Talib Kweli And Neal Brennan Talk Chappelle's Show, SNL & Mining Politics For Jokes | People's Party

On this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with critically acclaimed comedian, writer, producer, and director Neal Brennan. They discuss Brennan's profound Netflix special "3 Mics," writing for SNL, as well as his work on "Chappelle's Show" -- where he wrote and produced virtually every sketch in tandem with Chappelle.
Later, Kweli, Jasmin, and Neal talk about his relationship with Dave and the aftermath of the show's abrupt ending. The wide-ranging conversation includes stories of white friends asking Neal how to make black friends, Kweli and Neal sharing stories of their first meetings with Chappelle, Neal's cameo in "Half Baked" becoming a meme, his friend Ellen's much-criticized selfie with George W. Bush, as well as the "political news comedy" genre and the impact of comedians like John Oliver and Trevor Noah during the Trump era.
Later on in the show, Neal and Talib share experiences with people telling them how their work -- Talib's song "Get By" and Neal's stand up content covering depression -- has helped them overcome trying times. They also go on to speak about Kanye West's struggles with identity, the low bar of modern-day journalism, and comedy stylings that are long overdue for retirement.
Check out the audio podcasts here:
Apple - applepodcasts.com/peoplesparty
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/72bYFZB...
Soundcloud - / peoplesparty
Google Play - play.google.com/music/m/Ieugq...
Interview Timings:
1:50 -- Talib speaks on early days in his career spending all his show money on shoes and clothing while on tour in London with Yasiin Bey.
6:02 -- Neal details how his white friends will ask him for coaching sessions on how to have black friends. Jasmin then asks Neal if he gets questions from his black friends about white people.
9:37 -- Talib asks Neal how often he encounters instant fans, once they find out the work he's famous for, when they'd previously never heard his name before.
11:23 -- Neal talks about making friends with Dave Chappelle at NYU, in the early stages of their stand up careers. Talib shares the story of his first meeting with Dave as well.
14:48 -- Talib mentions Neal's cameo in movie "Half-Baked" and how it's become such a meme-able scene over the years, even sampled by Beyoncé.
16:36 -- Neal breaks down the unique concept of his hit Netflix special "Neal Brennan - 3 Mics."
18:05 -- The trio discusses the trouble many comedians keep running into with social media, and they debate whether or not they should be held to the same standard as everyone else.
23:18 -- Neal gets asked if he thinks there are any truly funny right-wing comedians.
25:00 -- Neal expands on an article where he questioned whether these liberal political comedy shows have had any effect under a Trump presidency, or are they all just preaching to the choir.
31:43 -- Talib tells a story about an awkward situation he experienced when meeting the owner of the Houston Texans, while on tour with Macklemore.
34:56 -- Neal brings up many Christian's expectations of "black forgiveness" in face of America's atrocities.
35:56 -- The trio discusses the similarities of Ellen's selfie with George W. Bush and Botham Jean's brother's embrace of the police officer who murdered him.
39:48 -- The trio talk Saturday Night Live, all being huge fans while growing up. Neal speaks on his experiences working on the show and the great relationships that came out of his time being there.
43:51 -- Neal opens up about finding new beginnings, moving back to stand-up at open mics, after the abrupt ending of Chappelle Show.
47:12 -- Neal details aspects of "Chappelle's Show" end and the falling out around it, as well as his working relationship with Dave Chappelle, then and now. Neal also expands on what it's like to be a white comedian who does material for black audiences and how he and Dave's roles would get stereotyped by comedians and studios due to race.
54:38 -- Talib brings up a quote of Neal's where he stated that if he was a black guy he would be talking about slavery all the time.
1:00:35 -- Jasmin asks Neal to speak on what was behind some of the topics he covered on "3 Mics" regarding mental health and depression. Neal and Talib discuss their relation with people telling them how their performances have helped them overcome hard times.
1:06:51 -- The trio give their opinions on Kanye West's struggles with finding his identity as a Trumper and his constant search for affirmation.
1:14:11 -- Jasmine asks Neal what comedy stylings he thinks are overdue for retirement. Talib also questions Neal what is more important in the world of comedy -- candor or charisma.
More Jasmin Leigh:
/ jasminleigh
/ realjasminleigh
#TalibKweli #NealBrennan #DaveChappelle #PeoplesParty #UPROXXVideo #UPROXX #JasminLeigh #chappelleshow #3mics #davechappelleshow #nealbrennanchappelle

