Rudy Ray Moore, The "Godfather of Rap" in The Legend of Dolemite

The Legend of Dolemite is a documentary of the Blaxploitation legend, Rudy Ray Moore who details his career as the original "Godfather of Rap.”

Rudy Ray Moore (Rudolph Frank Moore, b. 1927-2008) is a comedian, singer, actor, and film producer. He is most known for his blaxploitation films, live street poetry and his raunchy stand-up comedy. Rudy Ray Moore was a film star, known for transforming the film industry with his 1975 blaxploitation film, Dolemite which was about a kung-fu fighting pimp. His comedy acts were influenced by mainstream comedians such as Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor, as well as by Black cultural traditions such as playing the dozens. Because of his street poetry, musical performances and status as the “Godfather of Rap” and  "King of Part Records" he is viewed as a major Hip-Hop influence by many rap artists.