The Comedy Journey of Earthquake: From Stripping to Stand-Up
In his latest Netflix comedy special, Earthquake—a name that sounds like a natural disaster and probably is in the realm of comedy—looks straight into the camera like he’s about to drop some life-altering wisdom before stepping on stage at Buckhead Theatre. “When I moved to Atlanta in the early ’90s, success had three routes: selling drugs, stripping, or making music,” he quips. Thus began his journey to comedy stardom in a city where other career paths weren’t just frowned upon; they were practically nonexistent.
Fast forward to 2000, and Earthquake made the grand decision to relocate to Los Angeles, because why not trade one bustling metropolis for another? However, he returned to Atlanta just in time to film “Earthquake: Joke Telling Business.” The irony? This is his first hourlong special and a postscript to Dave Chappelle’s “Earthquake: Legendary.” Because obviously, Chappelle needed some comedic validation before Earthquake took the helm.
In this special, the seasoned comic tackles topics like the economy, President Donald Trump, and Diddy, who apparently made ‘tax brackets’ a subject for stand-up. Earthquake, with the kind of timing that would make a metronome proud, aimed to tackle timely issues while also tipping his hat to the city that taught him how to tell a joke—like it was a trade secret. “Without Atlanta, there wouldn’t be an Earthquake,” he deadpans. “I’m still feasting on the blessings I received when I landed in ’91.”
Born in Washington, D.C., Earthquake has always credited Atlanta for being years ahead in the game of Black comedy during the ’90s. In fact, he once thought of comedy as merely a side hustle—like selling your aunt’s baked goods on the side, but ultimately, he aspired to don a suit and become a lawyer. Yes, folks, a lawyer. Imagine defending a client while simultaneously cracking jokes at their expense; that’s a sitcom waiting to happen.
Earthquake made his way to Atlanta based on a CNN report that suggested it was the ultimate haven for African Americans in search of good careers—because we all trust CNN when it comes to our life choices. “I had never been to Atlanta. But I took that advice, stepped onstage one day, and voila! Here I am, still going,” he grins, probably resisting the urge to high-five himself.
Back in the early ’90s, our hero faced a crisis when a prominent venue for Black comics reneged on a promise to let him perform. His mother, ever the practical life coach, suggested he open his own comedy club instead. “Hey, if someone won’t let you ride their bike, go get your own bike!” she advised. Naturally, Earthquake, influenced by a strong maternal figure, decided, “Why not?” And thus, the world was introduced to Uptown Comedy Corner in Buckhead in 1992. How’s that for family planning?
Earthquake’s legendary club, where icons like Chris Tucker and Mo’Nique graced the stage, closed its doors just a few months ago. Talk about a tragicomedy! But in all seriousness, Earthquake believes he paved the way for Atlanta’s current comedy scene, proving that there’s more to the city than just drugs and music. “We offered the community another option to be relevant in Atlanta,” he reflects, making it sound like he’s running for comic mayor.
In a reflective moment, he expresses his gratitude for Atlanta—“the 404,” as he calls it—viewing it as an eternal source of inspiration. Earthquake, the comedian who once thought of practicing law, is now developing a half-hour sitcom based on his life. “People need us,” he says, as if he’s the last superhero in a world filled with chaos. “It’s enough out here to make you cry. We need to give them a sanctuary where you can leave all your troubles at the door.” And folks, if you can do that with a laugh, then Earthquake has officially done his job.
