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The journey from discovering Eddie Murphy is different for every generation. For some, it was his raw stand-up comedy that broke barriers in the 80s. For others, it was his smooth-talking charm in films like Trading Places and Coming to America. But for millions of younger fans, Eddie Murphy is forever Donkey from Shrek - bringing his signature energy to an animated character that transcended the medium.

This episode dives deep into how Eddie Murphy's incredible versatility allowed him to connect with audiences across decades. Our guest Jasmine Adair shares her first experiences with Murphy's work and how she saw herself represented in his storytelling. We explore the cultural significance of movies like Boomerang - a revolutionary romantic comedy featuring an all-Black cast and workplace - something nearly unheard of in early 90s Hollywood. The conversation unpacks how Murphy faced criticism for transitioning to family-friendly films yet maintained his authentic voice throughout his evolution.

Perhaps most fascinating is our examination of how Murphy brought elements of Black cultural expression to mainstream animation through Donkey, ensuring that even in a fantasy world of ogres and dragons, Black voices and humor were represented. We discuss the unfair double standard applied to Black performers changing their style compared to their white counterparts - Bill Murray and Steve Martin can evolve without criticism, while Murphy's shifts were often questioned.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Murphy's brilliance for the first time, this conversation celebrates an entertainer who broke barriers, created opportunities for other Black performers, and built bridges between generations through the power of comedy. Join us for this joyful exploration of a true entertainment icon.

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The Murphy Monday Podcast celebrates Eddie Murphy's cinematic legacy by exploring the perennial question: what are your top five Eddie Murphy movies? Host Nigel A. Fullerton compiles diverse rankings from previous guests while sharing personal insights about how these lists evolve over time.

• Nigel's current top five: Nutty Professor, Harlem Nights, Life, Boomerang, and Dolemite Is My Name
• Guest lists feature surprising choices including Vampire in Brooklyn, Dr. Doolittle, and even Shrek
• Sterling Milan shares how Dolemite Is My Name became a profound personal inspiration at age 40
• Family members and industry professionals offer unique perspectives on Murphy's diverse filmography
• Coming to America and Beverly Hills Cop appear frequently, but guests often highlight lesser-known gems
• The episode demonstrates how no two fans share identical rankings, reflecting Murphy's versatile appeal

Next week's episode "Walking Talking Donkey" will finally cover Shrek with special guest Jasmine Adair, who explains why the animated classic resonates with her current life situation.

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What makes an Eddie Murphy film truly great? Is it the unforgettable characters, the quotable one-liners, or something more profound? Author Mat Bradley Tschirgi joins us to explore these questions through the lens of his fascinating new book, "The Films of Eddie Murphy: An Unofficial Look at America's Favorite Comedian from 48 Hours to Beverly Hills Cop Axel F."

Mat takes us on a journey through Eddie Murphy's remarkable 40-year career, uncovering little-known facts and reshaping our understanding of Murphy's contributions to cinema. From discovering that Murphy was briefly in foster care as a child to learning he earned more for the forgotten flop "Best Defense" than for his iconic hits, this conversation is filled with revelations that even dedicated fans might not know.

The heart of our discussion centers around Mat's unique approach to categorizing Murphy's extensive filmography. Rather than chronological order, he groups films as "Franchise Gems," "Hidden Gems," "So-So Gems," and "Not-So Gems." This thoughtful classification sparks a lively debate about underappreciated works like "Distinguished Gentleman" and "Mr. Church," which Mat surprisingly includes in his personal top five Murphy films. We also examine why comedies age so differently than dramas and how context matters when revisiting films from earlier decades.

Whether you're a casual viewer who knows Murphy from family films like "Shrek" or a longtime fan who can quote every line from "Raw," this episode offers fresh perspectives on an American comedy icon whose career deserves deeper analysis. Mat's passion for Murphy's work shines through as he makes a compelling case for why we should look beyond box office numbers or critical consensus to appreciate the full breadth of this remarkable performer's legacy.

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Eddie Murphy's Raw stands as a landmark comedy special that showcases a 27-year-old superstar at the height of his powers, wearing his iconic leather outfit at Madison Square Garden. The 1987 concert film combines brilliant impressions, storytelling, and controversial material that still resonates and provokes discussion decades later.

