Earthquake: The Aftershock Of Laughter

By: Bianca Chardei

He’s a force of nature — loud, unfiltered, and legendary. For decades, Earthquake has been shaking the foundations of comedy with his signature wit, truth-driven humor, and that unmistakable baritone that commands every room.

From his stand-up specials and television appearances to his sharp radio presence, Earthquake has mastered the art of making people laugh while telling uncomfortable truths. Now, fresh off his honeymoon and the release of his new Netflix special, The Joke Telling Business, the veteran comedian is living proof that life — like comedy — only gets better with age, faith, and love.

In this exclusive conversation with MONARCH, Earthquake opens up about marriage, mentorship, his creative process, and why he still believes in the sacred craft of telling jokes.

MONARCH: First off, congratulations on your wedding and your new Netflix special! You’re fresh off a big year — how are you feeling?
EARTHQUAKE: Thank you! God’s willing, it keeps getting better. I’m just happy.

MONARCH: The Langham Huntington Hotel was the backdrop for your big day. How did you and your wife Rashida choose that venue?
EARTHQUAKE: She brought it up, and when our wedding planner showed us the space — we just knew. Soon as we saw it, it was perfect.

MONARCH: It looked beautiful! Now, you’re known for finding humor in every situation. Did any of that Earthquake humor show up during the ceremony?
EARTHQUAKE: (laughs) Oh yeah. But the emotion hit me too — I finally understood why men cry at weddings. It’s that moment you realize you’ve found her. You’re sealing it forever. It’s powerful. My vows came straight from the heart, like my comedy — off the cuff and real.

My friends said, ‘We can’t follow you — not on stage, not even in marriage.’

The Celebration of a Lifetime

MONARCH: You had Bishop Noel Jones officiate and Major serenade your bride — that wasn’t just a wedding, that was an event!
EARTHQUAKE: (laughs) Yeah, my friends keep saying, “You set the bar too high!” They can’t follow me on stage or in life now.

MONARCH: The guest list was a who’s who — comedians, musicians, athletes. What was that moment like for you?
EARTHQUAKE: It was humbling. When your friends — who just happen to be legends — show up to celebrate your love, that’s God. You just sit in gratitude.

MONARCH: And Johnny Gill was one of your groomsmen!
EARTHQUAKE: Johnny’s been my boy for 20 years. I asked him to sing our wedding song, and he said, “Man, you better have me in the wedding too!” He’s hilarious — could be a comic if he wanted.

A woman gives your soul somewhere to rest.

On Partnership and Purpose

MONARCH: You’ve talked about how marriage brings balance. Why is that so significant for you?
EARTHQUAKE: Biblically, no man reaches his full potential without the woman God made for him. She brings the intuition, the peace, and the love that guides you. On a real level, it brings focus — no distractions, just purpose. It’s like having someone take care of your person, so your persona has a home.

Women become your supervisors — and I love it.

Marriage Humor, Raw and Real

MONARCH: What’s one thing about marriage that surprised you?
EARTHQUAKE: Women change! They become your supervisors. It’s like working with your best friend — and suddenly, they get promoted! (laughs) But I love it. They’re our managers, partners, and everything rolled into one.

MONARCH: An in-house manager and one-stop shop!
EARTHQUAKE: Exactly.

MONARCH: Any funny behind-the-scenes wedding moments?
EARTHQUAKE: Somebody told me my bishop almost tripped — and all the comedians were ready with jokes! I said, “Y’all better leave my pastor alone — he was just rocking for the Lord!”

I’m in the Joke-Telling Business — that’s the job description.

The Netflix Special That Shakes Things Up

MONARCH: Let’s talk about your new Netflix special, The Joke Telling Business. Your first one was a hit — what makes this one special?
EARTHQUAKE: It’s another blessing. I filmed it in Atlanta, where my career began. If it wasn’t for Atlanta, there’d be no Earthquake. To debut in Netflix’s Top 10? That’s God.

MONARCH: Where did the title come from?
EARTHQUAKE: Too many comedians out here doing everything but telling jokes. I wanted to remind folks — I’m in the joke-telling business. Whether you think I’m funny or not, you can’t say I’m not doing my job.

A comedian’s strength is his experience.

On Writing, Evolving, and Staying Authentic

MONARCH: Has your writing process changed over time?
EARTHQUAKE: I rotate my material every year. As a touring comic, I can’t repeat jokes. Once I’ve got enough solid material that feels special, I call my team and say, “Let’s shoot.”

MONARCH: Do you feel your comedy has evolved?
EARTHQUAKE: Definitely. A comedian’s power is his experience. My jokes grow with me. I can’t talk about what I did in my twenties when I’m living something else in my fifties.

We’re the third eye of the world.

On Comedy in the Streaming Era

MONARCH: How has streaming changed comedy?
EARTHQUAKE: It’s created more opportunities — everybody’s getting a shot now. Back in the day, there were fewer specials, but the quality was tighter. Now, there’s more quantity. But real comedians? We’re still essential. We speak truth to power — we just make it funny.

Give your woman grace — and one crazy day.

On Relationships and Respect

MONARCH: If Netflix gave you a special outside of stand-up, what would it be about?
EARTHQUAKE: Marriage! (laughs) Especially with our beautiful Black women — it’s an experience.

MONARCH: You better explain that!
EARTHQUAKE: Every man needs to give his woman one crazy day. Let her get it out! Then she comes back to the woman you married.

MONARCH: (laughs) Now you know we wear many hats — therapist, chef, nurse, best friend. You better give us more than one day!
EARTHQUAKE: And that’s why I only date Black women. They’re the only ones who believed in us when nobody else did — even when we didn’t believe in ourselves. But yeah… they’re still crazy.

MONARCH: So, what’s next?
EARTHQUAKE: I’m developing my own sitcom with Bill Burr for Fox Television. We’re building the team now — writers, showrunners, the whole thing.

MONARCH: Congratulations! We’ll be first in line to cover that.
EARTHQUAKE: You’ll be the first to know.

From D.C. to the South — I’m home everywhere.

The Southern Soul Behind the Laughter

MONARCH: Now, I hear a little southern in your voice — but also some D.C.
EARTHQUAKE: (laughs) You got me I’m from D.C., That’s where I got my flavor, Florida Ave Southeast   — the wings with mambo sauce, go-go music on the corner. That’s my home.

MONARCH: Real D.C. culture!
EARTHQUAKE: Always. We fought to keep our sound, and now everyone’s vibing to it. That’s the beauty of culture — it evolves and includes.

When Earthquake hits the stage, expect tremors.

Final Thoughts

MONARCH: For fans who want to follow you, where can they find you?
EARTHQUAKE: Follow me at @TheRealEarthquake on all social media. I’m always touring — I’ll be in your city soon, God willing.

MONARCH: Thank you so much, Earthquake. This conversation had everything — laughter, love, and wisdom.
EARTHQUAKE: Thank you for having me. God bless you and your platform.

MONARCH: Family, make sure you stream The Joke Telling Business on Netflix, support it, and spread the word. When Earthquake hits the stage, it’s never just a show — it’s a seismic experience.

Until next time — stay inspired, stay uplifted, and as always, keep laughing through life.