[@uproxx]

Another fantastic episode! If you're looking for the audio version be sure down subscribe and rate us... Apple: applepodcasts.com/peoplesparty Spotify: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peoples-party-with-talib-kweli/id1467639342

[@storysupport]

UPROXX Video I like the running time queues. It helps me get back to where I left off when I can’t sit through the entire show. It also complements the headlines to give substance to the content. 👍🏿

[@ryanthomastew]

Damnit this interview was too short! I wish you guys had kept talking - this was so engaging - great questions, thoughtful analysis and just insightful. SUB'd! Jasmin you added some good points too - keep up the good work!

[@baiduchicom8403]

You have a lot of piece of shtt commies watching your show. Wonder how that reflects on you?

[@davidpowers746]

"Charisma's more valuable on stage, candor's more valuable in the streets." Mic drop.

[@chriswhiteiii]

Seeing that camera man in the background laughing is adding to the flavor of the show.

[@joepg1608]

The song Get By definitely got me through some dark days. Thanks!! Kweli in my top 5 greatest MC's

[@JC-mn8kb]

"I was just trying to keep up with the Bey's" I'm here just for the blackstar connections.

[@uproxx]

You came for a good episode then

[@aubrielandry9705]

This was a great interview. I never heard Neal discuss the ending of the Chappelle show like this before. I know that he was recently on Joe Rogan, but I don't watch his podcast. I can't comment on what was discussed there, but I can say that Talib did a great job of having Neal discuss the situation in an open honest, and fair way. We need more conversation like this.

[@christianquintero2936]

Check out the first time Neal Brennan was on JRE, he talks about it at length about why chappelle show ended.

[@uproxx]

Thanks so much for this feedback!

[@soultaliban]

@@christianquintero2936 Yes he sure did, nothing new under the sun here.

[@baiduchicom8403]

Neal Brennan is a beta soyboy Political Correct useful idiot. Can see why the communists watching this channel would like him.

[@AlephYobby]

@@baiduchicom8403 neal brennan is not pc🤣 he had the n word in his stand up set up to three years ago.. He wrote the line "gay sex is gross"... I swear u people just want everyone to beat women

[@chriswhiteiii]

Great way to end this interview. I spent the final seconds looking up both words to catch up to where you were. Thx to you all now candor and charisma are in my glossary.

[@alemorales4905]

so good! thanks for the good solid questions

[@blackteq2341]

Amazing episode. Love seeing conversations like this take place. We need more of this. Big fan of everyone involved. Keep up the great work. Also "get by" was extremely important for me growing up. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@uproxx]

Thanks for the kind words and viewership! Huge props!

[@NestaAstern]

Talib and Mosdef (Yassin) are two of the best rappers to "EVER BREATH AIR"!!!

[@RawUndergroundMusic]

most rappers today don’t care for hip hop culture.

[@NestaAstern]

@@RawUndergroundMusic....Much respect for that true comment. Unfortunately, the "Suburbs" are the only consumers of Hip-Hop music now. My people (Black Folks) don't spend money on music (for the most part) since "NAPSTER" was created. This is why hardcore rap music sounds exactly (WACK)!!!! Black peiple used to "BUY" hip-hop music that had a message. This music sat alongside the "party rap" stuff on the music shelf. Now the conscious rap music is underground and it does not sale. This why rap music is so weak now.

[@daveyreynolds6444]

Lmmfao

[@NestaAstern]

You are VERY WELCOME for that observation Davey.

[@daveyreynolds6444]

Mosdef maybe but certainly not Talib as one of the greats

[@tempuramonster]

Holy fucking shit I didn't know Kweli had a podcast!! Been a Neal Brennan's-work fan for a long time without knowing it, been a Blackstar fan for a long time (and Kweli and Bey fan independently), stumbling onto this just made my day. Mad props to the production - it sounds and looks amazing, and the content is as stimulating as each of these guys' body of work. Only gripe would be to not have Jasmin so far out. It seems like a chore to have her be on the other side of the room when she's just as part of the conversation as the host and guest, it sorta breaks up the experience. It seems like she's just butting in when the camera cuts to her being in a different setting. Otherwise, huge kudos!

