Matt Rife is an award-winning stand-up comedian with over 14 million TikTok followers, having appeared on MTV variety shows and NBC’s Bring the Funny series. Additionally, Matt shares a passion for boxing.
Rife’s Netflix special, Natural Selection, immediately made the top 10, but its progressive theme prompted significant criticism from viewers and critics alike.
He is a stand-up comedian
Rife began his stand-up comedy career at age 15. Since then he has shared the stage with some of the top comedians like Dane Cook, Ralphie May, Mike Epps and Deray Davis – also appearing on “Wild ‘N Out”, TV shows such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine as well as producing multiple stand-up specials.
Rife’s contemptuous attitude toward his audience is disconcerting. He seems to believe that making it big requires approval from social-media followers, yet attempts at pandering backfire with routines filled with inappropriate jokes and offensive comments.
Rife’s routines might appeal to some audiences, but they’re neither funny or intelligent – they can often be offensive and misogynist. While Gen Z audiences seem supportive initially, Rife may soon fall from favor as his success proves fleeting; similar to Dane Cook, who quickly burned out. Rife appears even less prepared than Cook was for being thrust into such an intense spotlight.
He is a TV host
Matt Rife is an esteemed comedian and TV host. He has appeared on numerous comedy programs such as Wild ‘N Out, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Fresh Off the Boat; as well as performing at the Laugh Factory. Additionally, he currently touring his ProbleMATTic World Tour around the globe and will make a stop in Cincinnati Oct 13th for one performance only!
Rife has earned himself a reputation for delivering controversial material in his new Netflix special, Natural Selection. Opening with a joke about domestic violence that caused outrage from many audience members, Rife responded by posting a mock apology on his Instagram story and in turn posting another mock apology of his own on his story.
Rife gained popularity through TikTok, where he quickly rose to become known for segments of crowd work from his stand-up shows. These viral videos often include him interacting with women in the audience – sparking speculation that he is an aggressive manizer – yet Rife insists it’s his right to make jokes that resonate with him personally.
He is a boxer
Rife’s fame has been propelled largely by his good looks; most profiles about him mention or feature pictures showing off his beauty or smiling features. With disarming charm and locks that would rival those seen on Faberge eggs, Rife also stands out as an exceptional comedian with sharp wit and impressive stage presence.
Rife may have numerous female supporters, but he does have critics as well. Last month he faced harsh criticism after opening his Netflix special Natural Selection with an insensitive joke about domestic violence; TikToker Drew Afualo quickly posted a video in support of Rife on TikToker.
Rife is perhaps best known for his appearances on Wild ‘n Out and as Brandon Bliss on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Additionally, he’s made appearances on Bring the Funny competition show and horror film Black Pumpkin; additionally, he maintains a popular YouTube channel and hosts paranormal investigation podcast.
He is a singer
Matt Rife first made waves as an online comedian through TikTok, with viral clips from his stand-up routines taking over social media platforms like TikTok. Most of these clips involved “crowd work,” where Rife would interact with his audience members and make jokes based on their reactions; his new Netflix special Natural Selection takes things in another direction by exploring regressive humor which critics see as potentially harmful towards vulnerable groups of people.
Many of Rife’s jokes, which have caused outrage among women and people of color, touch on sensitive issues. Drew Afualo is a social media influencer renowned for confronting men online who behave inappropriately toward her; thus she was unsurprised by Rife’s remarks.
Rife expressed his wish to move away from being perceived solely as a female-oriented comedian in an interview with Variety, while also justifying his use of “dark humor,” saying nothing should be off limits for jokes.