Craps (After Hours)

Expanded edition of legendary comic’s sophomore release 4 bonus tracks. New liner notes from Scott Saul, author of Becoming Richard Pryor, plus an introduction from award-winning writer Larry Karaszewski (Dolemite Is My Name). Released with full cooperation from the Richard Pryor Estate “This fascinating collection chronicles how Richard Pryor evolved from 1960s nightclub comedian to being the voice of his generation. The performances capture the moment where Richard Pryor stopped being polite. Where he took off his suit and tie and gloves. Where Pryor began to reflect what was happening in the streets and in the counterculture.” From the new introduction by Larry Karaszewski (award-winning co-writer of Dolemite Is My Name, The People vs. Larry Flynt, American Crime Story, and more)

Originally released in 1971, Craps’ (After Hours) arrived more than two years after his debut, and on a new label, Laff Records. It also came from a tumultuous time in Pryor’s personal life. But this new arrangement and Pryor’s need to create saw him - for the first time since his earliest days in Peoria - performing in nightclubs that drew an almost entirely black audience. In these lively black clubs, he could say anything he wanted; and those parts of himself that had been buried, by shame or censorship, could now serve as his creative fuel. The original 32 tracks from Craps’ (After Hours) are now teamed with 4 bonus tracks from the out-of-print Evolution / Revolution: The Early Years (1966-1974) collection - originally co-compiled by Reggie Collins, who helms this new set along with Jennifer Lee Pryor and Grammy-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski.