Thanks to the powers of the Internet, you can become a global phenomenon in a matter of moments. For Philadelphia’s own, Quinta Brunson (better known as Quinta B.), social media is just the ground floor for her comedic takeover.
Vine, Instagram, and YouTube are powerful tools to help independent artists crack through the static of mainstream monotony. The scope and breadth of reach these social media platforms command instantly connects millions with emerging talent. BlackEnterprise.com was lucky enough to link up with Quinta Brunson, the pint-sized dynamo behind those hilarious “Girl Who’s Never Been On A Nice Date” videos.
The improv comedienne found her calling in school and has since then become an Insta-star since her clips have gone viral. To date, she has almost 215k followers on Instagram and plenty of love from her fellow contemporaries such as King Bach, AlphaCat and DeStorm. This student of Temple University may have cultivated a lane for herself as the “He got moneyyyyyyy” girl, but her talent isn’t just limited to one sketch.
As you can read in our exclusive chat with the progressive performer, Quinta B. is defining the next generation of talent within the entertainment world, and proving that being yourself is priceless. We go over the Proud Owl’s relationship with comedy, her impact on digital pop culture, her most powerful influences and, of course, her most interesting date she’s ever been on. Enjoy!
BlackEnterprise.com: Growing up was comedy something that you always wanted to pursue? If so, who were (or are) some of your influences that you looked up to. Also, can you talk about how your career choice affected your relationships with family/friends?
Quinta B: I developed an interest in comedy at a very young age, thanks to my brothers and sisters. They had me quoting Martin Lawrence’s and Jamie Foxx’s characters at the age of 3 in my car seat. I knew I wanted to be an actress because I loved watching sitcoms. When I turned 17, I would say I learned what it meant to actually be a comedian. It was more responsibility and I wanted that. I looked up to Martin Lawrence because I loved the range of characters he played on his self-written and produced show… another was Jim Carrey. Later on, I appreciated Bill Cosby’s stand-up routines, as well as Dave Chappelle’s. I was also opened up to the beautiful world of the many amazing improvisors and appreciated the beauty of that form of comedy.
Before your comedy became a viral smash, you took an intensive course at Second City in Chicago. Without giving away your own trade secrets – what were some lessons you learned that you quickly implemented into your comedic routine?
I learned how to react to others, and how to support others. That’s what improv taught me. “Yes, And†is the motto of improv and that will keep things moving in a scene. It’ll also keep things moving in life. Lastly, “Today is the Day,†is another motto that I learned. You always ask what your character is going to do that day that will make a change. I ask the same questions in my life as well. Improvisation also let me know that it was okay to do what you feel.
Can you explain or detail what goes into preparing the skits that you post to Instagram? Also, talk about how you came up with “The Girl Who’s Never Been on a Nice Date†character.
I try to create
concepts about experiences that I think others can relate to. I apply that to my videos online. I have wonderful friends and comedians around me who are always open to adding their talents to the projects, so they actually happen, which is cool.I had done “The Girl Who’s Never Been on a Nice Date” on stage as an improvised character featured in a sketch show at the beginning of a stand-up show (Laffmob on Sunset Boulevard) at The Comedy Store. The character was a hit! I would play her jovially with my friends because we all knew girls like that back home. That was my first time bringing her on stage. After that, a good friend of mine Abdul Muhammad recommended that I put it on social media, and thank goodness he did.
Read on the next page, Quinta’s thoughts on the new comedy rock stars…
You, King Bach, DeStorm, AlphaCat and a host of other talented humorists represent the new comedy rock stars. What do you see as the future for yourself and your comedy?
I see my comedy constantly evolving. I care very much about making people think, making them happy and bringing them together. I’m going to use my comedy to make people love each other and enjoy themselves.
You recently admitted that you’re into Andy Kaufman. What were some moments from his life that you feel will help you navigate the entertainment industry?
He was difficult to work with, but he stuck to his guns. A specific moment was him opting to put a static screen on his show during Andy’s Funhouse, which was a variety show he had on ABC. He thought it would be funny and experimental. I know that he sometimes took it too far, but I appreciated his creativity. That’s important to have in this industry.
How did you react originally when Saturday Night Live was experiencing its issue with diversity? Can you also share your thoughts about the lack of black female comedy stars and projects?
You know, I don’t think the problem was as bad as it had been portrayed. People forget that SNL presented one of the very first Black female sketch stars—Danitra Vance. Saturday Night Live seems like the kind of show that if you deserve to be there, you’ll get there and if you deserve to stay, you’ll stay. I’m not sure that the shotgun manhunt was the best way to go about hiring any new person this past season. I know a ton of funny Black female comedians creating their own work. People will see their work soon, and in my case, you’re seeing it now.
In fifteen seconds, you’re able to be funnier than people in their fifth season. What advice can you offer those who are looking to set themselves apart in the entertainment industry? Can you also talk about any words of wisdom you’ve received in your journey to become a comedic force?
I admire those people in their fifth seasons. I have no writers behind me, so right now I have a lot of freedom. It makes it easy to look good… or bad. I would say create your own work to those interested in getting in the industry. The game has definitely changed. People can use the Internet to get your work out there to the masses. The most important words of wisdom that I have received have been to be myself and tell the truth.
Read on the next page, Quinta’s thoughts on the role television plays in creating stars…
Gianni Lee, a very influential artist, has had his Babylon Cartel featured in a few of your sketches. Can you talk about how you two connected and how the success of your videos has impacted your life and career?
Gianni and I are very good friends from Philadelphia. I can’t even put our friendships into words. He is one of the most creatively radical and motivating people I know. I think he has helped me to have faith in myself and I think I have helped him to trust his intuition. He’s a great mind. I love him very much.
Earlier this year, you were featured on REVOLT TV and attracted 11,500 likes for announcing it through your Instagram. As your impact is felt more and more digitally, do you believe that you television is even still necessary for you to make a big splash in the game?
Right now, TV is still important. Not everyone has Internet access and not everyone is using the Internet. I also love the world of television, so I think it’ll fulfill a deep passion of mine.
As the central star behind “The Girl Who’s Never Been on a Nice Date,†inquiring minds want to know what was the nicest date you’ve ever been on?
A boy once gave me a piggyback ride through Downtown Philadelphia at 3 o’clock in the morning. It was something special because downtown is so gorgeous and quiet at the time. There was no money involved except for him getting a cab back into the city.
Be sure to follow Quinta B on Instagram and YouTube to see more of her hilariously cool videos.