- Jay Pharoah will perform at ArtsQuest's Musikfest Cafe on Thursday, Sept. 28
- Pharoah is a "Saturday Night Live" alum known for his impersonations of Jay-Z, Eddie Murphy and more
- Tickets start at $36
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Known for his spot-on impressions of the likes of Jay-Z, Eddie Murphy, and former President Obama, it's only natural that comedian Jay Pharoah would let one slip out during a recent chat.
This time, it was of NBA legend and TNT sports analyst, Charles Barkley, who the comic joked would soften up to an interview if the price was right.
"You got to send him bribe money. Probably 10K," he quipped before breaking into character.
Hear some of Pharaoh's best impressions and hilarious tales when he performs at ArtsQuest's Musikfest Café on Thursday, Sept. 28.
Offending Ye
Of all his his-profile spoofs, the "Saturday Night Alum" said it was Ye, otherwise known as Kanye West, who was the most miffed.
"Kanye West is easily the most offended person for doing the impression of," Pharoah said on Tuesday. "But he didn't say he was mad until he got onstage and said what he said. Kanye gets mad at everybody, so you can't count that one. "
The rap mogul and Pharaoh had previously spoken on the phone back in 2014, and West alluded that he felt fine with the impersonation.
"I'm thinking we're cool and he gets onstage the next day, Made in America [Festival] and he disses me in front of 50,000 people," he told Shannon Sharpe in 2022.
"I am impressed that someone can know exactly who I am and can only see my eyes. That means you are really a fan. Or you have seen a lot of my videos and hated on them a lot. Either way, I'm super impressed."Comedian Jay Pharoah
Impressed by fans, travel tips
When asked about travel tips, the touring comedian said he packs light with self-care in mind (think comfortable sneakers, candles, and incense).
"I lived on a plane pretty much. I barely live in my own house. I do it with comfortable socks that are clean. You don't want to go to the airport with socks that don't look right. People will notice you and start talking about you. I will be full on 'Assassins Creed' with the mask and hood and people still know who I am," he said.
"I am impressed that someone can know exactly who I am and can only see my eyes. That means you are really a fan. Or you have seen a lot of my videos and hated on them a lot. Either way, I'm super impressed [they] are able to do a face scan like an iPhone and be able to tell that it's me."
Art imitating life
Pharoah, who turns 36 on Oct .14, got his start on SNL when he was 22.
Though he couldn't discuss any upcoming projects due to the Hollywood strike, he did talk about how his work has evolved over the years.
"When you're younger you have more of a skewed view because you haven't gone through anything. I feel as I get older I can connect more lucidly," he said.
"I understand how to articulate those things on paper better. Through writing or any form of artistic expression. You just learn how to do it better because you are going through these experiences that are ubiquitous. Art imitates life and the more life that you live, the more art you are able to produce."
For tickets and info, click here.
