RuPaul Explains The Difficulties of Go-Go Dancing in 1988

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  • Опубліковано 18 лис 2010
  • RuPaul had just finished a rigorous evening of go-go dancing on the bar at the Pyramid Club when he explained some of the problems that go-go dancers encounter on the job. Video by Nelson Sullivan
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,9 тис.

  • @bartolomeestebanmurillo4459
    @bartolomeestebanmurillo4459 6 років тому +10524

    When Ru says it gets better, believe him. He worked from the bottom, he climbed to the top from his early days in New York. He talks about 1988 being a dark year for him and makes no bones about it, he was sleeping on friends' couches, battling addiction, losing friends to the AIDS crisis. He's a true inspiration about fighting for your dreams.

    • @cosch4862
      @cosch4862 5 років тому +18

      👄

    • @UltimateGenosyko
      @UltimateGenosyko 5 років тому +32

      Co Sch lol wtf

    • @TheDondon14
      @TheDondon14 5 років тому +139

      @Great Lakes you're disgusting

    • @shakawalker1249
      @shakawalker1249 4 роки тому +1

      @Great Lakes kinda

    • @gumiho8352
      @gumiho8352 4 роки тому +72

      @Great Lakes You're preaching sex. But you yourself said whatever they do is no one's business so why make it your personal business to try to make it something horrible? Why does it bother you so much when it has no effect in YOUR life.

  • @knucklehoagies
    @knucklehoagies 3 роки тому +7310

    Being gay in the 80s let alone dressing in drag was pretty dangerous. Getting beat up for it was way more common.

    • @kyfresh2death
      @kyfresh2death 3 роки тому +41

      I didn't know it was like that

    • @therockbottom5256
      @therockbottom5256 3 роки тому +301

      Queens of the 80’s were truly the epitome of “the best of both worlds” beautiful femininity + the ability to protect themselves smartly

    • @kyfresh2death
      @kyfresh2death 3 роки тому +54

      I'm not gay but some of those gays needed to learn kung fu and then some of them wouldn't get beat up.

    • @Quaczar1
      @Quaczar1 3 роки тому +206

      You gotta remember Ru was working in NYC in the village on the lower east side of Manhattan. These things were more or less common practice more so in the eighties and especially in the village. I grew up on the lower east side of Manhattan so I know first hand. After 8:00 pm u would see a drag Queen or four and it wasn’t weird or crazy. My mother actually used to party at the club that RuPaul used to dance in called the Pyramid. It was round that time period too. The mid to late eighties. I always heard my mother and her friends talking about it and watched them get ready on the weekends to go clubbing.

    • @Tasty_Tango45
      @Tasty_Tango45 3 роки тому +108

      diare Jones that’s like telling kids in America to wear bulletproof vests to school everyday.

  • @kitnkabootle
    @kitnkabootle 3 роки тому +1580

    I don’t know why but seeing Rupaul lip syncing to the radio in the convenience store in the middle of the night looking rough but sounding so sweet and soft just makes me cry.

    • @mikea6966
      @mikea6966 4 місяці тому +12

      That's the Real Rupaul girl!!!

    • @bocolatebhipbookie
      @bocolatebhipbookie 2 місяці тому +1

      omg i thought it was just bc im high me too

    • @dewilew2137
      @dewilew2137 2 місяці тому +1

      🙄🙄🙄

  • @sallythomas8599
    @sallythomas8599 3 роки тому +1746

    He looks so lost and alone in this clip, we've all been there those early morning hours leaving a club feeling awful, every emotion amplified. He looks more happy and vibrant now in 2021 than he did there. Good job Ru for becoming a healthier happier person x

    • @InfiniteRhombus
      @InfiniteRhombus Рік тому +5

      because he has millions of dollars

    • @sallythomas8599
      @sallythomas8599 Рік тому +38

      @@InfiniteRhombus He earned every cent

    • @NarcFreedom
      @NarcFreedom Рік тому +1

      @@sallythomas8599 and allegedly invested in oil/gas fracking…

    • @larinenonen7863
      @larinenonen7863 Рік тому +21

      @@NarcFreedom I BEG of you to do an ounce of research before you try to criticize someone about shit you know nothing about. He didn’t ”invest in fracking”. His husband inherited a ranch, where companies are fracking for oil. Legally majority of landowners in the state don’t have the rights to minerals under the land they own. So oil companies can frack on their land without permission, and there’s not much Rupaul or his husband can do about it. The least the companies can, and will do, is pay the landowners for the trouble.

    • @garyaitcheson7394
      @garyaitcheson7394 Рік тому

      Hood

  • @saltlessbread
    @saltlessbread 5 років тому +3298

    this is the type of things the young drag race fans need to see. Theres so much to rupaul than what's on the show.. He went all of this hard life and created a safe place for drag queens to work and thrive.
    Much respect to mother.

    • @yumiko0017
      @yumiko0017 Рік тому +52

      I agreed it’s literally not a trend or trying to look pretty. It’s serious business. They need to learn about Dancehall/Vogue too.

    • @thatonedude249
      @thatonedude249 Рік тому +3

      @@yumiko0017 what does dancehall have to do with this?

    • @yumiko0017
      @yumiko0017 Рік тому +10

      @@thatonedude249 I said “too” they need to learn about the origins of it. Follow my instructions.

    • @thatonedude249
      @thatonedude249 Рік тому +8

      @@yumiko0017 we talking about different dancehalls probably

    • @imxel2193
      @imxel2193 Рік тому +7

      @@yumiko0017 it’s ballroom not dancehall, dancehall is strictly a Jamaican culture

  • @coffycup75
    @coffycup75 7 років тому +7150

    The struggle was real back then. There was no Divine's Drag Race; she had already passed by this time. RuPaul changed the game, but here she is just another girl of the world with dreams for something better, trying to make ends meet. I have so much respect for this legendary mother.

