It doesn’t take too many words or jokes to rekindle an old rivalry amongst colleagues in comedy.
Arguably most talked-about comedian at the moment, Godfrey has made numerous headlines the past couple of weeks for his comments regarding Tip Harris’ new stand-up comedy career. Eager to explain his version of the recent events, Tuesday Morning, the New York headlining act would appear on Power 105FM hit-radio show The Breakfast Club. Joined by the hosting trio of DJ Envy, Charlemagne The God, and Angela Yee, Godfrey would spend the early part of the conversation discussing the misunderstanding during an Atlanta comedy event and resolving their issues on his podcast In Godfrey We Trust.
Ending one feud last week, during the interview, Godfrey would unknowingly begin a new chapter to a previous feud with fellow New York comedian Joe Hill correcting Yee on his perception of success in comedy.
Reminiscing on an Instagram live video conversation she once witnessed between Godfrey and comedian David Arnold, Yee would attempt to quote him saying that success in comedy only comes when other comedians begin to steal your material. Godfrey instantly debunks that quote, reminding Angela that it was Arnold who mentioned that theory as he told a story of a rumored joke-stealing incident between Hill and himself.
Angela Yee: “I saw you having this discussion about how you know you made it when somebody steals one of your jokes.”
Godfrey: “F*ck no! (Laughs)”
Angela Yee: “Who was it that said it?”
Godfrey: “You know you made it when someone takes one of your jokes?”
Angela Yee: “Yeah, I saw that discussion on your [Godfrey] Instagram page. Who were you talking to? Alonzo?”
Godfrey: “Oooo! That was David, um, Dave Arnold.”
Angela Yee: “David Arnold, okay.”
Godfrey: “David Arnold, cause a dude named Joe….Something…like took, I guess took one of his jokes. He said that’s how you know you made it when someone takes your sh*t. I go, I think it just, that means someone else made it when they take your sh*t, because a lot of times, there are people that get on TV before you that will steal your sh*t. That are known people, that will take your sh*t and then you’ll see the comedian that not famous going “Yo, that’s my bit!” and you won’t believe that person, because that person that taken it will say “That ain’t your sh*t” and a lot of times it’s usually that person’s sh*t .”
Angela Yee: “But there’s nothing you can really do about that? Right? When that happens?”
Godfrey: “Some comedians fight, you know, some comedians will wait for you-“
Charlemagne Tha God: “(Laughs) Like actual physical fight?”
Godfrey: “Yeah, some comedians are like “Naw muthaf*cka do that sh*t again” and sometimes you’ll just go like I’ll just write another joke.”
Accusations of artistic theft travel very rapidly throughout comedy, so it didn’t take long for Joe Hill to learn about Wednesday’s afternoon comments, instantly leading him to acknowledge that he was the comedian being discussed in the interview. Also in the post, Hill would insultingly remind Godfrey of the offer he presented for a 10k comedy verzuz battle between the two, which he declined.
Hill writes:
“It’s “JOE HILL” @comediangodfrey
“Talk about how we pitched you 10k to have a comedians verzuz @bybextreme @bybmike and you said no! If you go tell the story tell it right. @breakfastclubam @cthagod @angelayee @theshaderoom @djenvy @showtimeboxing
It’s unknown if Godfrey is aware of Hill’s response. He is currently promoting upcoming shows in Dallas, Texas, at the Addison Improv March 18th-20th and at the Funnybone Comedy Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia March 25th-27th.
A comedian for two decades, Godfrey has appeared on BET, VH1, Comedy Central, and feature films, such as Soul Plane, Original Gangstas, Zoolander, and Johnson Family Vacation. He was also a spokesperson for 7 Up during the popular ‘7up yours’ advertising campaign and a cast member on the first season of The It Factor, a reality television show. Currently, he is a regular performer at the comedy club Comedy Cellar in New York City. Godfrey honed his stand-up skills at the All Jokes Aside comedy club in Chicago in the early 1990s. In 1995, Godfrey made his New York debut at Carolines on Broadway and the Comic Strip Live and was soon signed by the William Morris Talent Agency. He began working regularly in television, first behind the cameras as a warm-up comedian for Cosby and Soul Man. He has also been in numerous episodes of BET’s Comic View.
A Bronx, New York native, Joe Hill is a comedian/host/producer/writer generating a buzz on the national comedy scene. A career spanning almost 20 years, Joe has played at various marquee comedy clubs all over the U.S. and is currently headlining his own national tour entitled This Is Joe Hill. He has been selected for multiple comedy festivals including the Harlem, Baltimore, and New York. Hill has been seen on Revolt TV, CW11, Fox Soul, and Netflix. In 2021, Joe released his latest stand-up comedy special entitled The Art of Not Giving A F**k!
Accusations of joke-stealing would originate in September 2021, when David Arnold would post a video on his youtube channel accusing Hill of using similar material from one of Arnold’s previous comedy specials as part of his live performance at Levity Live.
A 20-year stand-up veteran who has made his living performing, acting, and writing for TV and film. David has performed on everything from Comedy Central to BET. He has one Netflix Special currently streaming and preparing for a second to be produced by Lena Waithe and Kevin Hart.
In October 2021, Hill would respond to Arnold’s allegations with an exclusive interview on Cafecito & Tattoos w/ Machi. During the interview, Joe would examine each version of the material and describe a timeline where he could argue that he had the material before Arnold.
What are your thoughts on the entire Joe Hill/Godfrey/David Arnold joke-stealing fiasco? Write your views and opinions in the comment section below.
In comedy it’s all about the delivery. The same joke can be told by two people abs whether it’s funny largely depends on how it’s delivered. It shouldn’t be a big deal if someone else uses your material. I would agree that the material of a lesser known comic is probably often stolen by someone who has a wider audience. When Arnold went after Hill it displayed insecurity. The positive was Hill getting free advertisement. He deserves a buzz. Hill is a funny and versatile comedian.
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