnTheDial]

I was born in the 70;s and grew up in the 80;s and 90's something about this video made me burst into tears, not sure what it is...just a homesick kind of feeling I guess.

[@StinkyButton]

Nelson was way ahead of his time. A lost treasure. Only the good die young. His comments were on point. Nothing stays the same. People move in and out. He truly was a philosopher.

[@j.3637]

He's doing what we are doing now with our cell phone and cameras way ahead of his time, he's awesome. it's like traveling back in time.

[@sultanahazuri3903]

I hope Rupaul sees this and remembers his friends.

[@80sForever29]

He did. He even mentions it in a podcast with Michelle Visage. Look It up

[@bigoof6369]

@@80sForever29 do you know what ep?

[@amazingabby25]

Big Oof flowing

[@microsoftsam_yt]

"Look malls change just like everything else Molly, nothings gonna stay the same" That line is oddly prescient considering so many malls around the country are shutting down. Although Lenox Square is still open and thriving. Just looks different than in this video.

[@towerofresonance4877]

I was going to ask if anybody has been here recently and how it looks now. Following Nelson's ghost.

[@xTenzin10]

@@towerofresonance4877 yes i was this week. Looks quite different

[@gailphillips3449]

Really wish Nelson was still.alive. He is quite the interesting guy and such a sweet nature.

[@udlauchstmacshauchny2521]

8:41 Favourite moment. Speaking directly to us even though he never met us.

[@crywhit4619]

I chose 2. How about you?

[@lordkanti8260]

Bitter sweet

[@dixienormous6969]

That was so lovely.. I loved it.

[@cesarcueto1995]

He speaks to the camera all the time tho

[@bawoman]

lol I genuinely felt he was talking straight to me, it was weird lol. good weird.

[@carolinasfinest8035]

U know people was looking at him with that camera like WTF for real back then...

[@morningstar7896]

Carolinas Finest that what make him ahead of his time

[@hestiapetrina9522]

Some people said "ohh he's crazy! Talking to his camera!" 😂

[@SparkleP8nter]

Yeah because it was a real camera 🎥 not a cell phone lol

[@josephinev.catlady5182]

@@SparkleP8nter and they said he was full of himself for filming his self lol. This group of friends started so many trends , invented their own language and redefined the way we see the world. Truly iconic.

[@leonelbrava2738]

I feel like people nowadays don't like being filmed. Back then people didn't really care. They even smiled and waved if you filmed them

[@ThomasCollectables]

9:55 "Look malls change just like everything else Molly, nothings gonna stay the same"

[@nickicouture7297]

ThomasTankCollectables 😭😭😭😭

[@elijasuiters9932]

That line hit hard.

[@lotus3574]

Haaa the one place that is stuck in time.

[@rashaanelam1897]

I saw this comment as he was saying it. Lol

[@MandeeHops]

Preach

[@GreedyJofficiall]

You are witnessing a mind that wasn't manipulated by social media. So peaceful and grounded to reality, i miss those days.

[@britlew5933]

Remember those days when one of your friends had an old beat down car and all your friends packed in for a trip? Best times ever!

[@wimjimjams]

Thank you for these videos. I feel like I've travelled through time and hanging out with you and RuPaul. As someone born in the 80's who is a regular on the alternative disco scene, it's great to see. x

[@natalkakot]

It’s a shame that he’s dead 💀 since 4th of July 1989 :/

[@OfficiallyEguono]

His voice reminds me of that one guy on Family Guy who always says “Heyyyy YALL” 😂😂♥️

[@mesoc]

hahaha

[@ladyjanewriter]

RuPaul's pants are EVERYTHING.

[@heartstruth6875]

I was thinking the same

[@indiahaze2197]

Yess

[@nicandcarla]

This is the safest way to time travel without knocking things out of place

[@jUrbanity]

I can't believe California Pizza Kitchen has been in that same spot for all these years. I can make certain spots as being the same today, but 1989 Lenox is completely different from 2017 Lenox.

[@matthewshinn5839]

+jeff Webb its a pizza kitchen

[@db4695]

Ikr that California pizza caught me off guard, didn’t know it’s been there for so long

[@chioj36]

Is that sculpture still there?

