Overview of the Na'im Lynn Breakfast Club Interview
Comedian Na'im Lynn joined The Breakfast Club to address the fallout from Kevin Hart’s roast, clarify what was actually going on behind the scenes, and explain how he felt about the backlash surrounding jokes from the event. He pushed back on the idea that the roast should have defined Kevin Hart’s legacy, argued that the offensive joke in question was mainly corny rather than funny, and emphasized that the attention should have stayed on the positive moments from the roast—especially Sheryl Underwood’s standout set. Na'im also spoke candidly about his own career goals, saying he wants to keep growing as a comedian while focusing more on acting, writing, and building his own lane rather than chasing Kevin Hart’s exact level of fame.
Main Topics Discussed
Kevin Hart Roast backlash
- Na'im addressed the controversy around the roast, especially the George Floyd joke and the public reaction to Kevin Hart’s response.
- He felt the joke was tasteless and corny, but said the outrage was largely directed at the wrong people.
- He argued that Kevin got more negativity than the person who made the joke.
- Na'im stressed that the roast format is supposed to be harsh, but the joke still has to be actually funny.
Sheryl Underwood’s breakout moment
- He repeatedly praised Sheryl Underwood for “packing everybody up” and taking control of the moment.
- He said her performance was one of the best parts of the roast and that she deserved the attention and special she received afterward.
- Na'im felt the conversation should have centered more on her strong set than on the controversy.
Behind-the-scenes roast process
- Na'im said the comedians had to submit their material ahead of time and that the show’s producers/writers knew what was coming.
- He noted that some jokes were pushed as controversial on purpose because that’s what the roast format is built around.
- He also mentioned that some of his jokes were nearly cut, but he kept them because he knew they would work.
Kevin Hart, loyalty, and gratitude
- Na'im defended Kevin Hart against people who say he doesn’t do enough for Black comedians.
- He said he’s moved into a place of gratitude, focusing on what Kevin has done for him rather than what he hasn’t.
- He described Kevin as a good friend and hardworking entertainer, even if he doesn’t always handle public criticism perfectly.
Na'im’s own career goals
- Na'im said he wants:
- more acting roles
- the ability to do more theaters
- to continue writing and developing scripts and shows
- a career that gives him freedom and balance, including time with his daughter
- He emphasized that he does not want Kevin Hart’s level of scrutiny or pressure.
- He wants to be known as a comedian’s comedian and a respected headliner in his own right.
Dave Chappelle vs. Kevin Hart
- Na'im said Dave Chappelle is his favorite comedian because of his confidence, freedom, and sharp pen.
- He praised Chappelle for being able to get on stage and simply talk, trusting his audience and his material.
- He also explained that Kevin is a different type of comedian—more polished, more work-ethic-driven, and more family/story based.
Black identity and comedy
- The conversation turned toward what comes first: being Black or being a comedian.
- Na'im said being Black is primary; comedy is his profession, not his identity.
- He also talked about how comedy has different rules, especially when white comics make jokes about Black people or Black pain.
Key Takeaways
- Na'im believes the roast controversy was blown out of proportion, especially compared with the stronger, funnier parts of the event.
- He sees Sheryl Underwood as one of the biggest winners of the roast.
- He remains loyal to Kevin Hart but is also clear-eyed about the pressure Kevin faces and the criticism that comes with fame.
- Na'im is actively building his own career through:
- stand-up
- acting
- writing
- solo touring
- His long-term goal is to be respected as an independent comedic voice, not just as part of Kevin Hart’s crew.
Notable Quotes and Insights
-
“A roast is a roast.”
Na'im’s core defense of the format: harsh jokes are expected, but they still need to land. -
“I’m in that space of gratitude.”
He’s choosing to focus on what Kevin Hart has done for him instead of publicly counting what he hasn’t. -
“I want a career that works for me.”
Na'im made it clear he’s chasing sustainability, not superstar-level pressure. -
“I want to be a comedian’s comedian.”
His ideal legacy is respect from peers and audiences who value the craft.
Bottom Line
This interview was part roast defense, part career update, part comedy philosophy. Na'im Lynn defended Kevin Hart while also acknowledging the roast joke was a bad one, praised the performers who rose above the controversy, and used the moment to explain where he’s headed next: more acting, more writing, more solo success, and a stronger identity outside of Kevin Hart’s shadow.