rudolph frank moore (march 17, 1927october 19, 2008), known as rudy ray moore, was an american comedian, musician, singer, movie actor, and movie producer. he created the character dolemite, the pimp from the 1975 movie "dolemite" and its sequels, "the human tornado" and "the return of dolemite". the character was developed during his early comedy records. he was known as "the godfather of rap".