[@r.v.b4813]

@@chioj36 No but Neiman Marcus is in the same location and YES California Pizza Kitchen is still there 😁

[@tiste6770]

IKR!! ....and I’ve never eaten there

[@elmobolan4274]

Before cell phones, he just yells out, "hey ya'll"....lolol

[@dixienormous6969]

That's some Southern shit hahahaa

[@MancstaSam]

tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies!! Omg ive not heard that song on the radio in terrys car for yearsss!!

[@queengene1722]

Fleetwood Mac rocks !!

[@blakfloyd]

I dream of Little Debbie using it in a commercial one day with the lyrics "Sell me piiiies, sell me sweet little pies."

[@CupcakeCartel1]

There a lot of things missing today but the biggest one, Manners! They are so polite to each other.

[@ddl4374]

Trust me that was just tem. 😁 We were as rude as anyone 😂

[@CupcakeCartel1]

@@ddl4374 😆 Ruining my image of the 80’s lol 😆

[@ddl4374]

@@CupcakeCartel1 😂👐 I take it back! Lol..it was a kind and gentile time!... 🤗❤

[@nostalgic80sguy27]

The nostalgia is intense. Malls back then we're so incredible and nice. I might have been a kid in the eighties, but I'm thankful I got to come up in that era. Malls are disappearing around our country and it's sad. The memories are all we have of those great times.

[@Strawberryfearsforever]

nostalgic 80's guy Lenox is still nice like this.

[@dennisp8520]

There are still a lot of malls like this. They just exist in other countries and often times/ironically less developed nations. A example is Thailand, when I was in Bangkok I went into a mall that just had whole floors dedicated to like on genre of item or even brand. Like Samsung was on the 11th floor and it was just one huge Samsung store.

[@eddiebacon127]

nostalgic 80's guy no there not. Teens love going to the mall and hanging out. Been that way for years

[@dennisp8520]

Idk if I would agree with the this statement ether. It really depends on where you live. For my situation there is no malls that are close by. Thus, most people I know would buy from a specific store or go online.

[@michaelreilly3513]

I hate Malls, much prefer to shop on a strip, supporting small business, rather than giant corporations and the Malls themselves charge a fortune in rent, disgusting, they are all the same and all smell like plastic lol.

[@itannoysme3348]

The area of Lenox mall he enters at the beginning was the new part back then. Still very similar today. The mall goes back to the 50s and used to be mainly outdoors until the 70s. There have been several remodels on the central part since 1989. It has always been a mainstay of Atlanta life.

[@Tabbymae11]

Holy crap. I can’t believe how lucky I am to see this footage. This is perfection

[@mikeybigfoot1354]

Nelson is soo positive 100% of the time! Pee wee Herman was modeled after him. He was a kind soul

[@suz7110]

Is that true? Pee Wee Herman?

[@hatednyc]

I LOVE Nelson’s Voice! I could watch these videos all day every day!

[@ENDTIMEsVideoLibrary]

I can't help but love Nelson's accentricities with his camera and permeating sense of humor!

[@s.alcantar3122]

“Look malls change just like everything else, Molly. Nothing is gonna stay the same” - Nelson @9:56

[@YNTGUNS]

Hes vlogging in the 80s with a camcorder? Hah savage

[@ShaneStanley109]

RED_10R what else is he gonna record with in the 80s !!!!!

[@yesno9637]

Jesse Mitchell what was it like to live in the 80’s I was only born in the 21st century

[@definitelyjustcj4148]

Jesse Mitchell I was born in the early 2000s I wish I was living in the 80s

[@dianavargas9902]

And u can’t see yourself in those, so you pray you are in shot 😬

[@yamahaguy1732]

I like these cause you really see what the 80s were like and good vlogs 100x better than most vlogs nowadays

[@julietrask7497]

You had to be there, best time of my life.

[@satchelgeddon4042]

I was 1 month old when he filmed this….34 now. It’s fascinating to view the world before or shortly after I existed.

[@millsykooksy4863]

I love Nelson's deadpan face...lmao. And he kinda looks like Gene Wilder without the wild hair.

