Kevin Hart's Secrets Behind His Success

Many of you already know how I feel about comedian/actor Kevin Hart. He's annoying, obnoxious, overrated, and seemingly everywhere. There are not only folks in the urban comedy scene, but in comedy period that are way funnier than him. This was the subject of a blog from last year.

Nevertheless, Kevin's tours, shows and specials sell out like hotcakes, he does a lot of hosting gigs, and now he will be in two movies in the next two months. He has honestly worked his butt off and did what others aren't willing to do to be successful.

Yeah I realize a lot of entertainers work hard and have a good set of people around them. But what makes Kevin different?

1. Separation of personal and professional life

Kevin embraces his struggles, dealing with marriage then a divorce, and being diminutive.  He uses his weaknesses on stage as his strengths. He also doesn't do anything to have TMZ, MediaTakeout, or the tabloids talking.  He is hustling period.

2. Goes the extra mile by taking corny and major roles alike.

He does not mind being the lead man or the straight man. He simply wants to work and act and has a thick skin. He saw what Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock did, and is following that blueprint. He may be selling out, especially in Dave Chapelle's eyes (who gave up 50 million plus because he wasn't going to be Comedy Central's puppet).  Like it or not, Kevin continues to get work due to this attitude.

3. He is familiar and derivative.

Many critics, myself included, accuse Hart of being unoriginal and derivative of comedians from the past such as Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, and even Chris Tucker. Audiences and fans like that though and Kevin and his management were smart enough to see that. That what turns him from the annoying cousin to an elite entertainer in the eyes of many.

4. He is very professional.

He shows on time for performances, shows and rehearsals and rarely, if ever, cancels. That is a strong trait to have and he is basically someone you can trust to do the job you pay him for.

5. He has no major challengers.

I named seven that could give Kevin a run for his money. However, even those seven, plus Katt Williams, Vince Morris, and Christopher Titus have other things distracting and hindering them. Ten years ago, things may be different.  Present day, Kevin is head and shoulders above all in the comedy game.

Some will agree, some will disagree with all or part of this blurb. But when I realized it, Kevin has earned his fame. It does not make me one of his millions of fans, but I can't knock the little man's hustle. 

Top 7 Male Black Comedians That I Find Funnier Than Kevin Hart

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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2011 VMA commentary

- Wait, is that Lady Gaga dressed like a man?
- OK I'm getting bored
- Finally she's singing and performing
- Justin Bieber looks very nerdy
- Is this a Westside Story spoof?
- Who's that old fart on the guitar?
- I'm feeling this song though
- NOOOO!!! Kevin Hart is helping host
- Wait, there's no host this year?
- Jonah Hill really slimmed down!
- Nicki Minaj's hair looks like a bunch of balloons
- Slick plug for your movie Moneyball, Jonah!
- Brittany has come first circle in winning the night's first award
- OTIS!!!
- Miley Cyrus, WTH?
- Who is Foster The People?
- So these VMAs have a house singer?
- It's the Dougie!
- That guy from the Beastie Boys looks like Jack Black
- We have a dance battle!
- Now Nicki is a winner, OMG!!!!
- And this is the coon portion of the show
- Beavis and Butthead, returning October 27 #ftw
- Katy Perry is fiiine!
- Please don't act a fool Kanye
- Time for Pitbull and Ne-Yo!
- Lots of women on stage
- Can anyone understand what Pitbull is saying?
- Kevin Hart is sooo corny!
- I like Katy Perry better with black hair
- Adele's got some pipes, and some talent, but her performance is boring
- Beavis and Butthead meets Nicki!
- WHAT?? Justin Bieber won?
- Gotta love Victoria Justice's legs
- Rock it Chris Brown!
- Gotta love the WU-Tang clan homage
- Chris is flying and flipping
- And Lady Gaga is still dressed like a man
- I've always thought Brittany was talented
- OK its Beyonce' time!
- This is a Beyonce' song off of "4" that I actually like
- Do it Bey!!
- Bey is pregnant!!! It's about time
- Selena Gomez has gotten waay too slim.
- Tyler the Creator (whoever that is) is now Best New Artist
- He sure is cursing a lot
- Zoe Saldona is gorgeous!
- Mo and the Giant?
- Why is Cloris Leachman with those Jersey Shore skanks?
- Wow Gaga wins! Hard to believe nearly a year ago she had just named her next album
- Hope this Amy Winehouse tribute is good
- Wow, Tony Bennett!
- I never knew Tony and Amy sang together
- Bruno Mars can sing! What a great Amy Winehouse tribute!
- Katy Perry wins again! But what is that block on her head?
- Ok now Lil Wayne!
- Weezy looks like Slash, and a lil like Lil Jon
- OK I'm ready for this to be over already
- Dang Eminem didn't even perform!

