Kevin Hart has become a household name in comedy and entertainment, celebrated for his high-energy performances, relatable storytelling, and distinctive voice that sets him apart on stage. His 2009 stand-up specialWhat Now?might be better known globally, but for fans of his earlier work,Kevin Hart What It Isremains one of his most raw and energetic stand-up routines. This particular special offers a unique insight into Hart’s comedic style during his early rise to fame, showcasing his ability to turn everyday struggles into moments of universal hilarity.
Introduction to Kevin Hart’s Comedy
From Philadelphia to Fame
Kevin Hart hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and like many great comedians, he built his reputation from the ground up. Starting off with small gigs in clubs, Hart used humor to connect with people, often drawing from his personal experiences. His small stature and big personality made him instantly recognizable, while his natural timing and physical humor helped him stand out from other comedians.
Comedic Themes in His Work
Hart’s stand-up often revolves around themes that resonate with wide audiences
- Family and relationships
- Embarrassing moments
- Fatherhood and parenting
- Struggles of being a celebrity
- Self-deprecating humor
What It Is continues this trend, giving audiences a closer look at his early career and the issues he faced while climbing the comedy ladder.
What Makes What It Is Special
Live Energy and Performance
Kevin Hart What It Is stands out for its raw energy. Unlike some of his later, more polished specials, this performance feels spontaneous and personal. Filmed in a smaller venue, the audience’s reactions are immediate and intense, creating an intimate connection between Hart and his fans. His pacing, expressions, and physical comedy reach their peak during this set, highlighting the early power of his comedic style.
Storytelling at Its Best
Hart is not just a stand-up comedian; he is a storyteller. His routines are not just a series of jokes but build into larger, often absurd, narratives. In What It Is, one moment he’s talking about taking his kids to the zoo, and the next he’s reenacting a dramatic confrontation with a gorilla. These dramatizations are what make Hart’s shows so memorable. He creates scenes in your head that feel like mini-movies with punchlines.
Key Routines and Memorable Moments
The Animal Encounters Bit
One of the most talked-about segments from What It Is is his story about visiting a wildlife park. His exaggerated fear of animals and his attempt to act tough for his kids leads to a series of ridiculous, laugh-out-loud scenarios. It’s a perfect example of Hart’s ability to poke fun at his own masculinity while delivering a completely engaging performance.
Life as a Father
In several parts of the routine, Kevin shares his experiences as a dad. He talks about trying to discipline his children, the struggles of getting respect in his own household, and the realization that his kids aren’t scared of him. This is Hart at his most relatable many parents in the audience nod and laugh in recognition of the same challenges.
Growing Up and Tough Love
Hart also revisits stories from his youth, particularly lessons taught by his mother and his unfiltered take on what it was like to grow up in a challenging environment. While some of the stories might lean toward the outrageous, they’re always grounded in truth and emotion, giving the laughs more depth.
Hart’s Physical Comedy Style
Expressive and Animated
What sets Hart apart is how he uses his entire body to perform. His facial expressions, gestures, and movements add layers to the jokes. He acts out each story with such conviction that the audience isn’t just listening they’re watching a one-man play. In What It Is, this physicality is especially clear and engaging, bringing his stories to life in a vivid, animated way.
Timing and Delivery
Hart’s timing is impeccable. He knows exactly when to pause for effect, when to ramp up the energy, and when to pull it back. His rhythm and pacing make every punchline land with impact, often catching the audience by surprise in the best way possible.
Impact and Reception
Audience Connection
Fans of Hart have always praised his relatability. He doesn’t present himself as a superstar but rather as a regular guy dealing with absurd situations. In What It Is, this connection is strong. His audience laughs not just because he’s funny, but because he’s real. He’s the guy you want to hang out with at a barbecue except he’s also a comedy genius.
Critical Acclaim
Though What It Is didn’t receive the massive commercial push of some of his later specials, it was well-received by those who saw it. Comedy reviewers highlighted it as a must-watch for fans who want to see Hart before the Hollywood spotlight, capturing the grit and grind that shaped him into a global star.
Comparison with Later Work
The Evolution of Kevin Hart
Comparing What It Is with his later work such as Let Me Explain or What Now? shows a clear evolution. While his core humor remains the same, Hart has become more polished, more confident, and often leans into larger production values. But for those who love stand-up that feels close, raw, and personal, What It Is may be his finest moment.
Back to Basics
Some fans even prefer this earlier version of Hart, where the jokes feel more grounded and the stories aren’t overshadowed by stage effects or crowd sizes. It’s a reminder of where he came from and how far he has come.
Where to Watch and Why It Still Matters
Although What It Is may not be as heavily marketed as his Netflix or major theatrical releases, it’s often available on streaming platforms or through digital rentals. For those curious about Kevin Hart’s comedic roots, it’s essential viewing. It showcases the building blocks of his success authenticity, energy, storytelling, and above all, connection with the audience.
Kevin Hart What It Is captures a rising star in his purest form. It’s a performance filled with laughter, vulnerability, and the kind of storytelling that makes comedy so powerful. For fans of stand-up, it serves as a time capsule of Hart’s early brilliance. For new audiences, it offers a deeper appreciation of the man behind the fame. With themes that are timeless and delivery that still feels fresh today, this special remains a key part of Kevin Hart’s legacy in the world of comedy.