    • @Babyvalkyie
      @Babyvalkyie 6 років тому +301

      Force Marker yet here you are on a RuPaul video...and not a very mainstream one at that 🧐 what you running from baby

    • @begoodorbegoodatit2271
      @begoodorbegoodatit2271 6 років тому +2

      +alfred arroyo I can handle the crown of a King....although, as a female, it may be a little big....I do thank you for enjoying my smackdown though..😜🤘

    • @begoodorbegoodatit2271
      @begoodorbegoodatit2271 6 років тому +2

      +alfred arroyo No apologies needed.....your respect shall suffice lol.....👊😋

    • @belluhhh7140
      @belluhhh7140 5 років тому +40

      Divine's Drag Race would of been an amazing concept though

    • @raynebow5289
      @raynebow5289 5 років тому +33

      Speaking of rough edges, I am LIVING for that hairline and them cliff hangers!

  • @FindingNe
    @FindingNe 4 роки тому +2889

    Why do I feel nostalgic watching this?? Such an interesting vibe just everything about it is so interesting

    • @billydeguzman8985
      @billydeguzman8985 4 роки тому +54

      Ikr gives me chills

    • @brazil7057
      @brazil7057 3 роки тому +16

      Absolutely agree!!

    • @ixamthestranger
      @ixamthestranger 3 роки тому +11

      I know, I need more. I'm addicted.

    • @jennlush3516
      @jennlush3516 3 роки тому +110

      I think bc it's so natural, candid. It's a slice of real life. You're observing moments through someone else's eyes, so I think that's why these home videos can feel so endearing and familiar. It feels like you're there too, at times. It also has a lot to do with Nelson, because he's so present when he films. He's not doing it for the views, the clicks, he's doing it to show you what his life was like and all the interesting people in it.. and that is (what I think) makes these so special

    • @marlopez4179
      @marlopez4179 2 роки тому +2

      Freedom

  • @SexyTCAPdecoy4Hansen
    @SexyTCAPdecoy4Hansen 3 роки тому +397

    They did him dirty with the toe shot😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @lastnamefirst_
      @lastnamefirst_ 3 роки тому +43

      "Do you keep the 800 suicide number? Bc those toes are ready to jump!"

    • @robertgomez5187
      @robertgomez5187 3 місяці тому

      The wig though!!!

  • @meliorbutterfly
    @meliorbutterfly 5 років тому +2969

    2:07 becoming the happiest guy by just getting recorded by some stranger, just look at his nice smile so heartwarning

  • @chuave152
    @chuave152 7 років тому +4840

    Who would have thought 28 years later she would win an Emmy. Amazing.

  • @kats.5958
    @kats.5958 4 роки тому +602

    Oh man. I was a go-go dancer for 7 years and that is EXACTLY what I looked like rolling into Royal Farms at 4am after a gig in Baltimore 🤣

    • @nicholas8484
      @nicholas8484 3 роки тому +7

      ahh maryland

    • @timrob87
      @timrob87 Рік тому +6

      Baltimore City-home sweet gritty home. And the Royal Farms are still mainstays for the night people.

    • @kevina3372
      @kevina3372 Рік тому +1

      When you said Royal farms, for a second I thought the chicken was really world renowned, but then you said Baltimore 😢😂

  • @lolzoya
    @lolzoya 3 роки тому +843

    its so weird seeing peopel relaxed in NYC. everyone is always so rushed nowadays its nice to see people chillin in the grocery store.

    • @tysonb3568
      @tysonb3568 Рік тому +66

      Lol, its like 4: 30 am there.
      People in NYC still chill….lol

    • @ChrisAzalea666
      @ChrisAzalea666 Рік тому +4

      Are u from New York?

    • @ChrisAzalea666
      @ChrisAzalea666 Рік тому +5

      Because this is pretty common

    • @tysonb3568
      @tysonb3568 Рік тому

      @@ChrisAzalea666
      Yeap

    • @christinecollins6648
      @christinecollins6648 Рік тому +6

      We did relax more back then. That was my Deli- had seen Ru in there out of Drag

  • @josedaria2454
    @josedaria2454 5 років тому +3425

    "My lips are gone -- I kissed them away." Beautiful.

    • @littlelagoons
      @littlelagoons 3 роки тому +20

      Me every time I go out dancing

    • @NasikaSakura
      @NasikaSakura 3 роки тому +313

      Really sad, actually. :( Ru was complaining how he let men touch him so he can pay his bills- not because he wanted to be touched. "It doesn't matter now," is a coping mechanism- to no longer think about the things that hurt you and act like it doesn't. I'm glad Ru seems much happier, stronger, and more secure now.

    • @0BRAINS0
      @0BRAINS0 3 роки тому +18

      I've heard stories about Ru Paul defending her/himself , apparently shim can fight.

    • @austinbonde9041
      @austinbonde9041 3 роки тому +63

      It’s actually VERY sad..

    • @NasikaSakura
      @NasikaSakura 3 роки тому +7

      @@austinbonde9041 Agreed.

  • @snatched.8135
    @snatched.8135 7 років тому +3477

    Rupaul was vlogging decades before it was a thing...

    • @basil33
      @basil33 7 років тому +226

      RandomGus thanks to Nelson

    • @blueriver4484
      @blueriver4484 5 років тому +120

      No vlogging. Its called a home video or just a video with a camcorder. Im sorry but stop fucking calling it vlogging. Enough.