[@khajahkool]

Another great interview!!

[@xanhteps8667]

Neal was not the yoko of Chappelle's show he was the paul McCartney to Dave's john Lennon. Comedy Central was the Yolo.

[@sir_charelzwatzbrackin7705]

Dope show yall!!

[@cmoulden78]

I’m starting to love these podcast more and more.

[@SpursCCXIV]

I believe in the value of just listening to ppl talk, without interrupting with my 2¢

[@trishasmith3286]

Grate interview! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@Hotobu]

"Grate"🤔

[@carlosvejar3938]

Señor Talib, you have made me a fan of your podcast. Thank you for your honest search for truth.

[@upsettuh]

Phenomenal podcast

[@shern303]

3 mics is completely unique. In addition to all of Neal's credentials, # mics stands out, beyond. keep it up, Neal!

[@mmb628jr2]

Respect their friendship- hope ppl have something that..

[@toneriggz]

Nick DiPaolo was part of Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn alongside Jim Norton, Greg Giraldo, Patrice O'Neal, Keith Robinson. All those guys were funny, no holds barred comedians. I've never agreed with his politics but Nick is definitely funny.

[@mc9828]

Neal is such a g haha I love it

[@VicVegaTW]

I never knew that song was based on a true story, I mean in such a direct fashion from a specific event

[@jonscurry5458]

@39:30 they hit the crux of this age old conversation... In those moments it's up to that individual to make Decisions and Behave as they see fit. It's their life. But If a person would see that same Decision or Behavior in another and think it was wrong, so then that person incriminates themself by their own moral compass.

[@prettycoolPJ]

Aaah, OK... Yeah, Ricky D being Mos' rap hero makes all the sense in the world, when you really think about it.

[@storysupport]

I’m another one! “Get By” is the first song I wake up to each day!

[@sparkmaster4393]

One of my my favorite comics that also looks like my uncle Paul.

[@Stafa64]

This lady needs to sit at the table or something. She's like half in conversation and it pulls me out every times she chimes in.

[@mr.j410]

Bro it's like she's in another room lol

[@pierceforpeace]

hahahahaha

[@Hotobu]

Please no. I want to see her face as little as possible🤢

[@mdkvisions]

@@Hotobu Absolutely she adds nothing to this, it's like she can't believe she's actually in the room with talented people, she reminds me of a random girl that was at a club and you said hay I'm doing a podcast what you doing right know?

[@JasminLeigh]

Hotobu well damn what did I do to you lol

[@ivan363]

💚👏🏾

[@NestaAstern]

"Blackstarr Embassy B to the K"!

[@headman844]

4:53 Do you smoke weed? Yes I do Great

[@bersanji]

I repeat, I was a BIG FAN of this guy and I didn't even know about it.

[@user-px2qp3ly5s]

Future made of virtual insanity always seems to forget about the love we have We have a song that preceded its time

[@aaronandroid9239]

It's all "Keep that same energy" in regards to identity

[@tatertae5730]

I love neal. He is the white dude you stand up to the hood for.

[@baiduchicom8403]

All you see is race. Know why?

[@ronaldkuykendall6249]

@@baiduchicom8403 FUCK YOU, I know why? because you white supremacist think you run everything

[@nathanhaag2736]

I felt that when Talib said "fuck them" lol

[@dagr8nico]

Only thing I disagree with is there's no Walter Cronkite etc. in this era. There's the Joe Rogans, Charlemagnee, Kwelis, TIs, etc. Podcast and streaming is the new way to reach the people. Phones are this era's main communication source not the TV. Things are evolving.

[@dagr8nico]

@ExtraMoreBigger Yes honestly Joe Rogan and Charlemagne the God are 2 of the biggest personalities in real broadcasting now days.

[@michaeld2060]

Neil is a great writer stop the hate! He his a genuine comedian. He made us all laugh unknowingly.

