Bicentennial Nigger

AMG Review of Bicentennial Nigger

Ed Hogan
All Music Guide

Produced by his manager, David Banks, Richard Pryor's Bicentennial Nigger is one of the comic genius' most overlooked albums, relatively speaking, probably due in part because there was no accompanying concert movie as there was for Wanted and Live on the Sunset Strip. No matter -- Pryor's amazing talent for mixing expert mimicry, riotous mayhem, and stunning insight is in full effect here. The LP's original cover featured the comedian in various cartoon-styled characterizations, and that's exactly what you get on this perennially funny album. Standouts are "Black & White Women," "Our Gang," "Mudbone Goes to Hollywood," and the saucy title routine that's a showcase for Pryor's extraordinary range. Originally issued on Warner Bros. Records in September 1976, Bicentennial Nigger was issued as a CD on June 20, 1989, and is included in Rhino's box set And It's Deep Too! The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings (1968-1992), released on October 17, 2000.