    • @jeremiaslarrocca147
      @jeremiaslarrocca147 5 років тому +84

      @@blueriver4484 that was a fucking joke captein obvious

    • @AureYlonen
      @AureYlonen 5 років тому +44

      Blue River that’s a vlog

    • @expensivething2657
      @expensivething2657 5 років тому +108

      Nelson video taped everything. It's so funny seeing people react to him with his camera. It was probably really rare to see someone walking around videoing normal stuff.

  • @hoobslice
    @hoobslice 3 роки тому +211

    2:08 for some reason this guy made me really smile. I think it’s the sentimentality of the fact that back then, seeing someone recording something as they go about their life was rare.

  • @singitloud310
    @singitloud310 3 роки тому +569

    The shops workers smile.
    I love how genuinely friendly and curious people were back then. Not afraid of eye contact and interactions with strangers. A society with out the extreme social anxiety we show today even in social settings. Sometimes I get mad when strangers talk to me.

    • @FatTitsFatStacks
      @FatTitsFatStacks Рік тому +34

      That's actually a really good point... I need to be more social and less inside my own bubble

    • @uhhhhiii1807
      @uhhhhiii1807 Рік тому

      Woaaaah

    • @GardenHomie
      @GardenHomie Рік тому +3

      That's true. I grew up in a time of transition from w/o the internet mainstream, and the beginning of it. Most people were not at a school stop waiting for the bus, looking on their phones. So! Wow is it so weird for me to see it , in a way. I feel like, if you had social anxiety in those days, it was rough. But social anxiety in any day is hard. I do feel that people talked more to each other in those days tho.

    • @tula1433
      @tula1433 Рік тому +2

      No phone to stare down at during silent moments!

  • @maddieroxx4eva
    @maddieroxx4eva 6 років тому +5214

    I like Ru's look here tbh. I know its trashy but I like the trashy queen look

    • @bluBlaq33
      @bluBlaq33 5 років тому +208

      Madison More trash drag is a very raw brand of drag.

    • @barbarradevlin9111
      @barbarradevlin9111 5 років тому +162

      I do too! Whatever Ru wears, she makes it look gorgeous. Ru is a wholesome queen that came from rags to riches. This video makes me appreciate her even more!

    • @MrKrayola13
      @MrKrayola13 5 років тому +101

      Well almost everyone looked like that in the 80s lol

    • @victoriac8907
      @victoriac8907 5 років тому +56

      Looks like a mix between Naomi and Adore in the 80's

    • @pablobaldomir9430
      @pablobaldomir9430 5 років тому +1

      Salutes victoria

  • @edusvg7
    @edusvg7 5 років тому +1938

    Nobody is going to talk about that shot 2:00 - 2:25. This is honestly a beautiful camera sequence.

    • @jenniferlaynemusic
      @jenniferlaynemusic 4 роки тому +100

      Excellent and true observation! Really awesome sequence.

    • @TechGorilla1987
      @TechGorilla1987 3 роки тому +110

      Nelson Sullivan was a legend and a pioneer in the game. The man had the command of a camera and commanded an audience even if they never knew it.

    • @Cherries956
      @Cherries956 3 роки тому +152

      yoo the guy at 2:10 is so cute

    • @lilith2598
      @lilith2598 3 роки тому +22

      1:30

    • @lilith2598
      @lilith2598 3 роки тому +25

      I agree. All one long cut and the cameras exposure is PERFECT

  • @alwaysdriven911
    @alwaysdriven911 3 роки тому +1348

    I am a straight man and I have so much respect for him . He followed his dreams and want he wanted he needs an award

    • @skinnygeisha
      @skinnygeisha 3 роки тому +4

      💖

    • @KEESHWASH
      @KEESHWASH 3 роки тому +3

      Seriously!

    • @lumi2798
      @lumi2798 3 роки тому +19

      Hes won emmys for his show! Rupaul has made it so far and I'm proud!

    • @ioanabbb5563
      @ioanabbb5563 3 роки тому +31

      and why did u think saying "i am a straight man" matters? who cares?

    • @annwolf2127
      @annwolf2127 3 роки тому +79

      @@ioanabbb5563 because unfortunately there's a lot of hateful people in the world. I do agree it should be unnecessary, but not all people are accepting or welcoming.

  • @jhonathanzaldivar4691
    @jhonathanzaldivar4691 Рік тому +333

    This is amazing one of the queens that really changed the game. The fact that so many queens can make thousands now for doing drag is amazing. What a lot kids don’t know is that drag queens would make like $50 - $75 a night just so they could get food in their mouth. Rupaul is a legend for the empire he has built.

    • @Srcsqwrn
      @Srcsqwrn Рік тому +12

      I hope the world can continue the progression into something much better for everyone.

    • @beckysuperswag
      @beckysuperswag 2 місяці тому

      why couldn’t they get a regular job and do drag at night?

    • @jhonathanzaldivar4691
      @jhonathanzaldivar4691 2 місяці тому +1

      @@beckysuperswag because most of them were black trans women. So no one would give them a job anywhere else.

  • @caliken10
    @caliken10 6 років тому +2017

    Ru is giving me Storm from the X-Men after a hard night of partying realness!

  • @marcosreyes3873
    @marcosreyes3873 8 років тому +444

    This is a true fighter who wanted fame and came from the obscurity of New York and made success from nothing. You rock Ru Paul we love you!!!

    • @millsykooksy4863
      @millsykooksy4863 6 років тому +1

      Marcos Reyes truth

    • @calcifer0102
      @calcifer0102 6 років тому +1

      It was brought to my attention that she was apart of the club kids. Like wow... but whatever still like her

    • @CashelOConnolly
      @CashelOConnolly 6 років тому

      Marcos Reyes I don’t love RuPaul

  • @purplecleo
    @purplecleo 3 роки тому +254

    For some reason this video touched my heart. The world is a gritty, often sad place. I wonder how Ru feels when he looks back on this video now.