[@genericstaticshock705]

Unknowingly AND knowingly

[@MrMysterious420]

9:19 Marlon Craft doesn't start with an "E"

[@LBoogie-fn5kp]

He spazzed the fuck out on flex

[@lepetitmort1150]

“im not rocking with ketamine.” -neal brannan

[@optikalillusion777]

Mental illness is also cognitive. It can make you unaware socially of what is happening around you. It can make you misunderstand situations completely.

[@ramudon2428]

What can be an effect from Oliver and these liberal shows is that the choir listening gets a better grasp on the situation and thus can bring that out into the world whenever they're talking to a colleague or friends who either downplay the significance of whatever topic you're on, or who don't agree. It could be viewed as a school to equip the choir for adding to the roster, spreading reason. But maybe it doesn't work. Maybe people just watch, nod, laugh, and feel great about being in agreement cause "Oliver is smart, and we agree, ergo I'm also smart and clever and we're both SO right", then never do jack shit.

[@sergiomirando4594]

🇨🇱🇨🇱💪✌

[@geicoworker]

Still waiting on that heifer, Julio.

[@bigmo10]

What's her name?

[@JasminLeigh]

bigmo10 Jasmin Leigh

[@darrylpaine906]

I fucking love Neal. Hes so fucking dope. Coming from a blk man lol

[@bersanji]

Word D

[@jdovma1]

"They're both Geminis. (sneer)" No wonder Jasmin irks me.

[@gk_coach_mario3843]

😂😂😂😂 just got to that part... my first reaction WTF? Both Neal and Talib just completely disregarded it

[@user-zz8pf9ec3b]

잘봤습니다

[@Fractus]

Talib is kind of quiet in this, and I just mean volume-wise.

[@beelzebubbla]

Apathy starts with an "a".

[@elemaire86]

WORD...Apathy is NASTY man.

[@spwie60]

36:41 this conversation about ellen needs to be rooted in her privilege. she was insulated from bush's war crimes and enabling of lgbt+ persecution because of her money, race and status thousands of people in iraq, new orleans, in gunatanamo bay, etc didn't have the choice to "just watch a football game." people with influence like ellen have the responsibility to act and speak out for those who have been silenced, especially when they pretend to be a leader within marginalized communities. she doesn't get that

[@jollybekson1736]

Neal got paid to be in the show?

[@13thAssassin]

Thank you for your work and time as always. If you ever get the chance please search for the word "Dajjal". This will give you a true understanding of who's running the entertainment industry, specially the music industry. Hence the "One Eye" symbol, thank you once again and all the best.

[@13thAssassin]

@OBADIAH 1:18 The Dajjal is who the Rothchild's follow and await his coming. To them the Dajjal is the Messiah. But the Dajjal is the false Messiah. The true Messiah is Jesus peace be upon him. And he will be the one to kill the Dajjal aka Antichrist.

[@dirtona2606]

Fake it till you make it

[@RawUndergroundMusic]

Where is Candace Owens when you need her?

[@rickrizzle423]

Who got fired from SNL?

[@spanky4734]

Marlon Clarke Shane gillis

[@TheOmitl]

GET JAY ELECTRONICA ON

[@derrickstockwell6697]

Is it just me, or is it kinda weird that he doesn't even look at her as he answers her questions? lol

[@chadlewis7545]

I thought it was rude kinda

[@Damitche024]

Neal trying to bait Talib in to calling out Macklemore for cultural appropriation is part of the reason he was shoved in to lockers as a kid. This f*cking guy

[@bmarzdungeon7736]

Neal looks like a white Kurupt

[@delcoplaza]

Why would someone play you a beat that they were already going to give to Mariah Carey? Good thing he did tho

[@g_aware_nerd]

Two Libras talk.

[@ayrmendina8314]

I feel a cohost is supposed to add an additional dynamic to a conversation either to assist in perspective making or improve the insight. I appreciate Jasmin Leigh, but I personally don't feel she adds to the conversations with her perspectives and insights. They typically don't open the conversations nor open any doors of convos. I understand it's an attempt to bring something similar to what Tracy G does for Sway - the difference there is Tracy is rather well versed in her discussion points and doesn't comment on situations she does not know, nor does she typically speak over the guest's opinions. I appreciate Jasmin presence, but I'd prefer if she wasn't involved in these type of conversations.

