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Kanye West Gives Surprise Performance at Dave Chappelle Show

Kanyeezy hits the stage for comedian's first NYC run in over a decade.

Dave Chappelle's return to New York City got a blessing from Yeezus himself.

Kanye West made a surprise appearance at Radio City Music Hall Friday (June 20) to help kick off the comedian's musical component of his nine-night run celebrating the 10th anniversary of his movie, Block Party.

The shows are Chapelle's first in the city in more than 10 years. It was also just over a decade ago when the comedian first met Mr. West. "You could tell he was going to be a star," Chappelle told the audience during a recent stop by Jimmy Fallon.

The two were on the set of Chappelle's cable TV sketch comedy show in 2003 when he realized. West was backstage on the phone when Chappelle overheard him say, "I'm at the edit for The Chappelle Show watching sketches no one has seen before … because my life is dope and I do dope shit."

That moment helped certify Yeezy's star power for him. And "dope s--t" he continues to do. West, who was one of the performers for Block Party, did renditions of his culture-shifting hits, "New Slaves," Gold Digger" and "Jesus Walks," for the fans at Radio City. He even jumped in the audience to rap up close and personal at one point.

More musical guests are slated for Chappelle's NYC run. Monday, Nas is scheduled to perform; The Roots, who also appeared in the documentary, take the stage Tuesday; Busta Rhymes, Janelle Monáe, and DJ Premier on Wednesday; and Erykah Badu (another Block Party alumna) will help to close it out Thursday.

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(Photos from left:  Rick Kern/Getty Images,WENN.com)

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