  • @carlosolita7898
    @carlosolita7898 3 роки тому +732

    i hope a queen will recreate this look to a runway if there's another Night of a Thousand Rupaul. i love the messy wig and hanging toes ❤️😅

    • @robertoyeah
      @robertoyeah 3 роки тому +17

      I need this so bad!!

    • @Kayleigh27
      @Kayleigh27 3 роки тому +5

      I literally thought of that when I was watching that part 🤣

    • @AxlAX
      @AxlAX 3 роки тому +40

      You mean the Shake-N-Go wig and cliff hanger pumps? Haha that's how you start off! Then you make it big!

    • @olir3868
      @olir3868 3 роки тому +14

      With a coke can aswell

    • @tysonb3568
      @tysonb3568 Рік тому +2

      Its called apple fritter foot!
      She had on a mule! 😂
      Glow up hunty!

  • @NygilMr94
    @NygilMr94 8 років тому +2385

    this feels like a Wendy Williams after show.

  • @Boobalopbop
    @Boobalopbop 5 років тому +706

    We see why he loves Adore Delano so much... They’re just alike! 😆

    • @_Jhsp_
      @_Jhsp_ 3 роки тому +26

      Adore Delano has the stuff too 😏✨

    • @Morganbmoney
      @Morganbmoney 3 роки тому +10

      Yea 🥰😍

    • @janinexiameiren
      @janinexiameiren 3 роки тому +2

      Yaaaa! 😁😍

    • @wyonarosereacts864
      @wyonarosereacts864 2 роки тому

      LITTERALLY 😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭

    • @pnuthead13
      @pnuthead13 Рік тому +9

      I do feel sometimes like Adore is just out of the timeline she should have been in. Love her and Ru

  • @IdentificaunNarcisista
    @IdentificaunNarcisista 3 роки тому +474

    He looked so sad :(

    • @alaly1027
      @alaly1027 3 роки тому +61

      I thought he was little high. I mean he just left the club.

    • @MG-hm2ip
      @MG-hm2ip 3 роки тому +35

      @@alaly1027 he said he had too many drinks in the video

    • @alaly1027
      @alaly1027 3 роки тому +9

      @@MG-hm2ip same difference. Ru seemed intoxicated on something to me, not sad.

    • @xxfisherxxdonut7858
      @xxfisherxxdonut7858 3 роки тому +11

      She looked more tired to me

    • @karliereddfan
      @karliereddfan 3 роки тому +31

      She was selling herself and its not a happy job

  • @marcishears3774
    @marcishears3774 3 роки тому +350

    Omg I had never in my life till this very day, seen Rupaul looking soooooo busted ever. Like so 1988 grimey New York City realness lol. Literally to the point that he’s talking about how he basically let folks touch him for money damn! The rent is due and what he supposed to do? It makes you realize how so many people that we admire literally have to claw their way to the top. That he never gave up and look at him today. And I know it wasn’t easy at all. This video shows the struggle for real! Thanks for sharing! When I feel like giving up I’ll just watch this video!😄

  • @Kayte52
    @Kayte52 5 років тому +691

    Best add for Coca Cola I've ever seen.

  • @VENUS.SE7EN
    @VENUS.SE7EN 8 років тому +1363

    Everybody starts somewhere. Of course he's going to look completely different today than he did practically 30 years ago. Life isn't always a bed of roses. I don't mind Ru's appearance here; surely, it's gritty but it was also a reflection of the times he lived in. Although, it is sad to hear him talk about it, I actually appreciate seeing clips such as these because it's another inspirational story of how the struggles people face can really pay off. He specifically recalled the age of 28 as being one of the most darkest moments of his life. Having been born in 1960, these are some of the nightmarish events in 1988. The progress and differences he's made are remarkable and he has so earned the amounts of success. Love you, Ru! Fierce, fierce, fierce.

    • @jonahfalcon1970
      @jonahfalcon1970 7 років тому +34

      She looks like a lot of girlz in their 20's did in 1988. Lady Bunny was THIN then :D

    • @MissFlux
      @MissFlux 6 років тому +27

      freshprincess I could not have said it better .. Thankyou for having a head on your shoulders :)) We proud of our Mamma Ru. She made it through the worst years to be in the club scene .. it's seriously quite remarkable.
      With regards to her "get up" He always said he used to do "street walkers" .. the working girl tellin it like it is & all that. He grew up in all of this like you say, so I totally get what you're saying. So well written. Thankyou :))

    • @robertocampano2089
      @robertocampano2089 Рік тому

      Very Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @onleashfreak
    @onleashfreak 3 роки тому +305

    Wow. Just wow Ru. Look at him. He really did earn his place at the table. Even through that suffering and addiction you can still see that Ru that was love in there.

  • @Slipknotloove
    @Slipknotloove 3 роки тому +151

    Rupaul wearing hearts on her cheeks waaaay before e girls, I love it. So iconic!♡

  • @nickelwindow538
    @nickelwindow538 8 років тому +504

    Asian guy on the fruit stand is a hottie 😍

    • @madammediocre
      @madammediocre 5 років тому +44

      And he has some immaculately stacked fruit, too!

    • @carolinebabie
      @carolinebabie 5 років тому +24

      He could definitely get it

    • @emg.9246
      @emg.9246 5 років тому +13

      Facts

    • @simonnuman6840
      @simonnuman6840 4 роки тому +6

      Idk why but I see early bruce lee when I see him

    • @Barbie4U2
      @Barbie4U2 4 роки тому +7

      He's probably 55 years old now.