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2011 Mid Year Cowbell List

The year is halfway over, and I'm back with my list of things thus far that lack major "cowbell". I would like to give a shoutout to my friend Regina Wright for inspiring and assisting with my bi-annual lists. Maybe one day we can get our own cowbell column.

Ok without further adieu:

- LeBron. You made that big spectacle on TV to leave for the Heat, then go to the championship and choke. You have got to control the women in your life better and deliver in clutch situations.

- Planking. It's out of control, idiotic, and folks that do it obviously do not know its historical origins. Who started this fad anyway?

- Ohio State football. Y'all are basically screwed for a while. You guys remind me of Miami or Alabama in the 90s. Looks like Michigan will be beating you for years to come now.

- Pittsburgh Steelers fans. Many of you were sore losers after my Packers beat you in the last Super Bowl. Some of you even questioned my loyalty thinking I was a bandwagoner. Anyone that knows me well knows I'm a longtime Green Bay fan.

- Sarah Palin. Please just keep your mouth shut, and stay out of the public eye. You will not get the GOP nod for the presidency, and you're lucky if you can even become president of the PTO at your child's school.

- Beyonce'. The first 2 singles off of your newest album, as well, as the videos, were well below par. B, you turn 30 this year, your heyday is wearing down, you can't afford a setback, especially now that you fired your father as manager.

- The NFL and NBA. Stop being greedy and just come to an agreement already so that America will not be deprived of its top 2 sports. You will lose waay more money if the lockouts or shortened seasons come.

- VH-1 for its continuously bad programming. Basketball Wives, Mob Wives, and now this mess of a show, Single Ladies.

- Tamar Braxton. You need to simply sit down and shut up. Behave.com! America is laughing at your ignorant, obnoxious self, not with you.

FB updates. They're getting worse. First its SNs, now its ridiculous hashtags, reposts, spam, voting contests, and now getting tagged to these horrendous looking shoes!

-Charlie Sheen. Dude you are definitely NOT #winning #thatisall

- Apple. You guys do not run the technology spector, so please get a reality check.

- Kevin Hart. Funny, yes. But you're no Chris Rock, Chapelle, Redd, Eddie, or Pryor. You are overrated in a comic industry lacking a dominant black comedian.

-Rihanna. You are just a mess, loving the way guys lie, into S&M, and now you're on speaking terms with Chris Brown once again.

- Wiz Khalifa. It appears the need for ignorant, coonish rappers is not stopping any time soon.

-Amber Rose. You are a very gorgeous woman, but please leave other women's men alone. Less @$$, more class, please and thank you.

Pirates of the Caribbean 4. One of the low points of the franchise, and this summer movie season. I'm not so hype for 5 now.

- Lace front wigs. They're getting out of hand! It appears for every black woman going natural, two are buying a week's worth of lace front wigs.

Lupe Fiasco. Dude, first you release the disappointing "Lasers", and now you make these brash statements about President Obama. Perhaps you should go into hiding for about 2 years.

- Folks that won't get pedicures but need them. They are relaxing, and almost necessary, especially if you love open toed shoes.

- Women wearing booty shorts with extreme cellulite. Yeah its really hot, but you should dress with discretion. Those clothes are a privilege and NOT a right!

- Text message language used on resumes. Really are you kidding me? And you folks are typically the first to complain about not being able to find a job.

- People that complain about not being able to find a good mate and when they actually do, do not know how to act or treat them.

Video stores. C'mon, stop trying to stay open! Redbox and Netflix are holding down the movie and game rental business. Even Blockbuster is now slowly transitioning to Redbox-like Kiosks. Get with the program!

- Marvin's Room It's an overrated, sad song, and lacks substance and cowbell.
- Ted Williams. The world was your oyster and you have tainted your 2nd chance. I pray that you finally get the help you need.
- The Royal Wedding. There's no reason Americans should make a fuss about it, and it's waay too expensive and unrealistic. Plus William and Kate are simply people, NOT the Sun and the Moon.

Happy 4th of July, enjoy the fireworks (uggghhh) and try to stay off my next list!

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