[@patriciaherrera1180]

I was just thinking the same and especially the voice, omg the voice is exactly like Gene Wilders

[@jomoland]

Patricia Herrera oh 😯 you’re right! He sounds just like Gene Wilder. I knew I had heard a voice like his somewhere else but didn’t place it until I read these comments.

[@kimwallace1170]

Yes, way ahead of his time. So sad he passed away.

[@naufrage0]

Sounds like him too

[@tdsfea3513]

It's funny because what is recommended to me by KZbin under this video is among other things a documentary about Gene Wilder.

[@nagsheady7701]

This is so interesting. Interesting to think - that in 2 or 3 short years the RuPaul we see here would become this huge pop culture sensation with hit singles and impeccable drag.

[@MindDezign]

RuPaul was on AT NIGHT like a LEGEND in his own mind. He literally grabbed his dreams by the throat " and made it happen" He was the most, self ADVERTISED personality in Atlanta. Before he was of age to be in clubs, he was doing his self promotion "RuPaul is RED HOT" was he and his bands mantra every Club goer KNEW! He was tall and would Be in waist high ,fishing wadder rubber pant cut down to high thighs, an American Indian Thong ,no shirt and a mohawk ,looking talker than he was. Dancing on speakers Doing his rounds of 20-30 at each night spot in town He made sure EVERYBODY knew he was out and about !

[@mochas9249]

Awww thanks for the videos Mr. Sullivan. Rip

[@kathleenkallista9004]

I swear hes a time traveler.

[@paulieheydrich9772]

kathleen kallista for filming his friends n self?

[@daquane]

@@paulieheydrich9772 yes lmao

[@mascottie]

I love how at the end, he says "Things change. Leases go out..." It's true and Lenox mall has changed in a lot of ways since then but still very recognizable.

[@mmafan3]

True..

[@notsoseriousmoonlight]

Nelson's words always touch me so... I also like what he said about information and security, as if one could just go to the mall and find those!

[@MarkMcLain]

Very profound message.

[@louisemartin6820]

I always return to Nelsons videos, They are wonderful resources and remind me of simpler times, which is comforting, particularly in the crazy and absurd 2020s thank you Nelson RIP 💖💖💖

[@tomford683]

When you hear little lies on a radio station of 1989 😍😍

[@theyouthofnausea]

Rupaul is so adorable. His smile and laugh is magical. It makes me laugh and smile with him.

[@stephenheard8926]

OMG ! I hung out at Lenox all through the 80’s . In my crazy teens !! Video is so cool. Cherry Snow !! 💋

[@mariaager1924]

Nelson says, “Nothing stays the same.” 😢❤️

[@daniellawrence863]

Can't stop watching... If this was on Netflix!!!

[@claudiacorral4559]

Oh the 80s...so grateful that I lived it to the fullest 😍

[@Mylo12321]

He treats everything like it’s the first time he’s ever seen it. I love that. He was always in the now. Unfortunately, I would have been one of those people to stay upstairs. 😞

[@enraptured6700]

"It's like Plato's forms fell out of the heaven and piled up here in the middle of the mall" I love Nelson's narration

[@hibiscustea13]

I was born not far from here the following April after this video. I'm so happy this footage shows my city back then!

[@creddjv]

Before I learned about him, I thought this was some KZbinr that was using special lens to make it look like it was filmed in the past. It’s crazy how it’s real..

[@wantsomecoffee]

I haven’t watched a Nelson video in a few months. Good to be back. I love him.

[@Dude4786EyeHaveAutism]

If Nelson only knew if his videos would actually make it in history , he is gone but never forgotten. Who ever posted these videos did a solid for this individual, someone with such big dreams , with so much life and didn't care how people reacted with him holding a camera. It just comes to show how truly dedicated he was .

[@cherkitawilliams9324]

Born and raised in Atlanta and I love this video! Old Atlanta! So many memories!

[@nagsheady7701]

LOL - RuPaul's horror at the corporatization/gentrification of Midtown trips me out. If he thought it was serious in 1989, seeing it now may make him suicidal.

[@tensacross]

amen. thats why im suicidal. xx

[@nitashajohnson4767]

DoodleKaboodle why are you here?