  • @whataboutredlorry
    @whataboutredlorry 7 років тому +528

    I actually kinda love Rus look here. Yeah, its not polished and that hairline is so clockable. BUT even after the show, she's givng good face, she's giving 80s punk-club New York circuit. Tall and slender and even withoit polished makeup she looks 80s femme. Makeup in the 80s had a totally different aesthetic to now. Harsher colors and blush lines (even for bio women).
    Absolutely loving this glimpse back into 80s NYC, seeing the actual fashions and hair and makeup, how gritty NYC was... And you can see how modern films have tried and sometimes succeeded to capture this essence in making films set in the 80s,

    • @user-fw9po2rt7z
      @user-fw9po2rt7z Рік тому

      ok lol

    • @miaaahhh9166
      @miaaahhh9166 Рік тому +11

      Yeah it’s interesting the real 80s looks soo much more brown lol. The media always would make it look all colorful in the modern 80s movies

  • @cynthiacordova13
    @cynthiacordova13 3 роки тому +52

    Ru Paul, totally 80s. Glad He made it out of the 80s, when so many didn't. Beautiful back then and now. What an Icon. The way He speaks then, sounds no different from today, very poised and proper. He Owns it. I Love Ru.

    • @supergirl0526
      @supergirl0526 Рік тому +1

      I think you hit the nail on the head of what makes this sad...thinking of all of the people who didn't make it out.

  • @TheCookieFranco
    @TheCookieFranco 4 роки тому +901

    I’ve always wondered what happened to the cute Asian guy at 2:08...

    • @karinr5168
      @karinr5168 3 роки тому +30

      he grew up to be Randall Park

    • @randomaestheticlyrics5903
      @randomaestheticlyrics5903 3 роки тому +5

      @@karinr5168 damn imagine

    • @FumerPue
      @FumerPue 3 роки тому +185

      He became kim chi.

    • @chrisjleon89
      @chrisjleon89 3 роки тому +51

      Omg I like him too, so cute

    • @TheCookieFranco
      @TheCookieFranco 3 роки тому +140

      Christian Leon He’s probably a happy grandfather who lives in a nice house now after years of hard work.

  • @RBkidd510
    @RBkidd510 9 років тому +1998

    Going around filming in 1988 was such a different experience, look how excited that guy was at 2:06. Now every asshole has a smart phone and nobody cares anymore.

    • @mcrowe7581
      @mcrowe7581 9 років тому +251

      +RBkidd510 2:06 was a really nice moment captured in time

    • @Heramitep
      @Heramitep 8 років тому +175

      I thought exactly the same thing when he started waving looking so happy to be on camera!

    • @ShartySpice
      @ShartySpice 8 років тому +158

      Now you point your camera at someone and they beat your ass for it.

    • @seanbrassman8135
      @seanbrassman8135 6 років тому +96

      He knows them. That part was shot in the very large korean market directly across the street from the Pyramid and next-door to King Tut's Wa Wa hut. These guys would been in that market on a regular basis.

    • @SpYx626
      @SpYx626 6 років тому +10

      Sean Brassman lmaoo, clocked everyone in the comment section 😆👌🏼

  • @tisha4uri425
    @tisha4uri425 8 років тому +652

    this is iconic.......I love the raw uncut look at life back then and how far people have come and will continue to go

  • @jasonkoster6169
    @jasonkoster6169 Рік тому +66

    In the 80's everyone was a Hot Mess ..some made it thru and others just fell by the wayside.
    Applause too you Ru and all you've accomplished and more to come your way...

  • @babychloe22
    @babychloe22 3 роки тому +74

    "its different from the water i have at my house"
    "what kind of water do you have at your house?"
    "brown" 💀

  • @CekaDStar
    @CekaDStar 8 років тому +1705

    OMG what I would give to be young and be friends with Ru during these times!!!

    • @LS_777
      @LS_777 6 років тому +19

      What would I give to be the young RuPaul these times...

    • @nsyhjtjb367
      @nsyhjtjb367 6 років тому +5

      Ceka D, same I would kill to be friends with him then

    • @dolphinswilltakeover
      @dolphinswilltakeover 6 років тому +19

      He used to do drugs

    • @KTCC13
      @KTCC13 6 років тому +69

      Scraping for scraps being a gogo dancer letting men grope you? You want that?

    • @perelu3785
      @perelu3785 6 років тому +14

      Ceka D you'd have died LMFAO

  • @lorenzopisces
    @lorenzopisces 7 років тому +630

    This man was born to be a star

    • @stdylan
      @stdylan 5 років тому +3

      @@ms.ravenwood so

    • @moonbeeps
      @moonbeeps Рік тому

      @@stdylan ?

  • @Stanlos
    @Stanlos Рік тому +38

    This is both heartbreaking and frightening. Ru has obviously overcome a LOT.

  • @bigstronkgorl2138
    @bigstronkgorl2138 Рік тому +28

    I have so much respect for the older gays. They *really* had it rough and helped pave the way for us younger gens to have it easier. Specially Ru. I remember watching her on this old show called “The Truth About Jane”. Ru was the mothers best friend and helped her come to accept her daughters sexuality. Means a lot.

  • @ShartySpice
    @ShartySpice 8 років тому +239

    This little store needed its own reality show!

    • @Randomqtman
      @Randomqtman 7 років тому +5

      Giuliana Rexic that is the power of rupaul

  • @michellegriff13
    @michellegriff13 5 років тому +126

    Love seeing Rupaul break into lip sync while Crystal Gayle's "Don't it make my Brown Eye's Blue?" is playing in the store. Drag queens have such a deep respect for dance and music that it makes you love them even more!

