One of Kevin Hart’s Plastic Cups Boyz, Spank Horton, stepped out on his own to headline a show at the DC Improv on Sunday, January 8th. Before breaking into comedy, Mr. Horton used to heckle comics he found unfunny. Unlike most, though, Horton put his money where his mouth was and is now an in-demand comic. I’ve had a chance to see Spank numerous times in the past when he opened for Kevin Hart, along with the comedic trope, the Plastic Cup Boyz. OF the four Plastic Cup Boyz, Horton usually leaves a lasting impression.
The night was MCed by a comic whose name escapes me. She began her set with a fake British accent that won the crowd over before. Next was Lawrence Killebrew, who also delivered a robust set with a tremendous knockout joke involving side chicks. The last opener was Shanell Renee, who kicked out her jokes with rapid succession and a social commentary style that would make Moms Mabley proud.
Mr. Horton took the stage around 8:00 pm and delivered joke after joke focusing on everything from COVID to dating in your forties and even his recent divorce for the next seventy minutes. One of the funniest bits involved commentary on the fight that took place in the stands of the Gervonta Davis/Ryan Garcia the night before. Those who have been to the DC Improv know how low the ceiling is. In addition, if you are a fan of Horton, you know how tall he is. A joke like that can write itself, but shockingly Horton never brought it up.
Outside of one joke, in his set, Horton shied away from a ton of material centering on his friendship with comedic superstar Kevin Hart. The two first crossed paths as teens playing basketball while growing up in Philly and later developed their working relationship. I commend Horton for making a path out of Hart’s shadow and straying away from the Plastic Cup Boyz brand. The Plastic Cup Boy’s name originated from their drinking habits while hanging out, but there was never a moment in the show where Horton enjoyed an adult beverage while on stage. Displaying unabashed confidence and never having any jokes that didn’t land, Spank Horton is a comic worth seeing if he’s in your city.
Final Grade: B +
For more on Spank Horton, check out his official website: SpankHorton.com.
For the first Second Listen Sunday of 2025, I wanted to return to 2005 and highlight “Gemini,” the eighth album from iconic singer & balladeer Brian McKnight. The album hit stores on February 8th, 2005, and would serve as the singer’s last release on the legendary Motown label. The album’s title pays homage to the singer’s astrological sign.
When discussing families in R&B music, three names are usually at the top: Jackson, Debarge, and Isley. For the first Slow Jam Saturday of 2025, I wanted to show love to Isley Jasper Isley and their hit “Insatiable Woman” from their 1985 album “Caravan of Love.”
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.