[@lynxminx4]

I'm not certain what the context was for RuPaul, but there were struggling clubs in the area for decades after this was shot. The war is definitely lost now. Soon even the Cheetah will be gone...

[@adelinewurzer4533]

he doesn't care about stuff like that anymore unfortunately

[@sarahdaw6648]

Love the Stevie in the background!! Nelson was ahead of his time! RIP Nelson!

[@blackbeauty71872]

Love the 80s, Love the music, the cars the mall and Vintage Ru. lol

[@champagnehoney2418]

Idk why but I’m so loving this channel I’ll watch as much as I can before I fall asleep

[@MitchGrooms]

THIS IS INCREDIBLE,, SEEING THE ROUND C&S BANK BUILDING, THE KRYSTALS WHERE WE LIVED AT EVERY NITE AT 4AM AND THE MALL HOW IT USED TO BE, INCREDIBLE..

[@tiste6770]

Mitch Grooms yes! I used to think of it as the baby Peachtree Plaza ..... you forget it was ever there after they removed it ....it wasn’t imploded, but dismantled

[@MitchGrooms]

@@tiste6770 agree

[@jwatwater]

Really cool video to watch. The area where y'all entered mall is pretty much the same today, but the area near Neimans is REALLY different that area is 2 story now. However, the sculpture is no longer there, and Macys is Bloomingdale's now. Thanks for uploading, it's nice to see the changes over the years.

[@andreathespiritualmotivato5574]

Macy's and bloomingdales are there now

[@jomoland]

jwatwater Thankyou for updating us! Interesting to hear how it’s changed.

[@jamesprovost2602]

•Jo• same lol I wondered if it was still open lol

[@jwatwater]

@@jamesprovost2602 Oh, trust me. Lenox will be open until the very end.

[@P.willow]

I just love this. Love it. What a world back then going out with your friends in their car... 1989 style .

[@Canleaf08]

With a Rabbit Mk1, I guess

[@Teaandlilacs89]

@4:48 Lloyd Cole and the Commotions! I cannot stop watching these! Thank you NELSON 💐RIP! So thankful to you and your camera 🎥.

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

Nelson is easily one of the greatest OG vloggers of all time..

[@mi3bys049]

10:17 “you know the information booth in there says it all.....it says information and security as if that is what you can just come and get free at the mall....both of those things.” You are always so quick witted and always a few steps ahead of everyone. ❤️💕🌈😂I love and miss you my friend!! You were such a bright light and a star! 💫🌟🌈

[@caroldesarnoNeNe45]

Did you know him personally? It's so very hard when our friends pass away. I'm sorry for your loss. ☹️.

[@Melasvasapelar]

The world loves your friend I'd love to see a video of you speaking of him

[@esmereldavilla-lobos4907]

Seeing old Atlanta got me in tears😭 😭😭

[@leedart]

That drive up Peachtree inMidtown was absolutely fantastic reminder of how much the city has changed.... the old C&S on North Av!!!

[@Dude4786EyeHaveAutism]

The music , the places , very interesting peak into the 80s.

[@lovingatlanta]

👍This was so cool to see. The sameness and difference of Lenox mall today is cool. This is such a wonderful time capsule. 💞

[@swagatron9477]

Even tho Nelson preserved his memories and ramblings so nicely he was never able to look back on them, even so he did preserve the memories of those he ran with back then and even people he never knew, for them I’m sure it’s nice to look back on the scenes and sights of the 1980s.

[@honeysky1102]

Lol Sherry wanted to show off her posters and they're all worried about getting mugged. Lmao this is amazing in so many ways.

[@epipd5712]

RuPaul is so polite and still is. I just love these vidoes, so addicted to them.

[@kieranryan4335]

So sad he died, cool guy

[@90sHouseBoy]

How did nelson die? Is that on his face because of the aids? I’ve never watched these so a don’t no

[@ash1952]

90sHouseBoy he had a heart attack

[@lg316]

@@90sHouseBoy he did NOT have aids.

[@MarkLada]

@@lg316 He did have the aids.. He sniffed a mountain of cocaine and went out on his own terms..