  • @solarheartz
    @solarheartz Рік тому +29

    watching this gives me such a weird feeling. it's like you can oddly compare it to watching your mother get ready for work and stopping by the corner store to get snacks to eat and a drink before you get dropped off at another relative's house to be taken care of for the day.

  • @nursekat6497
    @nursekat6497 4 роки тому +51

    My heart goes to baby Ru. Working so hard, trying to numb themself and just surviving. But what made them a star is through all that haze they kept reaching, connecting and planning.

  • @TheMastersuperblaste
    @TheMastersuperblaste 8 років тому +615

    "just because I wanted the money" 😂😂 Ru, I feel you on that!!

    • @sds420ss
      @sds420ss 6 років тому +4

      Master Superblaster right, gotta get that money honey.

    • @TheEdoardoCC
      @TheEdoardoCC 2 роки тому

      One Hoe feelin‘ another Hoe right ?! 😂

  • @PedroTawa
    @PedroTawa 8 років тому +367

    Omg ru was so edgy I have never imagined him like this!!!!

  • @crustyvirgo647
    @crustyvirgo647 4 роки тому +72

    Rupaul before: needs to pay rent
    Rupaul now: can buy a whole mansion

  • @villaintina5522
    @villaintina5522 Рік тому +33

    I always come back to it and watch it when I'm on hard times. It's inspirational to know what Ru went through and to see where's he at. And it pains me to see these New fans try to tear him down now.

  • @rannierunsfast
    @rannierunsfast 7 років тому +272

    Lol that cute asian grocer.

    • @LuneNova
      @LuneNova 4 роки тому +3

      Make me think about Jackie Chan somehow

    • @xsuns7508
      @xsuns7508 4 роки тому +7

      He's probably a grandpa now

    • @Mgdr2011
      @Mgdr2011 4 роки тому

      yes!! so cute!!!!

  • @Skrinklewink
    @Skrinklewink 5 років тому +353

    2:10 That was wholesome, his smile is contagious.

  • @Casp3r.aka.Droid.
    @Casp3r.aka.Droid. Рік тому +11

    Nelson was a cousin of mine I never got to meet he died when I was literally a baby I only got to grow up watching Home Videos and hearing about him now he's famous again and I try to keep his memory alive as much as I can

  • @KingGhidorah5464
    @KingGhidorah5464 3 роки тому +22

    Someone who struggled so much like RuPaul did then using her hard-earned success to pave the way for people just like her so they don’t have to suffer the same hurt she did. Truly inspirational.

  • @nickd0301
    @nickd0301 9 років тому +1891

    Rus high af lol

    • @k_a_y_l_e_e
      @k_a_y_l_e_e 6 років тому +25

      i'm sayin lol

    • @jenathent4840
      @jenathent4840 6 років тому +154

      Yu Bichyu lol he said he had a lot of drinks looks more drunk than high to me

    • @slappyslapster9560
      @slappyslapster9560 5 років тому +48

      yeah that's drunk not high

    • @Starboy-mp2ci
      @Starboy-mp2ci 5 років тому +9

      Being drunk or high is the same thing I thought. You still can get a DWI.

    • @RoCK3rAD
      @RoCK3rAD 5 років тому +2

      Starboy 1988 dwi is alcohol a dui is the other stuff

  • @JustNess78
    @JustNess78 9 років тому +400

    I love the part where Ru is lipsyncing in the market. I played it over several times. LOVE! lol :)

    • @MrJeffreysChannel
      @MrJeffreysChannel 6 років тому +1

      JustNess78 me too....when I hear this I think of this part lol

    • @Gmez759
      @Gmez759 6 років тому

      I wanna know the song lol

    • @MrJeffreysChannel
      @MrJeffreysChannel 6 років тому

      Dunder Mifflin brown eyes blue

    • @paissssss
      @paissssss 5 років тому +1

      JustNess78 she knows her some Crystal Gayle, loved that.

    • @notaytguru8214
      @notaytguru8214 4 роки тому

      He’s lip syncing for his life

  • @alexonline2340
    @alexonline2340 3 роки тому +13

    the part from 1:29 to 1:40 is such a beautiful camera sequence. nelson sullivan really is an amazing cinematographer, even for a video as simple as this one

  • @ruthharros1752
    @ruthharros1752 5 років тому +82

    "My lips are all gone I kissed it all away

  • @JayArchangell
    @JayArchangell 5 років тому +276

    2:10 was just so beautiful, i wonder were he is now.
    another times, another days.. where people would greet you with a legitimate warm smile on their faces. i really felt it.
    to think he might be gone by now..

    • @khushigill8651
      @khushigill8651 5 років тому +65

      I think he was excited because of the filming. I don't think everyone was going around vlogging and filming their lives back then.

    • @JayArchangell
      @JayArchangell 5 років тому +4

      nek nek true

    • @erikperhs_
      @erikperhs_ 3 роки тому +1

      Most of the people would meet Ru with hate in their faces, don't be fooled

    • @masypca
      @masypca 3 роки тому

      Watch rupauls Drag Race !!

    • @JayArchangell
      @JayArchangell 3 роки тому

      @@erikperhs_ of that i’m well aware of

  • @lukethomas658
    @lukethomas658 8 років тому +254

    Drunk, pawed at, and the talent just radiates...

    • @SIyDoll
      @SIyDoll 8 років тому +42

      It does! SO charismatic and beautiful.

  • @damondominique
    @damondominique 3 роки тому +813

    And no one was distracted on their phones. - me rn distracted from my own life by my phone

  • @misterjib
    @misterjib 3 роки тому +8

    RuPaul miming Crystal Gayle in a late night grocery store. That's a wow moment right there. God bless Nelson and his fascinating friends.

