Who is DC Young Fly and why is he so fly!? With over 5. 7 million followers there’s a huge chance that you’ve heard of him or seen his face on your television screen or phone screen. His videos go viral at the press of a button and he’s currently on two very successful television shows on a major network.
Epic. Hilarious. Beyond Wild. Viral. These are all words that come to mind when describing online comedy phenomenon DC Young Fly.
Fans can’t get enough of him. Rather it is through his music or his shared podcast 85 South Show with comedians Karlous Miller and Chico Bean or seeing him acting in movies—DC Young Fly is highly in demand. Fans love his trademark way of cracking jokes on celebs. He keeps it funny with his own rhythm of natural lighthearted storytelling and ad lib. When he tells a story or joke, he reminds you of that one person who everybody has to party invite list. His energy makes him “the life of the party” and he has consistently been tapped to bring his brand of funny and “good vibes” to a number of entertainment projects. His single Curb Music taps into his musical side and shows the variety of ways he can artistically expresses himself.
DC Young Fly has become a well-known and well respected entertainer who always delivers highly crafted unbridled down to earth comedy. DC’s status as a mega force in the comedic world was further solidified with his selection as a host of TRL. MTV’s decision to bring back the popular pop culture show delighted fans old and new. It called for a careful curation of faces that reflected the newer generation of America.
His selection as a host for TRL was a monumental achievement for the young comic whose fame was originally launched on video app Vine. As much as we could compare him to others who have come before him; he’d rather not be compared or be put in the box as the “next” so and so. He’s just DC Young Fly— a unique talent that operates in his own lane embracing life with a mischievous smile.
Tattoos are artfully scrawled across his smooth skin and the letters “DC” are etched on his forehead. His body art reflects the fact that tattoo culture has become wildly popular among the younger generation as a form of self-expression.
Of course, the close minded could question his choice of tattooing his name proudly for all to see across his face. However, he’s made a name for himself as a comedian and internet sensation. That “DC” is a symbol of respect and represents the brand recognition and value that he has built surrounding his DC Young Fly persona. In today’s entertainment industry tattoos often tell a story of the past and where an artist is at a specific moment in time in their life. DC is unapologetically himself and fans love that he stays true to himself.
Videos of him singing in church with his ‘turnt’ aunt or flicks of him hanging with his friends from his hometown paint a picture that resonates with everyone. DC is a family man. He’s loyal to his friends, his fans and his humble beginnings. When I saw an usher looming behind him in a video of him in church I laughed because it brought back memories of long church days and ushers that enforced church behavioral rules proudly with white gloves and stern expressions. Black church and black culture has so many beautiful aspects and DC Young Fly has become a millennial storyteller showing the past, present juxtaposed against popular culture.
His crowd rousing in your face style of comedy have led to a slew of sold out standup comedy shows nationwide and a solidified place on MTV’s Wild’N Out. His success doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. With an impressive number of projects under his belt in 2017, the sky is the limit for DC Young Fly moving into this new year. His credits for 2017 include: VH1’s Hip Hop Squares, BET’s Black Card Revoked, MTV’s Scream, MTV’s Wild’N Out, Mike Epps & T.I.’s THE TRAP (feature film), Nick Cannon’s SHE BALL (feature film) and Lionsgate’s TWO MINS OF FAME (feature film).
His relationship with his fans also sets him apart from the pack. Fans love him. One of his followers’ favorite ways to interact with him is an age old new age twist on the roast. He’s popular for his split screen roast videos but on his page his followers often roast him as well. His childish grin, “Fawwwk you mean” trademark phrase and southern charm also has won him a large female fan base. Hosting Chris Brown’s “The Party Tour” world-wide music tour in 2017 probably helped to expand his international audience and appeal to already growing fan base.
As we prepared for the photo shoot, I watched him methodically make sure he had everything set while multi-tasking calls regarding an upcoming meeting with studio heads. He’s a business. And he’s a business man. And he’s about his business—mannn. Perhaps that is what has allowed him to rise so meteorically. His work ethic. His zeal for his craft. He also is warm in person and doesn’t put on airs because of his success. DC spoke on treating everyone with respect when he works with people, “You never know what type of day people are having.I acknowledge everybody because no matter what your position is together WE ARE A UNIT.”
On his Instagram page he often posts loving photos of his daughter and proudly speaks about how she motivates him to grind harder. If you follow him, you’ll notice that he takes being a father very seriously. He puts his love for fathering to the forefront and explains that part of his grind and fever for success is directly inspired by his daughter. In a world where there are many negative stereotypes of young urban black males, DC’s commitment to family positively impacts the younger generation. He makes it clear that his daughter is his world and that fatherhood is a blessing that should be publically celebrated and relished.
Fast forward to him sharing posts of him writing late night. Unlike some who rely on the same tired stale jokes, DC Young Fly is always writing and trying out new material. It shows. I recently saw him perform to a sold out crowd in Hollywood. At comedy show, he adjusted to the crowd’s emotion and freestyled along with eager crowd participants, weaving their storylines into his routine. Maybe it is the Musician in him that gives him a sense of intuition for rhythm and an ability to just create live on stage.
Comedians, musicians and actors are storytellers and it is no wonder that he often posts about staying up late at night to write material. As cliché as it sounds, the sky really is the limit for his future. Our culture is increasingly clinging to storytellers that can highlight and portray parts of American culture in ways we enjoy and identify with. Urban griot. Musician. Actor. Funnyman. DC is the one to watch.
Article narrated by Lena Ocean. Photography shot by Lena Ocean exclusively for CachetDigital.com. TRL photo via @DCYoungFly