[@JasminLeigh]

Ayr Mendina what type of conversations should she be involved in??

[@tadah21]

@@JasminLeigh Ask questions that Talib would not think to ask or add an insight into the conversation that you would like to know because normally we do as well,Talib is a seasoned performer and you're starting out so for the younger creatives your perspective and questions are really needed. Like how to start in a desired field,touring, etc.....

[@ClosedLoopMusic]

neal sounds like hes under the influence

[@CurrentRapCurrents]

38:00 What G.W. Bush did to Iraq (and the world) and to the innocent people executed on death row, seem less dreadful now for some reason with Trump in office... is he a more respectable guy than Trump? I'm sooo torn, but I'm definitely leaning towards yes.

[@RawUndergroundMusic]

Racism in America today is like the movie the sixth sense.

[@user-px2qp3ly5s]

🤓

[@jordanwood183]

5:15 Talib ADMITS to being in the illuminati!!

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

Cause he was at a themed party?

[@JasminLeigh]

What I missed this part and I was there lmao

[@edwin5828]

like, how many times, are y’all, like, motherfuckers going to say “like”?

[@jasonharrison601]

#wokepoints

[@shawnrichards344]

What the hell is cetamean?

[@BossManSays]

Ketamine is a tranquilizer

[@brudamo9203]

Maddow. ??

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

Terrible conspiracy theorist. Like Hannity and Tucker.

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

Barely a journalist at this point just a shill for the corporatist dnc agenda.

[@slamponyp]

Talib is very short sighted

[@ambfilm1188]

Neil is doing some real colonizer shit. Thinking he came up with the “Fuck You” line in HalfBaked. Did we forget that Eddie Murphy said that shit first in Coming to America “fuck you, fuck you, fuck you who’s next.” When I saw that in Halfbaked I immediately thought of Coming to America and thought it was a head nod to Eddie. Like Jay-Z spitting a Biggie lyric.

[@marlinfish128]

This guy probably wrote the skit that involved a dress.

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

I think this comment was written with one blunt in hand. A bad characature of black commentators.

[@user-px2qp3ly5s]

Shalom All the controversies in the world and in the country and in the region are dwarfed by me and you, person to person on the street or online. We person to person may also be a small way to peace. But if you're anti-Semitic, don't waste time with me

[@drdread9896]

?????

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

What is happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear.

[@bersanji]

I'm lost here. What is bothering you brother?

[@bradleyfischbach]

When you were talking about journalists and journalism... Seek out independent news sources. Democracy Now! has been going strong since the 90s. I think the best journalists working today are all at The Intercept. theintercept.com/

[@uproxx]

The Intercept are definitely doing some important work along with others.

[@KingGiL7]

Rachel Maddow definitely got Trump votes

[@patsysadowski1546]

What is up with white Americans on the whole?

[@MegaAtOh]

john oliver is a conservative comedian

[@lulumatthewiosi179]

Huh? How?

[@spanky4734]

It shouldn’t matter the political views of a comic. If they’re good they would be able to look at the left and the right and make jokes the comedians just making fun of the right because it is easy and will make them look woke is sad. the left is to worried about dividing and won’t sit down and talk with someone who has different beliefs then them you see tulsi and plenty of dems on fox don’t see and republicans on msnbc cnn any other liberal news

[@bernt612]

👎👎👎👎👎 #metasota..wins ...

[@RawUndergroundMusic]

34:10 Talib quality being a bigot

[@buckyboy28]

Jasmin brings nothing to this conversation. This show doesn't need a co-host.

[@BE-bk1tb]

Scott Davis Yup!

[@pierceforpeace]

"Do I (need to check out All That)?" hahaha NO you do NOT, 'cus you're an adult, and that show isn't actually (for adults in real life) funny. Heavy hitters from Neal: They (white people) ask me, HOW, do you have black friends...White people really want to be friends with people of color and they don't know how to start, and I don't know how to tell them...it's impossible to develop a natural friendship with somebody, unless you have proximity. The difference between being a white minority and a black minority is that black people have a lot of access to the white world. ...the certitude, the smugness, the superiority, may convert people the other way because...a lot of Trump's appeal is anti-elitism...they (Trump supporters) feel left out..."So you feel bad for yourself, so you're gonna' join a racist regime."