  • @mmma4158
    @mmma4158 5 років тому +265

    2:28 the original lipsync for your legacy

    • @jamieakagibby
      @jamieakagibby 5 років тому +15

      They should use this song for a Lip Sync for your Life/Legacy on Drag Race...

  • @losterx
    @losterx 8 років тому +335

    RuPaul giving Dida Ritz Realness

  • @Quaczar1
    @Quaczar1 3 роки тому +21

    In the mid to late eighties my mother and her two best friends used to party at the club that RuPaul danced in. It was called the Pyramid. I used to over hear them talking about it and watched them get ready to go clubbing when I was little.

  • @Joel-np9vl
    @Joel-np9vl 4 роки тому +26

    I love the guy waving at 2:07 by the look on his face I can tell he knew this video would be seen in the future amazing.

  • @daisygrantt
    @daisygrantt 8 років тому +959

    2:27 lip syncing for her life!

  • @Iainmannixmusic
    @Iainmannixmusic 10 років тому +252

    Whenever I feel sad I watch this. RuPaul has such an incredible personality, it's addictive!!

  • @boodoggy
    @boodoggy 3 роки тому +52

    When I 1st moved to Atlanta in the early 80's, I had no idea who rupaul was.
    My apt in midtown had her name carved out on one of the doors. I later found out it was once hee apt. I should have saved the door.lol

    • @MG-hm2ip
      @MG-hm2ip 3 роки тому +1

      Save that goddamn door🤣

    • @boodoggy
      @boodoggy 3 роки тому

      @@MG-hm2ip I wish I would have. The old building has been torn down and there is a highrise in it's place.

  • @susaedu368
    @susaedu368 3 роки тому +16

    I love Ru's voice. All of Ru is fabulous and the voice is super

  • @annakatherine3381
    @annakatherine3381 6 років тому +96

    its so inspiring that ru went from barely having money for her apartment to having a very popular 9 season show that won an emmy

  • @natm.e4127
    @natm.e4127 6 років тому +321

    02:09 well hello! Was he cute or is just me? 😂

  • @isabellam1936
    @isabellam1936 2 роки тому +15

    These videos documentaries Nelson created are true masterpieces of history and art. I wonder if RuPaul has sat down and watched all the old videos of her or if she knows of her old friend Nelson’s channel.

  • @whospilledmybeans
    @whospilledmybeans Рік тому +7

    Rupaul is just one of those people born to be an entertainer they just stand out and are rememberable, and are good at what they do

  • @VioletDiva
    @VioletDiva 9 років тому +1096

    He sounds kinda wasted... the 80's and vintage drugs LOL

    • @InsaneNuYawka
      @InsaneNuYawka 6 років тому +100

      VioletDiva he said right at the beginning that he had several drinks

    • @MissFlux
      @MissFlux 6 років тому +41

      VioletDiva Yass , late 80's .. Cocain was going out of fashion, heroin & new designer drugs were in .. made for a big mess in the 90' s ... I can tell ya ..
      I don't care if Ru was on anything, it's not like he's ever hidden the fact. The thing to focus on he his RISE!!! Clean & epic & a business mogul. I love Ru ru so much Aaaahh! I can't stand it! ❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️🙏🙌

    • @wohdinhel
      @wohdinhel 6 років тому +21

      VioletDiva it was the 80s. everyone was wasted. all the time.

    • @tomhertz1614
      @tomhertz1614 6 років тому +1

      InsaneNuYawka Cocaine and whatever

    • @tomhertz1614
      @tomhertz1614 6 років тому +1

      wohdin Wrong . Most people I knew were wasted

  • @sz3544
    @sz3544 8 років тому +165

    I love Ru. These experiences just encourage me to overcome difficulties in my life right now. If you have a dream and work for it, the dream will come true.

    • @SIyDoll
      @SIyDoll 8 років тому +8

      That's right! Ru is so inspiring.x

  • @alexandrarussell9900
    @alexandrarussell9900 Рік тому +6

    Imagine being able to go back and show Ru what lies ahead for her. She could never have imagined the heights she would reach

    • @FreddieTickles
      @FreddieTickles 10 місяців тому +2

      You know, I think she would.. Ru has this uncanny ability to believe in herself so much, she wasn't gonna stop until she made it to the top. So so much respect to her 💗 mother of all mothers !

  • @indefatigable8193
    @indefatigable8193 Рік тому +9

    I’ve always loved her, ever since I was 10 and saw her in The Brady Bunch movie and then on VH1 a year later. She is a bright beacon of the optimistic 90s and one of America’s national treasures. Ru… continue to slay.

  • @nicolescarlett2276
    @nicolescarlett2276 5 років тому +60

    Rupaul is such an inspiration to me. After watching this video and seeing the hard times he had, he inspires me even more. It just goes to show that if you are strong and keep trying, you could go from the street to being an Emmy award winning trailblazer. I have never heard RuPaul say he had these hard times either. He focuses on now. That makes me respect him even more.

    • @youtubename7819
      @youtubename7819 Рік тому +7

      He has openly talked about addiction and poverty a lot in the past. It’s just that he’s had 40 years to process it so nowadays he just listens to the next generation talk about their trauma and advises them.

  • @emma199307
    @emma199307 6 років тому +144

    00:50 "isn't that terrible?" I don't why I watched this so many times something about the way he says it just sounds so adorable ❤️

    • @SapphireBurns
      @SapphireBurns 6 років тому +3

      Emma reminds me of this old lady i met at the mental hospital. She waa so sweet. But lord did she struggle

    • @joelciojunior6575
      @joelciojunior6575 5 років тому

      Amy Lee 😩 Me too

    • @Kenlydford
      @Kenlydford 4 роки тому +1

      He sounds a lot like Nelson

  • @lf546
    @lf546 3 роки тому +19

    This is so mesmerizing to watch. The truth, the boldness, the heart. Even though some controversy swung his way recently (fracking & stuff), I'm thankful for his effort and his platform. He's a visionary and still helps to push the art of other performers into the mainstream, a great work for our community.

