For nearly two decades, DeRay Davis has been a consistent face in comedy, from his film appearances in “Barbershop” and “Barbershop 2,” “21 Jump Street” and more to his television appearances in “Reno 911,” “ComicView,” “Empire,” “Wild ‘N Out,” and many more.
However, Davis’ comedic ability has not been limited to acting, in fact, he also doubles as a stand-up comedian and television host for the MTV2 show, “Hip Hop Squares.” In fact, in a recent interview with Baller Alert to promote his forthcoming show in New York, Davis shared his opinion about the biggest headlines in media, from Chris Brown’s recent rape allegations, R. Kelly’s allegations, to the rise of “Instagram comedians.”
When it came to Chris, Davis acknowledged the fact that Brown had a rough upbringing, in witnessing his mother’s abuse, and opened up about how the circumstances may have made it harder for Brown to meet certain expectations of the general public.
“It’s just harder to come from such a rough background and people to expect you to be as good as he’s been – he’s been chillin,” Davis said. “He’s been being a good dad as far as I’ve seen.”
From there, Davis divulged about the R. Kelly allegations, and how it’s affected him as a Chicago-native.
“It makes me more uncomfortable,” Davis said of the allegations detailed in the Lifetime documentary, “Surviving R. Kelly.” “I feel like this man definitely has a problem, he’s definitely is sick and I feel sorry for the parents. I got daughters. It make you feel fucked up, I’m not gonna lie.”
“If you want to love the music for life, but the person itself. It’s a problem. It’s messed up,” Davis said.
As Davis continued, he opened up about the current state of comedy, and according to the comedian, it’s all about what you say, and who you say it around.
“Right now, it’s not a hard time for comedy, it’s what you’re discussing and who you’re discussing it around,” Davis said. “If somebody in there just lost their legs, you’re not gonna make a stand with me joke.”
“We need the comedy for healing,” Davis said. “The Me Too and the Times Up and all those movements right now, you need some kind of comedic healing within it. Otherwise, it’s all down pull, it’s all pulling you down.”
“So it’s not a sensitive time for comedy, it’s who’s listening,” Davis said, just before he transitioned to the topic of “Instagram Comedians.”
“We know what comedians are,” Davis said, as listed some of the greats. “If they’re doing stand-up comedy on their Instagram, then they’re a comedian, but if they’re doing skits, you’re a skitter.”
What are your thoughts?
Check out the full interview below:
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