Matt Rife is an esteemed comedian, recently making headlines through TikTok app and media attention, and later appearing on various comedy shows. Recently he made history when he earned a Netflix special called Natural Selection.
On his way to two shows Wednesday night, he experienced extreme exhaustion symptoms that nearly caused him to faint. His medical team advised taking a break and has since rescheduled Chicago and Nashville performances for late December.
He’s a comedian
Matt Rife has become a household name thanks to his viral stand-up comedy videos on TikTok, with millions watching him every month. However, some critics have labeled his jokes offensive or misogynistic; moreover he has faced backlash from LGBTQ communities as well.
Rife’s regressive humor has stirred up considerable cultural discourse on whether comedy can ever be funny when targeted against vulnerable groups. Yet his fans remain staunch supporters. Recently he released a self-titled special entitled Matthew Steven Rife to further cement their loyalty.
As part of his ProbleMATTic world tour, he is currently touring the US. Due to illness he had to postpone two performances at Chicago Theatre over Thursday to Sunday and two at Tennessee Ryman Auditorium over three consecutive weekends; nonetheless he remains positive and is enjoying his newfound success; dating actress/dancer Jessica Lord with whom he frequently shares posts on Instagram.
He’s a writer
Matt Rife has worked hard to build his comedy career. He first earned recognition by self-financing and self-releasing his one-hour special, Only Fans, through YouTube. Additionally, Netflix signed him for two specials while developing an office comedy series for him. Jessica, his partner and manager has been there as his rock during this process, providing guidance and providing assistance with dealing with performing in front of large crowds.
His latest special, Natural Selection, has caused considerable debate after it features an offensive joke about domestic violence. TikTok-famous comedian Eric Dillon began his special with such an insulting opening line and viewers have taken to social media platforms such as Twitter to voice their displeasure with him.
Drew Afualo, a TikTok creator known for her responses to misogynistic men on the platform, was among those criticizing Rife. She believes it’s essential for white, heterosexual comics not to make jokes about women in their jokes.
He’s a producer
Natural Selection was both a success and source of controversy for comedian TikTok-famous comedian Josh Beal. Critics accused him of betraying both female and gay audiences to pander to toxic masculinity; others have charged offensive humor as part of his craft; but this has all been denied by Beal himself as part of comedy art.
Rife’s inaugural Netflix special, Natural Selection, debuted and remained at number 10 for two weeks before receiving criticism for its retrograde content, such as an opening joke about domestic violence and an extended riff about intellectual disabilities that many found offensive.
Rife has cancelled his appearances at the IU Auditorium due to “unforeseen circumstances.” It marks his second postponement of Indiana performances; ticket holders will be entitled to refunds. Rife currently performs his ProbleMATTic World Tour shows; his next scheduled appearance at The Ryman is planned for June 2023 – alongside Jessica Lord he has made several public appearances together.
He’s a rapper
Rife not only performs stand-up comedy specials and tour dates, but has also made his acting debut. Western Massachusetts native Rick D’Elia wrote and directed an independent film which tells the tale of an established comedian welcoming a fresh talent into their show.
This movie premiered at Sundance Film Festival and has received multiple award nominations since. Starring Matt Rife, Jessica Lord, and Dane Cook. Jessica Lord is best known for her roles on Hulu’s Find Me in Paris as well as numerous guest appearances such as Party of Five and Ransom.
Matt Rife hasn’t forgotten about the women who helped to catapult him to fame; in fact, he continues to court them through his latest Netflix special featuring crowd work on “red flags.” Rife provides tongue-in-cheek relationship advice while taking requests from audience members at this Netflix special. However, fans have criticised it as pandering to toxic masculinity; nevertheless Rife plans on continuing his tour around America.