• Haji Outlaw shares his experience watching Raw at age 9 despite his mother's objections
• Raw vs. Delirious debate reveals how Raw captured Murphy at his fame peak
• Eddie Murphy's iconic leather outfit became untouchable for future comedians
• Discussion of how Raw initially received an X-rating requiring extensive negotiations
• Raw remains the 5th highest-grossing concert film of all time
• Examination of Eddie's crossover appeal and impact on Black cinema
• Critics like Roger Ebert had mixed reactions despite the special's massive success
• The scripted opening featuring Samuel L. Jackson and future stars was groundbreaking
• Eddie Murphy's impressions of Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor stand as comedy classics
• Murphy retired from stand-up shortly after Raw as his fame made it difficult to test material

Support Haji Outlaw's upcoming stand-up special "Spangled" and check out his music with Boldy James and the Cool Kids dropping this summer.

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The Best Of The Murphy Monday Podcast. The Top 5 most-downloaded-episodes .  Let's celebrate these past 4 years. Thank you for listening.

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Was Eddie Murphy’s participation in "Best Defense" a career misstep or a necessary detour? Join us as we unravel the fascinating story of the 1984 film "Best Defense," starring Eddie Murphy and Dudley Moore, notorious for being one of the worst movies ever made. We take you through Eddie Murphy’s journey, from his initial hesitation, motivated solely by a hefty paycheck, to his profound regret post the film's disastrous reception. Along the way, we share our own struggle to track down this cinematic enigma, culminating in an eye-opening viewing experience on Showtime that validated all the critical disdain.

In this episode, we contrast the chaotic wartime narrative and comedic interludes that feature Murphy, despite his limited screen presence, as the film's saving grace. We also explore Dudley Moore’s career trajectory, from the heights of "10" and "Arthur" to the lows of "Best Defense." The conversation delves into the bogus marketing strategies that misleadingly spotlighted Murphy, leveraging his rising fame and inadvertently paving the way for his breakout role in "Beverly Hills Cop." This episode is a testament to the industry's knack for misallocating talent and the frustration that ensues when star power fails to salvage a fundamentally flawed film. Tune in to hear our candid take on a cautionary tale of missed potential and erroneous marketing gambits.

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Join us on the Murphy Monday podcast as we welcome back Jewel Singletary, who shares her heartfelt journey through motherhood while giving her unique take on Eddie Murphy's latest Beverly Hills Cop installment. We dive into the highs and lows of the film, debating whether it hit the mark or missed the essence of the originals. Jewel's candid insights on the entertainment value and character portrayal offer a fresh perspective, and we even touch on the similarly polarizing Coming to America 2.

From there, our conversation shifts to a deep analysis of "Boomerang" and its progressive approach to gender roles and relationships. We dissect Jacqueline's character as a powerhouse who defies traditional gender norms, and explore the various representations of male characters like Marcus and David Alan Grier. We highlight Chris Rock's comedic role and Eartha Kitt's vibrant portrayal, celebrating the film's nuanced depiction of diverse characters and its relevance to ongoing gender conversations.

Finally, we delve into the interconnected universe of films like "Boomerang" and "House Party." We celebrate Eddie Murphy's groundbreaking work in revolutionizing Black representation in film and his transition from action films to romantic comedies. Our discussion spans from early Black rom-coms to their evolving impact on Hollywood, and I top it all off with my personal top five Eddie Murphy projects. Don't miss this lively discussion on the life and career of Eddie Murphy and the broader landscape of Black cinema.

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Join us on this special episode of the Murphy Monday Podcast as we dive into the magic and mayhem of Eddie Murphy’s latest film, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F." With comedian and pop culture enthusiast Mike Brown by our side, we dissect the fan service, action scenes, and whether this sequel is a genuine tribute or just another cash grab. Tune in to hear Mike’s animated comparisons to "Bad Boys 4" and his thoughts on the hilarious scene where Axel Foley seems immune to pepper spray.

But that's not all! We also uncover some of Eddie Murphy’s lesser-known ventures, like the bizarre flop "Best Defense" featuring Dudley Moore, and imagine a world where Murphy takes on roles in both "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Ghostbusters." We delve into the crossover potential with "Cobra" and how Murphy’s star power was nearly unmatched at the time. Our critique of the heavy-handed nostalgia and the refreshing dynamic between Axel Foley and his daughter offers a balanced view of the film, showcasing Murphy's growth and the evolution of his comedic genius.

Finally, we speculate on Eddie Murphy’s potential future roles and his ability to transition into more dramatic territory. From analyzing his comedic rhythm in classic scenes to envisioning him in a Marvel movie, we leave no stone unturned. This episode is packed with nostalgia, insights, and a celebration of Eddie Murphy’s lasting impact on Hollywood. Don’t miss out on our spirited discussion and the exciting announcement of an upcoming comedy special in Brooklyn.

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Tell An Eddie Murphy fan to tell an Eddie Murphy fan that you love this podcast