Masters of Comedy - Part 2 : Bigger and Blacker

That was the name of the path-breaking stand up show by another one of my favorites (and the topic for today) - Chris Rock. With his naughty grin, trademark constipated expressions and high-pitched voice, he's scandalized millions of Americans and spawned innovative theories on gun control, strippers, reverse racism and more. At times, he can amuse you with his street logic and then do a volte-face and shock you completely with his anger and fierce attacks on a variety of issues.

You might know he's a great stand up comedian and a riotous actor, but did you know he's garnered 2 Grammies (yes, really!) and 3 Emmies along the way? Screen play, dialogues, directing, producing - he's done it all. But its when he gets back to his stand up routine, he's at his best.

Here are some gems from his work over the years...

On the noblest of professions: "You know what the biggest hoax of this century is? Strippers strip to pay their college tuitions... How many smart strippers have you met in your life? Does any stripper, while giving you a lap dance, go like "Have you thought about diversifying your portfolio?"...

On gun control: "Instead of getting rid of guns, you should make the bullets expensive so that you'll have to think twice before you shoot at someone. Shit! I'll kill you if only I could afford the bullet. You just wait... I'll take an evening job, save up enough money to buy a bullet and then come back and shoot you..."

Enlightening bit about men and women: "Men lie more, but women say the biggest lies. Men say things like 'you look pretty'. Women say 'Its your child'...

If you haven't done so already, go today and rent his 'Bigger and Blacker' DVD or any of his earlier works. You'll thank me later.