Chingo Bling Unplugged: Gangster Comedy Rapper Turned Dope Father, Live from the San Jose Improv

Samuel Martinez - SV De-Bug - May 11, 2018 - 6 minute read

Editor's Note:

A self made social media phenomenon from Texas, Chingo Bling has built a following that led him to a Netflix special and sold out shows at the San Jose Improv. But don't call him a stand up comedian, he's an ever evolving hustler. Here, Samuel Martinez reviews his new comedy tour.

Last Thursday Chingo Bling brought a notably different story to the San Jose Improv from that of his 2017 Netflix special “They Can’t Deport us All” and still managed to rock the house. A heavy set Mexican dude sitting in front of me - decked out in all Raiders gear - literally shook the floor beneath us from laughing so hard: a clear stamp of approval if there ever was one. This guy was also pounding beers for most of the show as well, but you get the point.

At the risk of sounding like a name dropping a**hole, I have to state that I’m friends with Chingo Bling, the Mexican American social media phenomenon from Houston, Texas. Not a big deal. We’re not super homies, but I have known him for the past four years. We at Desmadre.com worked with him on our web series Masa & The Power back in 2014, did a handful of sketches together, and most recently he appeared on our Podcast - all of which can be found at Desmadre.com, be sure to check that out if you’re reading this. So yes, in addition to being a name dropping prick I am also a shameless self promoter.

In this relatively small window of time that I’ve known Chingo, I’ve seen a dedicated effort on his part to better himself as a comedian, an artist, and overall entrepreneur. From the start of his career, he’s managed to adapt to the current landscape while staying true to himself and challenging his artistry in the process. His Thursday set affirmed these notions both in the substance of his set and the comedians who presented with him.

“They Can’t Deport Us All” - the Netflix special mentioned above - is inherently political. It was recorded in January 2017, two months after the Trump election and so naturally the material and overall marketing seemed like a direct reaction, unintentional or not. It was a much needed and cathartic F*** You at the time and was well suited for the social and political climate. A year and a half later though, Chingo’s set is more about his current personal life, bringing it home to talk about being a dad to a 9 year old daughter, expecting a new kid, and all of the tribulations that come with it like pregnant sex. Too much? Sorry, I’m just trying to match the REALness of the show that evening, I may have crossed the line. In essence, Chingo’s current tour plays more like Nirvana’s “Unplugged” and less like a Greatest Hits album. Chingo bares his soul and speaks his truth with an acoustic guitar and no gimmicks. He’s also arguably better dressed and not on the verge of suicide like Kurt Cobain was, RIP. If you know anything about Art and its nuances then you know that Nirvana’s “Unplugged” is far superior than any “mainstream” album… maybe you don’t…well now you do.

The other two comedians on the line up reflect this point as well. Jesus Sepulveda and Jesus Trejo - both making a solid name for themselves in the LA comedy scene - complemented Chingo’s set incredibly well. J. Sepulveda serves as a stark contrast to Chingo. Where Chingo describes the life of a family man, Sepulveda talks about life lessons learned from a Cougar one night at a club. She takes him home and well you’ll have to catch him live to hear the rest of that story. J. Trejo served as the de facto host, while also providing a really strong set - quirkier and more reflective about growing up as an only child in an otherwise “big ass Mexican family.” The three together made it possible for something everyone could enjoy that night. At the San Jose Improv, no less. For those unfamiliar The Improv is a comedy club franchise that started in New York City in the 1960s and now has over 20 locations in different cities nationwide. Their venues are strictly dedicated to stand up comedy and its biggest stars. For Chingo, who’s not a traditional stand up comedian, to come to the San Jose Improv and sell out two shows on a Thursday night is impressive and a testament to his continued hustle.

For the people going to see Chingo Bling on his current tour expecting the same set as the Netflix special, you may be disappointed. And you’re a little messed up too if I’m being completely honest… let the artist play and grow so that he can rise from the ashes like the golden Phoenix he is. No sean pinches mamones básicos. This era of Chingo Bling - as a Stand Up comedian, if that’s what you want to call it - is exciting and inspiring to witness. I hesitate to label him a stand up comedian because he’s not really one, in the traditional sense at least, he’s just… Chingo F*cking Bling doing things his own way and killing it in the process. I’m not too familiar with the stand up community but I do know there are a lot of salty MFs out there crying, “Why does Chingo Bling get a Netflix special and I don’t?” The answer can be found in the name of the tour he’s currently on: PURO PINCHE HUSTLE.

Check out the rest of the comedy tour dates here

Follow:
Samuel Martinez @sammyjrjr @desmadredotcom
Chingo Bling @realchingobling
Jesus Sepulveda @jesuscomic89
Jesus Trejo @jesustrejo1

Written by
Samuel Martinez

Samuel Martinez is a self-described “b**ch ass hipster Mexican American” from Texas currently living in downtown San Jose. When he’s not applying filters to artsy pictures on Instagram he helps run Desmadre.com from a decrepit basement near his house.