The Black Wall Street Times spoke with Karlous Miller about his career in comedy and what fans can expect from the star-studded “We Them Ones” comedy tour, hosted by Mike Epps.
Comedy in the Digital Era
When asked how comedy has changed since he first began pursuing it in 2005, Miller said the industry has shifted dramatically toward online platforms.
“It’s evolving, it’s going more towards the online and digital media. Even if you’re a stand up comedian, you have to put out some digital shorts, or have an online presence so people can keep up with you and be a part of your movement.”
Despite his growing success, Miller says he still approaches his career with the mindset of someone who is constantly building.
“I’m still earning the support, still making new fans. There’s still a lot of people who don’t know exactly who I am and what I do,” Miller said. “You got to keep pushing and striving, and you can’t relax on none of your success or none of your accomplishments. None of that matters if you didn’t do it today, people forget. They got short memories.”
“I look at every opportunity that I get as my first opportunity because I still want more. So I’m not relaxing or coming off the gas at all. I still go just as hard as when I first started,” he added.
From Firefighter to the National Spotlight
Before stepping into the spotlight, Miller left a career as a firefighter and moved to Atlanta to pursue stand-up comedy.
In 2013, Miller became a cast member on MTV’s comedy improv series Wild ‘n Out. Two years later, he launched a podcast with fellow Wild ’n Out castmate D.C. Young Fly, later joined by Chico Bean.
No Filter, No Fear
Known for his “no-holds-barred” comedic style, Miller acknowledges that some of his jokes may push boundaries, but he believes that’s part of the craft.
“I can’t consider what people might be offended by. I gotta do it first for them to be offended. It might be offensive, but the way I do it, they might be able to accept it.”
That bold approach has helped him build a dedicated fanbase that continues to fuel his creativity.
“When people say, ‘Man, I know you about to go on stage, but can you please do this joke for me?’ That makes me feel good because I’m creating stuff that people don’t get tired of.”
The Comedic Career Gateway
For Miller, comedy has opened doors far beyond the stand-up stage.
“When you’re a comedian, you could end up becoming a star in a whole other lane,” Miller said. “You could get a role on Power and be a dramatic actor as a comedian, or you end up in the Tyler Perry universe doing something that ain’t got nothing to do with what you actually started out doing. So I leave myself open to opportunities like that.”
“When I first started, I didn’t know that comedy would be such a great introduction to so many other things like cartoons, movies, voiceovers, commercials — everything.”
Miller later voiced his inspirations, “I’m influenced by the overall comedy game, from all the greats, from Comic View to Def Comedy Jam to to the local stand up comedians to the open mic comedian to people who are just funny and make people laugh.”
Working With the Greats
One of those inspirations being Mike Epps, who Miller joins on the continuation of the “We Them One’s Comedy Tour.”
“I’m excited to work with everybody but most definitely Mike Epps. He’s at a point in his career where he can literally do this by himself, and for him to invite us and let us be a part of what he’s got going on, especially with him having new movies popping out and a new comedy special on Netflix,” Miller said, paying homage to the comedic giant.
When asked what comedy fans can expect from the tour, Miller replied, “I just want to go out there and give them the best show that I can give them, and be part of a good show too.”
Tickets for the “We Them Ones” Comedy Tour are on sale now. For tour dates, cities, and ticket information — and to learn more about the Radio One talent search — visit bmnshows.com or follow @bmnshows on social media.