  • @byakuyatogami2905
    @byakuyatogami2905 Рік тому +10

    Honestly seeing young, wild, less established Ru puts a lot of things about the show into perspective for me. The journey was incredible!

  • @rupaulcenter5906
    @rupaulcenter5906 11 років тому +24

    I actually kinda like this Ru more. Unadulterated and entirely unassuming. Just being himself, walking down the streets of New York crossdressing in 1988 and expecting the world to accept him. There's something so battered yet so naive, I adore it.

  • @kimvanfelton3413
    @kimvanfelton3413 5 років тому +26

    I feel like young/new Drag Race fans should watch this. I feel like many of them don't really know Ru's history/struggles. Ru really is a self-made queen who deserves to enjoy his success and privacy.

  • @kayb947
    @kayb947 5 років тому +13

    Just love this.
    Back in the day , we cared for our friends.We looked after each other.
    Empathy and compassion were never a second thought.

  • @lexieroper
    @lexieroper 3 роки тому +20

    i need to see a movie made about nelson from nelson’s point of view! his camera shots are amazing and give an insane perspective into the 80’s

    • @nelsonsullivanhd9908
      @nelsonsullivanhd9908 3 роки тому

      There's over 730 videos, watch them all I highly recommend it!

  • @CarmenZynger
    @CarmenZynger 7 років тому +37

    Rupaul was so adorable as a young entertainer! What a total sweetheart.

  • @jehouse61
    @jehouse61 6 років тому +124

    I remember hanging with Ru when he danced at Weekends in Atlanta. Best years of my nightlife!

    • @darrenchichester9777
      @darrenchichester9777 5 років тому +15

      jehouse61 same here! I wonder if we knew each other back then. He would go go on a low box because he is so tall. Ha. I would chat with him at the bar when he would take breaks.

    • @MsFlamingFlamer
      @MsFlamingFlamer 5 років тому +17

      y'all are so lucky

    • @SweeetSue
      @SweeetSue 3 роки тому

      Yup, I was there, too ! I remember Ru dancing on the speakers. 👍 🎉

  • @pinkaliciouslu6850
    @pinkaliciouslu6850 4 роки тому +16

    It’s just so amazing how far RUPAUL has come I’m so proud of him 😭

  • @THEISAAC1593
    @THEISAAC1593 3 роки тому +68

    I find it funny how people back in the day were more interested being I'm front of the camera cause everyone wanted to be on the screen

    • @knucklehoagies
      @knucklehoagies 3 роки тому +2

      smartphones didn't exist. people actually interacted with each other.

    • @THEISAAC1593
      @THEISAAC1593 3 роки тому +7

      @@knucklehoagies I remember those days, as a child I would grab my dad's video camera and film my own movies and skits with props

    • @carolbaskin1857
      @carolbaskin1857 3 роки тому

      @@knucklehoagies people still interact with each other if you don’t that’s sad for you

  • @RibbonVintageGirl
    @RibbonVintageGirl 9 років тому +59

    Looking at Ru's from then to now, I'm very amazed by him. He's the definition of success.

  • @commentor504
    @commentor504 10 років тому +429

    I see ya Asian Orange guy

  • @Pogueconductor
    @Pogueconductor Рік тому +5

    I will stand by this for the rest of my life. This Video proves it more. RuPaul would have been a better Storm than Hally Berry

  • @SkankNeurotique
    @SkankNeurotique 3 роки тому +5

    “I’m in show business”-RuPaul
    All of that hard work and tenacity certainly did pay off. 🤩🎉✨ #respect

  • @AntonioAmador5236
    @AntonioAmador5236 6 років тому +96

    Y’all see those cliff hangers at 3:15... ooo gurl!

    • @gabeash007
      @gabeash007 6 років тому +5

      Antonio Amador is she gonna jump from there?

    • @magnifique7678
      @magnifique7678 4 роки тому +7

      Monique Heart: Naomi Smalls, Legs u are known for, however you should be known for toes, cause they're always hangin up. You know like in that 90's video Ru? When you were in the Bodega?
      Ru: Security!

    • @introvertsounds7083
      @introvertsounds7083 3 роки тому

      @@magnifique7678 goodness that was she reffering too lol ahahaha

  • @aeonjoey3d
    @aeonjoey3d 6 років тому +199

    damz - RuPaul used to sound exactly like AJA!

    • @archeryboy706
      @archeryboy706 6 років тому +2

      aeonjoey damn he really did

    • @ItsVannah
      @ItsVannah 6 років тому +28

      I feel like ru when reviewing the casting (or shown the final selection) for each season, finds something in each girl that's in him. Because really I think every girl as a trait of his own, especially the winners. Like this is an odd combination of Aja and Tyra and maybe a hint of Shangela.

    • @TheChannelJ1
      @TheChannelJ1 5 років тому +20

      Honey, no.
      RuPaul doesn't sound like Aja.
      RuPaul came first.
      Aja sounds like RuPaul.

  • @Copium221
    @Copium221 Рік тому +7

    Knowing where rupaul is now makes watching this bearable. The struggle is heartbreaking but he fucking made it. He made it.

  • @nextlevelproductions7453
    @nextlevelproductions7453 3 роки тому +6

    5 years from this video he drops supermodel and the rest is history. 20 years from this video she will drop rupauls drag race. Legend