If you were any living body last night, January 18, 2014, you know that rapper Drake, who served double-duty on the popular NBC television sketch comedy SNL, was indeed the boss: without a doubt.
Although all eyes were going to be on the rapper whose first time on SNL doing both: hosting + musical guest, everyone had their sights set on comediane Sasheer Zamata, who made her SNL debut as the first black woman in over six years to join the cast-on permanent duty: indefinitely.
That, in addition to last night being the first show of the New Year and season; a lot of “firsts” happened: for sure.
Well let’s not belabor the obvious: No one expected Drake to dominate the show as such. And although he did, Zamata was no subordinate; she held her own however, Drake lead the way: definitely.
The self proclaimed Light-Skinned Keith Sweat (ordained and blessed by Yeezus as “Rap God,”) definitely showed the world his bless-ed talents beyond both the vulnerability and bravado in his rap lyrics and persona; but too (last night); quintessential versatility that obviously took him right back home from the bottom where it started: acting.
Before he was the rapper: Drake, most people know him as [Wheelchair] Jimmy from the popular television show: Degrassi. And although his performance last night showed he definitely made a return to his roots and blossomed on the late night sketch comedy (with the believability of each and every character he portrayed); he took it another level as, the difference between improvisation/sketch comedy versus acting is like the difference between writing rhymes versus a ballad: Same difference (in that it is songwriting nonetheless) but each requires a certain skill set. And because of his proving he has both skill sets last night, the rapper certainly upped the ante of his entire ambiance go forward.
His dominance of the show could not go unnoticed and although Zamata’s debut was overshadowed, the fact still remains: she held her own and too, was a good fit for physical/sketch comedy. Seeing as though Drakes double-duty certainly earned him time and a half; Zamata’s new permanent job certainly affords her the time-going forward, it her time now—after Drake set the stage and lead the way.
In case you missed it, take a look at some of the skits to see what all the buzz is about and why last nights show of many firsts; superceded all our expectations:
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/resolution-revolution/n45302
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/nancy-grace/n45301
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/drake-bar-mitzvah-monologue/n45296
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/before-they-were-stars/n45300
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/mornin-miami/n45299
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/poetry-teacher/n45303
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/disney-world-show/n45305
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x19xov0_cold-open-piers-morgan-live-drake-snl-1-18-14_fun
Drake Performing “Hold On We’re Going Home” & “From Time” w/Jhene Aiko (snippet)
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/drake-hold-on-were-going-home-and-from-time/n45309
Drake Performing “Started from the Bottom” & “Trophies”
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/drake-started-from-the-bottom-and-trophies/n45304