[@Carriegoup]

@@MarkLada A childhood friend of his mention something about Nelson's grandfather dying the same way and that his heart conditions were genetic

[@idontknowyouthatsmypurse]

I love how Nelson always says hi and bye to the animals in his video- my kind of people 😉

[@knowbuddy0]

I love how every single video he goes out of his way to love on the animals and talk to them. Ot really shows his true character.

[@theoffice9803]

The only thing I am thinking the whole time is that HOW THE HECK HIS HANDHELD CAMERA IS SO DAM STEADY. I am living in 2018 and they still couldn't figure out how to make camera steady on phones.

[@everettgarrett4858]

It's a hi-8 like the guys on TMZ and stuff like that uses not even a camcorder it's like a a movie camera tape you call the high eight even used on Kardashians as thank you definitely stay to the yard first time normal camcorders gave Nelson a hernia so he had to go to the lightweight hi-8 I think they called it a high eight 8 meaning 8 mm film

[@kcguy8864]

In 2018? Plenty of phones with image stabilization.. mustve had a shitty ass phone

[@normieslayer1169]

It's because if the weight. If it's heavy (but not too heavy) you can't really jitter it around.

[@Tomyotan]

I know this is old but the way we hold phones also doesn't help. Even a $1 selfie stick will greatly improved stabilization because it give a sturdy natural grip as opposed to the awkward side grip we usually use to hold phones.

[@taginefc3189]

I was so obsessed with Coca Cola as a child in the 80’s ... ru Paul & his love of coke, the mall, the old cash machine, the old stores & how he is vlogging... this is all magical.

[@glinkglow]

OMG, seeing Lenox from those days. Memories rush back.

[@dennisp8520]

Man it’s so nice to see video footage like this in the past. I mean documentaries and stuff exist but it’s rare you just get some average joe walking around doing normal tasks in life. I’m glad that tech has advanced as well so that I can easily show my kids what life was like in the 2000’s and 2010 and so on.

[@jack_of_all_trades_master_none]

This is so freaky. His film style makes the viewer feel like they are there. Strange feeling.

[@jesykahashope]

This is so cool to see! Bless Nelson for making all these videos 💖

[@luverizimo2597]

Rupaul did not know 4 years latter will be come a world super star 😊👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@banglebabe1]

@@Piecesoftheshadow disagree. I was watching his show regularly on vh1. I know that came out in the early to mid 90s because that's the only time I had vh1.

[@indiahaze2197]

He knew!!

[@TenshiCat]

7:00 "They all wanna go downstairs. I mean... none of them wanna go downstairs but I do. So I'm going." Legend

[@agentwho1933]

Makes me feel like I'm there like I'm living in 1989 seeing how it was it's crazy n he's so calming that's also making me watch more of his vlogs

[@ZoeyChilds]

I'm a ga peach, raised in Avondale, grew up coming to this mall, I was 4 in '89 so this is super interesting

[@cvdixon29]

Thanks for posting this! It was nice looking back at a time when we didn't have our phones and could just text our friends and say where are you at? if we got lost at the mall. Those were good times too!

[@Jerseylulu]

My favorite film is when he goes to McDonalds and orders 6 drinks in a paper bag then proceeds to get into a car before cup holders.

[@denisedesrosiers8817]

It makes me wonder if they all keep in touch still, especially since RuPaul is famous now. It saddens me to know that Nelson is no longer with us and blows my mind knowing that if he were still here, he would be in his 70’s. These videos sure do make you realize how fast time flies. I mean, I was 15 when this video was shot n today I’m 46! Nobody I knew back then was making videos like this...Nelson was way ahead of his time!

[@IntergalacticSpaceKitten]

Songs are 0:48 Tell Me Lies - Fleetwood Mac 4:50 My Bag - Lloyd Cole I can't hear too well over our sweetheart Nelson to know what the rest of the music is.

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

Incredible audio especially for that time.

[@buddo6175]

Thank you so much for sharing this

[@ksdk370]

He used to hang out sometimes at Backstreet and The Gallos. Wow so long ago. He was good friends with Charlie Brown as well. Yes he was before his time. I was 25 when I first met him. Just knew him from the bars. This truly brings back memories.

[@mikejohnson7768]

Went to backstreet couple times,backstreet a little too hardcore for me

[@TS-qq7vr]

You're privileged to have met such a kind person.