The Baltimore Comedy Factory stage was blessed this past weekend as one of the Original Kings of Comedy, D.L. Hughley was the featured attraction. The legendary comedian entertained the audience with his unique style of humor. Hughley consistently delivers a brand of comedy that is captivating, raw, uncensored, and unapologetic. The veteran comedian always keeps it real as anyone in his path can be a target for a joke. The target area ranges from family, friends, and associates. In addition to everyone being fair game, he is also consistent with sharing his viewpoint on current events.
D.L. Hughley’s prestigious career began in 1992 as he was the original host of BET’s stand-up comedy program ComicView. His success in stand-up and as a host transitioned to a career in acting. Hughley wrote, produced, and starred in The Hughley’s, a television sitcom based on a black family adjusting to life in an upscale neighborhood.
Hughley’s resume as an entertainer is long and impressive. In addition to stand-up comedy and acting, Hughley has found success as a radio host, author, and political commentator. He looks to expand on his success as a partnership with GFNTV is in the works.
Sports/Entertainment Journalist Vince D’Writer had the pleasure to chat with the iconic D.L. Hughley.
Vince: Describe your Swagher. What makes D.L., D.L.?
D.L.: I never put much thought into that. I try to look like I’m ready to work. You know what it is, when people pay their money to see something, they don’t want you looking like the thing they just left. Baseball players wear uniforms and football players wear uniforms. I think entertainers should wear uniforms to whatever degree that is. There also should be a line of demarcation from what you did and what you see.
Vince: How did you get started in comedy?
D.L.: Talking sh#t. How did you get started with a magazine? Talking sh#t. How did Cliff get started in owning a global platform? Talking sh#t.
Vince: Who were some of the entertainers you looked up to?
D.L.: Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Dick Gregory, and Marvin Gaye. Marvin was the type of entertainer that was so demonstrative, you saw exactly what he was talking about. What he talked about is timeless. You can play a Marvin Gaye song from now until eternity and kids, and old people will get what he is talking about. They will understand because he was that demonstrative and that clear and I’ve always hoped to be that type of artist.
Vince: When you’re about to hit the stage to perform, what is your process?
D.L.: I drink, I smoke, and I talk a little sh#t.
Vince: For a young comedian just coming up, if they’re scheduled to perform multiple shows, and a few jokes they used in the first show didn’t receive a good reception, should they revise the script, or stick to the same content?
D.L.: No.No. Imagine you stopped the first time something didn’t work…you know what black people do, they survive no matter what. I think if you quit or readjust because something didn’t go the way you wanted it to go then you’re in the wrong business. A cheer and a boo feel exactly the same to me. I can’t tell the difference. I ain’t doing it for you. I’m doing it for me. I would like for you to get something out of it, but ultimately my goal is to be clear as possible. Whatever the results of that are I’m willing to take.
D.L. Hughley has been successful in stand-up comedy, acting, and radio. He is looking forward to a new chapter in the world of entertainment. “I’ve done a lot of things. I’ve done a lot of things I’m proud of. The thing I’m most excited about is the venture I’m going into now. To be on a platform that avails itself to my sensibilities. I’m very excited about being able to do things that I’ve never done before on television or film. I will be able to be exactly who I am without a network or a corporate impediment.”
The excitement for the future of GFNTV is mutual as one of the creators, Cliff Franklin spoke about the new opportunity. “D.L. has a comedy that is real and raw. D.L. is a global brand. He’s a brother that is going to bring some sensibilities to what is real in the urban communities and what is real across the world globally. He’s going to speak truth to power and that’s what GFNTV is all about. You think about any show that D.L. does the crowd is roaring because they can relate. Everything he is saying is relative to their lives. When you think about our platform we want to bring content that makes people feel good and be entertained, but at the same time be informative to the people.”
D.L. Hughley has displayed staying power. It’s a term used when an entertainer is successful for a long period of time. He’s done some great things in the past, and it seems like his future will display an unfiltered version of D.L. that we have never had the chance to experience.
Cliff Franklin and D.L. Hughley have teamed up as they look to mix up some ingredients and cook up a strategy that tastes just as good as a bowl of gumbo.
