Historically, being labeled a comedian meant delivering full force funny performances in front of a live audience. However, in the age of social media and technology, funnymen like Emmanuel Hudson and DC Young Fly are revamping the definition of what it means to be a considered a “true comedian.” Some veterans in the comedy game argue that new-age, social media comedians can’t label themselves as “true comedians” because they haven’t conformed to what a traditional comedian is thought to be.
With Instagram followers reaching the millions and a management team at Archive Entertainment working hand in hand with these super “comic” heroes, the sky is the limit and it’s safe to say that comedy as we once knew it is changing right before our very eyes.
DC Young Fly, aka Captain No IG Flex, found himself as a force to be reckoned with on Vine in 2013 with the popular roast tagline, “Bring That A– Here Boy.” From athletes to the average Joe and even comedic heavyweights like Kevin Hart, no one is considered to be safe from a good roast. He and Hart once got into a hilarious Twitter and Instagram battle that went viral. The roast was extremely impactful for DC Young Fly’s exposure, increasing his social media outlet with more followers, comments, likes, and opportunities. DC Young Fly is preparing to transition from the social media platform to the big screen with numerous acting roles in the works. You can catch him on the new season of “Wild ‘N Out” and RatchetPeopleMeet.com, a Web source of funny video content.
Emmanuel Hudson, aka Captain Honest, is also a social media success, delivering laughs to a whopping one million followers on multiple social media outlets. The “Ratchet Girl Anthem,” collaboration between a fellow comedian and his younger brother, went viral with more than 20 million views and landed the brothers an audition on “America’s Got Talent” in 2014. Since then, Emmanuel has appeared on “Wild ‘N Out” and RatchetPeopleMeet.com.
Emmanuel Hudson and DC Young Fly appear side-by-side in hilarious skits that can be found on RatchetPeopleMeet.com. Being cast alongside Kevin Hart and Ice Cube in exciting silver screen roles makes it more evident that comedians who get their start on various social media platforms are leaving their imprint on the art form.
These comedians didn’t take the traditional stand-up comedy club route to stardom, but they are well on their way to being household names. We sat down with the two of them to get their response in regard to their unique transition to the comedy world and to see what the future holds for the budding stars.
Emmanuel Hudson
Some would say that social media comics don’t compare to stand-up comics. What is your response to this?
We don’t. Though they are both great talents, I feel that the comedy is being delivered in different ways, which sets the comics apart.
Who in the comedy industry embraced you early on?
Nick Cannon and Lil Duval embraced me early on; they recognized my talents and helped me further them. Nick Cannon gave me the opportunity to portray my talents to the world, which I am forever thankful for.
If you could choose any three comedians to be in a movie with, who would you select?
I would pick Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy, and Marco Lavell to be in a movie with because I like all of their styles of comedy and I feel that we would have great chemistry in a film together.
Comedic veterans like Eddie Murphy, Bill Cosby and Dick Gregory got us to think about social issues all while making us laugh. Do you plan to use your platform in a similar way? If not, describe your platform.
Yes. I do plan to use my platform in a similar way because I believe honest comedy is the best comedy. Mix the truth with a little humor and there you have the greatest gift on earth to give laughter to others about reality.
You both were discovered through various social media platforms. Do you think social media makes it easier to be discovered?
Yes and no. I say, “yes” because it makes it easier for people to get in touch with you while displaying your talent at your own leisure and comfortable style. I say, “no” also because you actually have to be talented and just because you can make videos don’t solidify that, so the social media comedy becomes oversaturated.
As a social media superhero, what villains would you like to catch?
As a social media superhero the villains that I would like to catch most are the catfishers. The people hiding behind other profiles should be exposed, for that’s not only is weak, it’s just weird to want to be portrayed as somebody else.
What are some things you would like to achieve as a budding comedian?
As a budding comedian, I would like to keep it real with my fans and audience by keeping the truth going and making people laugh with my truth and real life situations. I plan to achieve great heights in television and film by just being me while displaying my talents.
Some believe laughter is healing. What would you like to heal the world of as you continue to make an impact through comedy?
I would like to heal the world of stress. As I continue to make an impact through comedy, I plan to take a little stress off anybody that is blessed with my comedy along the way.
DC Young Fly
Some would say that social media comics don’t compare to stand-up comics. What is your response to this?
Yes and no, because it’s a difference between performing on camera and performing live in front of an audience, so they are different. But talent is talent, just depends on your way of displaying it and how it works for that person.
Who in the comedy industry embraced you early on?
Definitely Will Packer and Nick Cannon. Will Packer came to one of my live performances with Ratchet People Meet company and embraced me soon as I got off stage, which was dope. Both saw my influence on social media, which motivated them to reach out and give me an opportunity to show the world my talents on their platforms.
If you could choose three comedians to be in a movie with, whom would you select?
Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence, and Kevin Hart.
You both were discovered on various social media platforms. Do you think social media makes it easier to be discovered?
Yes. I feel social media is an easier way to get discovered because it’s easier for people to run across your material and give you credit because all videos can be seen on anybody page that isn’t private.
As a social media superhero, what villains would you like to catch?
I would like to catch the flexing people on IG that isn’t living their real life. I feel like if you’re going to portray yourself, do it as yourself. It’s too many people living for social media and not for themselves.
What are some things you would like to achieve as an up-and-coming comedian?
No offense to the greats before me, but I want to be the best that ever done this comedy thing, from stand-up to film.
Some believe laughter is healing. What would you like to heal the world of as you continue to make an impact through comedy?
I would heal the world of poverty because I just want to see everybody eat and I feel if people are not worried about money, then they can really enjoy life.
