In 2006, MTV premieredRob & 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 Large Black (because, well, he was a large, black guy). The show was on someOdd Couple shit, with Rob's "pro skater with the money to backing his wildest ideas" attitude mixed with Black's hilariously mannerly vibe making them the perfect guys to chill with. At that place was never a boring moment in the iii 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 grapheme on his own, it was Large Black who truly stood out as the all-time homie you could have on your side.

For fans of the world of skateboarding, the earth's kickoff introduction to Rob and Big'southward dynamic was on 2004's The DC Video: Deluxe Edition DVD, with Big Blackness explaining what he does for "Dyrdek Security." Sure, he was essentially paid to be Rob'due south 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 homo has to feel some blazon of comfy with you lot to accept on a hobby like skateboarding, which Big Black does in this video. That's friendship goals for your ass, especially when you know Large Black was going to autumn on his.

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

You lot 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, at that place is just some shit you have to keep to each other...like Rob's problems out to Enrique Iglesias' "Do You Know," which Big assured he'd keep serenity (although there were cameras in the whip recording the plow upwards, so, you know). Extra points for Big really jamming out a footling to this pop blast.

One of the biggest things a friend can do is help yous get out your dreams. When Rob was turning the white R&B sensation Bobby Light into a reality, Big had his back. Big not just got his boy Bam Bam (a professional babysitter who was a good friend, 1/ii of the duo Chunky Boyz with Big Black, and co-owned the Big Black clothing line) to spit a guest poesy on "Dirty Girl," merely Big Black himself dropped some bars...while sitting on the john. Hell, Big Blackness'south Uncle Jerry even added some pizazz to the claw. Bobby Light was hilarious on its ain, but you tin't front: Big Black worked some magic to get the correct squad 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 coin for the ATM Rob had installed in his house (yep, skateboarders get that bread). Because he is Rob's bodyguard, Big Blackness definitely had to make sure no one was trying to stick Rob for his paper. While they were waiting for the money, though, Big Blackness took some time out to help Rob hone his boy band trip the light fantastic moves. Doing piece of work, having fun, and doing a piddling educating? That'due south an A-1 large homie to have in your corner.

With Christopher "Big Black" Boykin passing away at 45 years of historic period, I'grand highkey heartbroken. I felt some type of way whenRob & Big ended during its 3rd 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 information technology on him), and from what Rob said in 2014, in that location was a struggle "of wanting to not be continued to each other," simply fourth dimension heals all wounds when it comes to friends, with Large Blackness returning for a handful of episodes ofFantasy Factory in 2011.

While watching the antics Big Black got into on television, I saw the all-time friend I wish I had. He would exist a bit older, with wisdom to impart when needed while taking the fourth dimension out to turn up if necessary. He'd have my dorsum 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 dorsum on. I believe it was Wendy Williams who popularized the thought of someone being a friend in your head; Big Black was my best friend, in my caput anyways. He was everybody's best friend, and with my friend gone, I'm looking for ways to do naught but recall 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 viaRob & Big.

Remainder in peace, large homie.