[@dirtona2606]

No one cares about SNL anymore.

[@uproxx]

Hmmm, you’d be surprised 🤔

[@RawUndergroundMusic]

Well half the country Does, They alienated half their audience.

[@chadlewis7545]

Snl hasn’t been funny in a long time. Maybe 2 skits a show. Maybe. Weekend update is usually alright

[@Mstl1099]

Jeff Foxworthy #1 selling comedian all time I believe is conservative.

[@mmb628jr2]

Talib went a bit too hard on him a couple times. Neal doesn’t speak for all white people, and all white people living today don’t have to answer for everything done back when. Genetics. A Black activist in America can be of Cuban decent, or Italian, Spain, Brazil, they exist. Their white counterparts exist as well. Same race, same people, same heritage.- and a lot of them growing up- don’t give a fuck about those distinctions.. they growing themselves up about climate change and renewable energy- sht that effects them- and their future generation.. this sht about race is dead: oldheads are trying to keep it alive. Don’t ride with that horse.

[@RawUndergroundMusic]

MMB628 Jr 🔥

[@marlinfish128]

He's Jewish...not white.

[@bersanji]

Judaism is a faith, not a race.

[@samswin3020]

Can’t stand the girl she makes all of these awesome interviews unnecessarily more annoying

[@joepg1608]

You might be right

[@annmariegood37]

Sad but true

[@JasminLeigh]

How so would love examples for the future

[@samswin3020]

Jasmin’s World not trying to be a dick but you don’t really belong on these. It’s a one on one style type thing usually with two legends then it keeps getting interrupted by someone who’s opinion I could care less about who’s not even at the table. When I saw that el p did this i was fucking praying you’d just let the conversation flow and keep to yourself.

[@kumipantteri]

48:08 for Brennan talking about Chappelle (the only thing still keeping him relevant and/or interesting)

[@acdnan]

Watch his special 3 mics on netflix

[@uproxx]

3 Mics is amazing. He has more ghostwriting and EP credits than you can imagine. He's the #1 comedy script doc in Hollywood. He's on COMEDIANS OF THE WORLD right now. Seems very relevant to us.

[@baiduchicom8403]

Yeah he's shit and an unfunny woke douche.

[@ryanhewitt8427]

Talib needs to talk to some libertarians, I'm a huge fan but these guys are deep in an echo chamber. George Bush and the Republicans aren't the answer but neither are Rachel Maddow and the Democrats.

[@miken2968]

No funny conservatives? But liberals like Trevor Noah are funny?...ummmmmm....nooooo

[@kynnon3490]

Trump 2020 🇺🇸 then, Ivanka 😎

[@askdeefaircommonsense1014]

Fuck Trump and his supporters..

[@deishereyortega9175]

Fuck you

[@joepg1608]

Fuck all politicians. They don't give a fuck about any of us white or black

[@stevenbentley3491]

Talib has no class

[@BE-bk1tb]

Steven Bentley Have to say didn’t realize how much of a self righteous, narcissistic, know-it-all, unlikable person he was until the recent Vlad interview. And despite being a good podcast he’s sure to ruin as the personality and ego continue to deep into the interviews.

[@joesanchez8852]

Talib Kweli you're such a disappointment I thought you were conscious but you're most certainly not. You need to get a book called meet your strawman and whatever you want to know by David Robinson and you know something is wrong when...by Judge Anna Von Reitz. Also lookup Yusef El and Taj Tarik Bey on KZbin.

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

He has been "conscious" since 2000 seasons 1996 Sound Bombing 1 mixed by Evil Dee of Beat Minerz. And let's be honest this conscious you talking of is a stand in for "woke"

[@joesanchez8852]

@@mrsoshadabaadman man I dont know what you're talking about you are "incoherent". What really matters is the hidden history and state of the world that is unknown you're all still slaves literally and legally (not lawfully) and dont know it you're in a matrix of law and semantic deceit on a scale you can't imagine. You can't be a slave and concious or woke or whatever you're attempting to say. I guess the old adage is true "if you want to hide something from black people make sure it's the truth".