Big Black Was Everyone's Best Friend

A look back at 'Rob & Big' star Christopher "Big Black" Boykin, who epitomized the greatest qualities of a true best friend.

Rob Dyrdek and Big Black on MTV TRL
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Image via Getty

Rob Dyrdek and Big Black on MTV TRL

In 2006, MTV premiered Rob & Big, which at the time was their latest entry into the budding reality television genre. It starred professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek and his homie Christopher Boykin, who was affectionately known as Big Black (because, well, he was a big, black guy). The show was on some Odd Couple shit, with Rob's "pro skater with the money to bankroll his wildest ideas" attitude mixed with Black's hilariously charming vibe making them the perfect guys to chill with. There was never a dull moment in the three seasons of the series, and throughout we got to see the duo do everything: breaking Guinness World Records, record insane rap songs, and clown their homeboys. There was a lot of love, and while Rob is a character on his own, it was Big Black who truly stood out as the best homie you could have on your side.

For fans of the world of skateboarding, the world's first introduction to Rob and Big's dynamic was on 2004's The DC Video: Deluxe Edition DVD, with Big Black explaining what he does for "Dyrdek Security." Sure, he was essentially paid to be Rob's bodyguard against the security guards that would mess with Rob's skate sessions, but that relationship turned into the illest of friendships. Think about it: a plus-sized man has to feel some type of comfortable with you to take on a hobby like skateboarding, which Big Black does in this video. That's friendship goals for your ass, especially when you know Big Black was going to fall on his.

Big Black is also the kind of friend who is down to help you indulge in whatever insane shit you're interested in at the moment. During the season two Rob & Big episode "Time Travel," Rob's bought a "Hyper-Dimensional Resonator" that is allegedly a time travel device. Now that sounds like an easy premise for a a terrible purchase while you're high on shrooms, but Rob was trying to go back in time, so Big Black was on board, even though he wasted no time calling the crazy dude on the phone a "fake" and saying he was "kooky." He even got on the phone (as "OG Mike From Compton," no less) to try and get some more answers from the inventor about his device, with hilarious results.

You also have to imagine that Rob & Big had some secrets that they kept between themselves. When your circle is that tight, and you and your homie are with each other on the regular, there is just some shit you have to keep to each other...like Rob's bug out to Enrique Iglesias' "Do You Know," which Big assured he'd keep quiet (although there were cameras in the whip recording the turn up, so, you know). Extra points for Big actually jamming out a little to this pop smash.

One of the biggest things a friend can do is help you get out your dreams. When Rob was turning the white R&B sensation Bobby Light into a reality, Big had his back. Big not only got his boy Bam Bam (a professional bodyguard who was a good friend, 1/2 of the duo Chunky Boyz with Big Black, and co-owned the Big Black clothing line) to spit a guest verse on "Dirty Girl," but Big Black himself dropped some bars...while sitting on the john. Hell, Big Black's Uncle Jerry even added some pizazz to the hook. Bobby Light was hilarious on its own, but you can't front: Big Black worked some magic to get the right team around Bobby Light for this banger.

The truest testament of Rob & Big's friendship was when they took a trip to the check cashing spot to get money for the ATM Rob had installed in his house (yes, skateboarders get that bread). Because he is Rob's bodyguard, Big Black definitely had to make sure no one was trying to stick Rob for his paper. While they were waiting for the money, though, Big Black took some time out to help Rob hone his boy band dance moves. Doing work, having fun, and doing a little educating? That's an A-1 big homie to have in your corner.

With Christopher "Big Black" Boykin passing away at 45 years of age, I'm highkey heartbroken. I felt some type of way when Rob & Big ended during its third season in 2008. At the time, my son was going on two years old, and Big was leaving Rob's crib because he was having a child of his own. The news made Rob have some feels (primarily because of how Big Black sprung it on him), and from what Rob said in 2014, there was a struggle "of wanting to not be connected to each other," but time heals all wounds when it comes to friends, with Big Black returning for a handful of episodes of Fantasy Factory in 2011.

While watching the antics Big Black got into on television, I saw the best friend I wish I had. He would be a bit older, with wisdom to impart when needed while taking the time out to turn up if necessary. He'd have my back to the nth degree, and would be unafraid to get his hands dirty while doing so. He'd be the kind of person who, even when we got into a disagreement and separated, I knew I could always fall back on. I believe it was Wendy Williams who popularized the idea of someone being a friend in your head; Big Black was my best friend, in my head anyways. He was everybody's best friend, and with my friend gone, I'm looking for ways to do nothing but remember my big homie the best way I know how: through the memories of my best friend, Big Black, and the times he made me laugh via Rob & Big.

Rest in peace, big homie.

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