America, specifically Black America, have seemed to lack a dominant, hilarious black comedian since Dave Chapelle decided to step away. Dave was preceded by legends such as Pigment Markum, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock. You could even throw The Kings of Comedy in there.
One of the Kings, Steve Harvey, is big in the limelight at the moment. Family Feud host, radio show personality, and best selling author of Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man. This book has spawned a movie, Think Like A Man, which has been one of the most successful and talked about movies this year. The star comedian was Kevin Hart. Now it appears Kevin Hart has taken the role of Chapelle, Rock, Murphy, Redd, etc.
Don't get me wrong, Kevin is funny and talented. However, he is NOT an elite comedian. He is corny, annoying, and unoriginal. He is too derivitative of many of the comedians I have mentioned and many others. However, he seems to be the surrogate or substitute teacher in the eyes of many. Not mine though.
This week, my top seven will consist of seven active black males that are funnier than Kevin Hart, and that more people should pay attention to.
1. Mike Epps
Yes I realized he's a pothead and doesn't have the best reputation. Nonetheless, he is laugh out loud funny, original, and seasoned. Epps can just be talking and make you bust a gut. He's definitely a fave of mine.
2. DeRay Davis
Another extremely funny man that can't seem to get any respect. Katt Williams (who is funny but not on this list because he is not currently active) once called DeRay the funniest comedian out. DeRay's Showtime special last year was a huge success. He and the aforementioned Epps even had a friendly Twitter battle last year.
3. Affion Crockett
His standup humor may not be strong as most on this list, but he is a good, versatile comedian. He could easily be on Saturday Night Live or a variety show. He needs one, since FOX canceled his show"In The Flow With Affion Crockett". He presented humor and skits that were sharp, timely, and not seen much or ever. I hope Affion continues with his career because he is truly a diamond in the rough.
4. Alonzo Bodden
He's a former runner up and winner of Last Comic Standing, and simply a funny, unique comedian. He doesn't discuss relationships, marriages and children much because he has no kids and he's a bachelor. However, he has that character and natural ability to make you laugh just by giving his view on things going on in the world and pop culture.
5. Earthquake
This big, funny man is currently on The Royal Comedy Tour with Sommore, Cedric The Entertainer and others. He is very raw but real. He is also versatile as he has appeared in television and movies and killed the scene. He is just very silly, but not to an annoying point.
6. LaVell Crawford
An even larger funny man, this portly comedian has been on Comic View, runner up on Last Comic Standing, and has a couple of specials out. He pokes fun at his weight, relatives, his diabetes (the sugar) and dealing with call centers. He is always dressed up in a three piece suit ala Steve Harvey, and beyond that, has that style that I love seeing.
7. J. Anthony Brown
This laugh machine is on The Tom Joyner morning show, and despite being older than the previous six, has that natural ability for comedy. He has that folksy, old soul like a John Witherspoon or a Paul Mooney, but much crazier. He also compares to George Wallace. But his overall style is second to none, and he excels at poking fun at various topics and telling gut-busting stories.
So once again, this is not to disrespect Kevin Hart. It is to say he is not the only act in town that black folks can relate to, and certainly not the funniest. YouTube these seven I mentioned, listen to their Pandora stations, and rent their comedy specials. I can almost guarantee their quick wit and original brands of comedy will keep you laughing.
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