The D List

Topnotch standup suffers from fame recognition

Comments (0) By Julie Seabaugh Thursday, Aug 14 2008

D.L. Hughley could patent his Checklist to Guaranteed Comedy Fame, yet he’s somehow fallen short of Chris Rock-caliber cachet.

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Survivor of troubled formative years? Hughley’s a former Bloods gang member. Acclaimed television personality? He was the original ComicView host before tackling both Premium Blend and Def Comedy Jam. Successful big-screen debut? You may remember him as the most suave member of the Original Kings of Comedy tour and concert doc. Star of a wildly successful sitcom? The Hughleys juggernaut, anyone? Hit album? Check out 2004’s Notes from the GED Section. Host of a high-profile awards show? He was an unequivocal highlight of June’s BET Awards. Why the hell doesn’t D.L. get offers like I Think I Love My Wife and Pootie Tang?

Thoughtful, frighteningly intelligent, and undoubtedly just as sharp as he was on last year’s Unapologetic HBO special, Hughley hits the Tempe Improv for a four-night stand.

Thu., Aug. 14, 8 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 15, 8 & 10 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 16, 8 & 10 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 17, 8 p.m., 2008