Today we’d like to introduce you to Plug Chapman.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began my standup career in 2010 while living in Los Angeles, CA. After college, I had begun to manage a childhood friend that was an aspiring rap artist. After taking on several more music clients, I planned to make music management my career path. I moved to LA and started to hit major roadblocks while pursuing music. I went through a depression which led me to try to stand up at the HaHa Cafe in North Hollywood and I haven’t looked back since. My first time on the stage, I knew that was what I was meant to be doing. Growing up I was always the kid who knew how to make people laugh but more importantly, I loved to make people laugh. I actually purchased a book “How to become a stand-up comedian” during my senior year in high school and planned on doing stand up after graduation.
Like most people, I listened to outside influences (family) and put the dream on hold. I also had received a full scholarship for track & field/Cross country to Fort Valley State University, which I realized I’d be silly not to capitalize on. Once at Fort Valley, I began to work on my comedy without realizing it by hosting talent shows and being the life of the party on the road to track meets. After graduation, I tried to work in law enforcement (while working with rappers, funny right) but after many failed attempts, I decided it was time to try other endeavors. I was also expecting my first child so waiting on the perfect job was out of the question. I ended up working in Security and as a personal assistant for a few years. After the personal assistant job was over, I decided to make a move to California. After three years in California, I knew I had to get back to GA for my daughter and I felt like I could have better success with comedy back in Atlanta.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wish it was! When living in Cali, I never had a car and would take the bus/train through some very dangerous areas and neighborhoods just for the chance to do stand up. The cost of living was super high and I quickly realized that I was working a regular job more than I was performing. Reality hit me when my daughter had gotten pneumonia once and I couldn’t afford to get home to check on her. I knew then my time in LA was coming to an end. After almost three years on the LA comedy scene, I had actually started to work my way up from the bottom and I didn’t realize moving back to Atlanta, I’d be putting myself back at the bottom of the bucket but I had to do what I had to do. Moving back home virtually broke also meant having to move in with family until I got on my feet. My aunt welcomed me to use her extra room but failed to tell me she was facing eviction.
My buddy had helped me land a job at a group home but I wasn’t making enough to help her out of the hole. I then lived with my best friend’s wife and sister for about six months before moving back to a house that my mother owned but had been abandoned for the time I had been in LA. The house didn’t have any water so you can imagine the challenges that came with that. About nine months later my Mom, daughter and sister moved back in. I also decided to get full custody of my daughter and was going thru of a custody battle (I ended up winning btw). During that time, I was also dealing with my license being suspended bc when my daughter came to live with me I couldn’t afford to take care of her and pay her mom the money. Recently I have been trying too deal with the loss of my Mother and adapting to a new norm in my life.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Killing Time Productions was started as an LLC for my stand up comedy. I also write scripts and direct films so it has transformed into a media production company since I started it in 2016. I’m most proud of the content I’ve been able to create over the past are years and my very first movie “How Racism Ended.” I think what sets me apart form others is the way I push the envelope with my content and strive to create real stories and experiences that others can relate to. I’m known for saying what others are thinking but don’t want to say themselves.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck; I believe that what is for me is for me and If I do the work and have faith in my abilities, then I can accomplish all the things I want.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.plugchapmancomedy.com
- Phone: 404-649-4982
- Email: plugchapmancomedy@gmail.com
- Instagram: PlugChapman
- Facebook: Kareem “Plug” Chapman
- Twitter: PlugChapman
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