Unsuccessful Thug

One Comedian's Journey from Naptown to Tinseltown

By: Mike Epps

Narrated by: JD Jackson

From Naptown to Tinseltown—legendary stand-up comedian and actor Mike Epps finally tells all in this outrageous, hilarious, no-holds-barred memoir.

Before starring in Def Comedy Jam and Showtime at the Apollo—before the sold-out comedy shows, Uncle Buck, and becoming his hero Richard Pryor in a biopic—there was Indianapolis. And not the good part. Mike Epps is one of America’s favorite and funniest people, but the path to fame was paved with opportunities to mess it up. And mess it up he did.

Growing up in “Naptown”—what people who live there really call rough-around-the-edges Indianapolis—Epps found himself forced to hustle from an early age. Despite his mother’s best efforts, and the love of his well-behaved brother, “Chaney,” and his beloved sister, Julie, Epps was drawn to a life of crime, but as he quickly discovered, stealing and dealing didn’t really fit his sweet sensibilities. Not to mention he wasn’t very good at it—take, for example, the day he had to call the cops on himself when a dog wouldn’t let him leave a house he was burgling. After several arrests and more than a few months in jail, Epps finally realized that he was an unsuccessful thug, and instead turned to the next most obvious career path: stand-up comedy.

Heading first to New York, then all over the country, and finally to Hollywood, Mike Epps carved out a unique place in American comedy, combining hysterical tales of his family and friends with a mordant take on life in the Naptowns of America. Comedy saved Mike Epps, and here he reveals exactly how he finally grew up and got out, barely. And when describing how he survived when so many of his friends didn’t, Epps makes clear what he’s thankful for and sorry about. Unsuccessful Thug is about growing up black in America, facing down racism in Hollywood, and ultimately how it feels to fail at thugdom, pull yourself up by the bootstraps, and end up selling out arenas and starring in movies across the country.

Great Story

It’s a great story, and the man reading the story did a decent job. But I wish Mike Epps would have read it. I understand it may have been emotional for him but I think it would have brought another element to the storytelling, more authenticity to it. Overall it’s a good listen.

Enjoyed his story and self reflection.

I enjoyed everything about it. Thought he would be narrating but it ultimately did not matter to me. It was HIS story! Thanks for sharing. So proud of your perseverance and success!

Now I am a bigger fan

Great read.
Funny, informative and inspirational. I love Mike Epps as a comedian but reading his story made him even more likeable.

Mike Epps is just Great

the guy narrating it is good but in my opinion Mike should have done it himself

Eye opening! Never expected Mike’s story to be this!!

How can someone who makes so many people laugh be so unhappy in his own skin?
He shared his upbringing and the countless times God’s favor on his life protected him from destruction-from prison-from death!!
His selfless ways and giving back is what brings joy to him - Heartfelt!
Thank you for sharing Mike!!