Dave Chappelle spouts off to the 'Daily'

Making his way from performing gigs at comedy clubs in Washington DC at the age of 14 to doing the same in New York, comedian Dave Chappelle finally worked his way to the big screen in Mel Brook's film, Robin Hood Men in Tights. In 2000, Chappelle's popularity soared after starring in his own one-hour stand-up comedy special. But according to Chappelle, his new television gig, entitled Chappelle's Show, is different from any other gig he has ever had.

"I want to reach people my age," the 28-year-old Chappelle said. "Young people are the best for me because they are bolder."

Chappelle challenges the boldness of his viewers on a weekly basis with Chappelle's Show. The half hour sketch-comedy show features four to five sketches per episode, with a musical guest to conclude it. Chappelle, along with co-writer Neal Brennan, who also helped him write the movie Half Baked, create skits with social commentaries that make you laugh and think at the same time.

Although there is much laughter from the studio audience, neither Chappelle's humor nor his language is for the squeamish. Comedy Central gives Chappelle much more leeway than any other non-cable network by allowing extensive use of most curse words, without bleeping many out. "Cable gives me so much more freedom," Chappelle said. "Network is not bad, but it's not for me."

Also in certain skits in his show, Chappelle uses the word "Nigger" as if it is going out of style, but to him it is not the inflammatory word many think of it to be. "I'm from that era where young brothers call each other the 'N-word' with no malice behind it," Chappelle said in defense of the flagrant use of the word in his skits.

Not all skits handle such sensitive topics, however. The comical "Tyrone the Crackhead" features Chappelle garnished in filthy clothes and sporting white powder on his lips. Tyrone makes outlandish statements such as, "Do you know what dog food tastes like? Just like it smells -- delicious." Other fictional outtakes make more of social statement, such as how blacks would change if they received their reparations checks.

"I don't do the show with the intention of making social commentary," Chappelle said. "Making the show funny is the main point."

Chappelle's Show spans 30 minutes, and according to Chappelle, this is the only option. "I think it's short," Chappelle said. "Just to do that half an hour, that [expletive] is like murder."

One of the aspects of Chappelle's Show that distinguishes itself from other sketch comedy is that Chappelle's has no set cast. There are some recurring members of the cast, but mainly Chappelle creates characters for a wide variety of actors. For example, Chappelle said if he knows somebody who does a good Denzel Washington impression, he will write a part for that person.

Also, Chappelle's Show features musical guests at the conclusion of each episode. This season features such acts as Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, The Roots, Talib Kweli, and GZA. As of now it does not appear as if Chappelle will eliminate the music segment of the show to make room for more skits.

"Music is a huge part of my life," Chappelle said. "I'm a huge fan of hip-hop and like the commentary."

Chappelle along with Brennan and Michelle Armour are the executive producers of the show. He feels he has a lot of power in determining what material goes into it and he is not forced to do anything that he doesn't feel comfortable doing. But, Chappelle notes that in opposition to stand-up comedy, his television life is "in general a much more cooperate life," meaning that he must work with more people to put out a polished product.

Chappelle has taped ten episodes and is slated to tape two more in March. After that, Comedy Central is going to create a Best of Chappelle's Show episode to make 13 for the season.