In 2002, Rocafella Films introduced America to our Comedian of the Decade, in a film called, Paper Soldiers (2002). Immediately, his subtle comedy alongside an All Star Cast from Beanie Sigel, Damon Dash, Stacey Dash, Jay-Z, and Jason Cerbone, set him apart for a splendid journey that many fans celebrate in awe and sheer amazement of the magnitude of success he has garnered since. There is no question about who our Comedian of the Decade of 2010-2020 is, because from his modest beginnings in Paper Soldiers, his hilarious roles in the Scary Movies to the "What the Hell are you doing," moments in Soul Plane (2004), Kevin Hart has seen the highs and lows and delivered a brand of shrewd comedy that at some points seemed questionable, but universally centered on the daily complications of a normal life and catapults to the undeniably funny.
One may not remember the sober national mood ending the Bush Presidency and the start of The Great Recession of 2007-2010. There was a general void of laughter, and the presence of quality Black comedy after the end of Comic View was waning and more especially in the turmoil surrounding other famous major Black Comedians like Dave Chappelle, Katt Williams, and Eddie Griffin. It is the same Star Power spark and work ethic, fans saw when we first met our "Paper Soldier" Honoree, that delivered on the hard grind Stand Up Comedy scene. The brand of funny Kevin Hart brought to Stand Up, uplifted the Nation and gave us all years of tears in gut laughing stories, memorable lines and important introductions to fellow Comedians, like the Great Keith Robinson, the hilarious "Lil Rel" Howery, the Plastic Cup Boyz (2014), the sensational, Tiffany Haddish and many local Comedians across the country in his various Stand Up Circuits. Kevin Hart filled the comedy void and saved not just Black Comedy in America, but Comedy as a genre and reminded everyone to "Laugh at our Pain." "Say it with your chest!" His hustle of Comedy combined with his subtle Comedy genius, produced four Comedy Tours: The Classic, I'm a Grown Little Man (2009), Seriously Funny (2010), Laugh At My Pain (2011), and Let Me Explain (2013). Soon, it was obvious to not just Black Audiences, but to Hollywood and all of America, Hart had the comrades, material, star power, business model, and fan base to deliver worldwide. The demand for Kevin Hart went through the roof and it isn't a coincidence that he began to produce even funnier projects with the wealth of material, friends, and Star Power emitting from his Brand. The Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013-2016), the reality television parody, along with the Great, Nick Cannon, JB Smooth, Boris Kodjoe, and Duane Martin (later, Nelly) was pure Comedy gold and tapped into the American sense of overload with Reality Television. Executive Produced by Kevin Hart, fans began to really grasp not only how big Hart had gotten for five seasons, but also the magnitude and importance of quality material and television programming. Meanwhile, from Stand Up, Television, and the Silver Screen, the Star power emitting from Kevin Hart was undeniable. Kevin has over 34 Executive Producer credits producing much needed Comedy Stand Up Specials like Laugh Out Loud & Hart of the City, in local cities across the country, as well as television shows. Even Hollywood wanted into the Kevin Hart business because between 2010-2020, Hollywood isn't Hollywood without Kevin Hart.
Hollywood has been in sync with our Honoree and "Paper Soldier," since the early 2000s. However, there are some classics which I will list which will evoke some great memories: Soul Plane (2004), Think Like A Man (2012), Ride Along (2014), Think Like a Man 2 (2014), About Last Night (2014) The Wedding Ringer (2015), Get Hard (2015), Ride Along 2 (2016), Central Intelligence (2016), Jumanji (2017), The Upside (2017), Night School (2018), and Jumanji Next Level (2019). In between these films, Kevin graced numerous television cameos, Stand Up series, and even served as voices in animated features like, The Secret Life of Pets 1 & 2 (2016 & 2019) and Captain Underpants (2017). Other Celebrities combined their Brands with Kevin Hart including Bryan Crayton, Dwayne Johnson, Will Ferrell, Ice Cube, and Hollywood A-Listers. This is a sign of respect like for instance, in Jumanji, Kevin Hart is the comic relief, a role formerly played by the late great, Robin Williams. In the last 10 years, there isn't a more familiar face or voice on screen with over 90 appearances on television series and films. At times, it may seem that Kevin Hart lives in the television when he's onstage for Good Morning, America, or Jimmy Kimmel Live, or hosting major Ceremonies like the MTV Awards and others. One might asks where does he find the time to live his life between events, filming, and touring?
The highs and lows of life were always apart of the Brand, with controversy surrounding his love life, which Kevin hilariously recalls on his last Comedy Tour, The Irresponsible Tour (2017). The Oscars decision to release Kevin Hart from Hosting the famous Award Show in 2019, due to remarks made 10 years prior on social media, was a lost for the Oscars and not for Kevin Hart. His fans remain loyal and entertained. So, when Kevin suffered injuries in an auto accident in mid-2019, his fans pour prayer and support for his speedy recovery. The tireless dedication to Comedy and the service rendered to all Americans, reminds us, "take it easy," as he takes a cold plunge, in the hilarious Cold As Balls series, while discussing real life issues with Athletes on his Laugh Out Loud Youtube channel. The only serious contender to the Decade Honor was Tyler Perry, whose Comedy Genius was also a game changing powerhouse in this past decade. Still, you have to respect Kevin Hart's tenacity to overcome controversy, and diligent drive, which has not only made him a wealthy Man, but also a Comedy Giant & Comedic God. It is a honor to announce our Comedian of the Decade 2010-2020, Kevin Hart.
Written by Mr. Cowan Amaye-Obu; Editor Peter Commons
West Oakland Imports Publishers 2019-2020
WestOaklandImports@gmail.com
Please Enjoy this sample of his Greatness and Salute the Comedian of the Decade!
LOL Channel
Cold As Balls
What is Fit
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