News

Rudy Ray Moore of 'Dolemite' Dies of Diabetes Complications

Rudy Ray Moore, one of the most influential comedians throughout hip-hop's history, died of diabetes complications on Sunday. He was 81.

While he appeared in numerous films, Moore is best known for his starring role in Dolemite, once called "the Citizen Kane of blaxploitation films" by The New York Times. Moore was also a rap pioneer before the genre had a name, using "toasts" to mask his X-rated material. Hence the use of Moore's voice on records by Snoop Dogg, the Beastie Boys, 2 Live Crew, Busta Rhymes and Big Daddy Kane.

Moore released almost 30 comedy records throughout his career, two of which (Below the Belt, The Beatnik Scene) were banned from some stores due to "Adults Only" stickers that predated Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx and Eddie Murphy's own raunchy acts. They became hits in the end, though, of course. Moore is survived by four siblings, his daughter Yvette "Rusty" Wesson, and his 98-year-old mother, Lucille.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
10.21.08