Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Damien Lemon is comedy’s next big thing. You may have seen the funny man giving tips on MTV’s Guy Code, starring in his own half-hour special on Comedy Central, or making a hilarious cameo in The Amazing Spider-Man movie.
GlobalGrind caught up with Damien as he prepared for his upcoming “Bug-Out” routine, which he’ll be performing this Friday, August 22nd at SubCulture in New York City. Check out what Damien had to say below.
On shooting his first half-hour Comedy Central special:
It was incredible. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and to have it actually happen was an incredible feeling.
On his comedic influences:
I mean, of course, Martin Lawrence. Eddie Murphy is the person that made me want to do comedy. Chris Rock is brilliant. Dave Chappelle. I don’t want to mention all of the obvious ones! Hannibal [Buress] is funny. I like Louis CK too.
On how the ‘Salt & Pepper’ tour with fellow Guy Code comic Chris Distefano came about:
[Chris] came in one day singing “Push It!” I was like, ‘You know what, that should be our name.’ We could be typical and say it’s because he’s white and I’m black. [laughs] But it’s playing off the fact that we both want to be ’80s female rappers.
On his inspiration to write a joke:
Whatever’s funny to me. I’m really inspired by everyday life. When I go up on stage, I talk about things that are personal to me. If I laugh, then I think ‘Hmm, I wonder if people would feel the same way I feel about this.’
On if he’s ever felt like he completely lost the crowd:
Hell yeah. When they don’t react how you want them to to a certain joke, it’s just like, damn. But I always try to get them with the next bit. I think that actually helps you get a little bit more experience as a comedian, though.
On the toughest city he’s performed in:
I don’t want to name names and start no beef. But I was kind of nervous performing in Minnesota. They’re a little more sensitive to certain topics, but they loved it though. It all came together.
On his role as a cab driver in The Amazing Spider-Man:
It was an amazing experience. This was the first time I’ve done a movie, and something on that level. It was so unreal. I had to destroy a cab. When I got there, they had perfectly good cabs flipped over and on fire. I was like, ‘Wow, look at this budget.’
On where he sees himself in five years:
Hopefully still doing what I’m doing. Perfecting my craft. More shows. I also want to do more writing and producing. I would love to make a comedy album too.
His advice for aspiring comedians and artists:
Perfect your craft and never give up! Even if you’re on the verge of getting kicked out and facing rent court, follow your dreams. And be yourself, that’s the easiest way to get anything. No one can be you, but you.
Check out Damien Lemon at SubCulture in NYC on Friday, August 22nd. You don’t want to miss it.
PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter
