From the ‘R’ Word to the ‘S’ Word: Mike Epps’s Comedic Commentary on Subjectivity

Mike Epps has established himself as a pillar in black comedy having appeared in more than one hundred television programs and feature films, a plethora of music videos, hosted Def Comedy Jam, and produced several self-featuring standup specials. Exuding a broad range of appeal, he can comfortably emcee formal events while always providing representation for ghettoized black populations. In addition, his appeal is bolstered by his captivating style of humor which marks any/every topic as permissible within the realm of comedic discourse, including (dis)abilities. Framed around two jokes delivered by Epps—one from his special Under Rated, Never Faded & X-Rated and one from Only One Mike—this article investigates the relationship between the comedian’s performance of (dis)ability and human subjectivity. Consulting disability theorists’ and black theorists’ treatment of public discourse, the article is situated in a larger conversation of the potential for comedy to write human subjectivity. In addition to theorists, the work of Josh Blue, a self-identified disabled comedian, is taken as an empirical example of the implications of comedy for human subjectivity. Epps’s two jokes are analyzed in consideration of the theorists’ and comedian’s assertions. Ultimately, I argue that Mike Epps leverages humor in a manner that underscores the subjectivity and celebrates the humanity of people of various (dis)abilities.