EXCLUSIVE: Chico Bean Gives Mike Epps Massive Respect For Opening Comedic Doors

Chico Bean says Mike Epps is doing something rare in comedy by bringing younger talent into major venues instead of keeping the spotlight to himself.

Chico Bean says Mike Epps gave rising comedians a major stage and a rare opportunity to reach new audiences as the “We Them Ones” Comedy Tour travels across the country.

During a recent interview with AllHipHop, the North Carolina comedian spoke candidly about what it means to share the spotlight with one of comedy’s most established names while performing in front of thousands.

“The tour is amazing,” Chico Bean told AllHipHop. “To be able to travel with a legend like Mike and have him share the stage with us… he doesn’t have to do that. He’s already done everything you want to do in comedy.”

The tour, headlined by Epps, features a lineup that includes Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly, Chico Bean, Tony Roberts, Mojo Brookzz and other comedians, bringing together different comedic voices and generations of talent. 

For Chico Bean, the experience represents more than just another tour stop. He described it as a mentorship moment happening in real time.

“He could do these venues alone, but he wanted to allow us to showcase our talent,” he said. “Some of the young and up-and-coming guys. Even though we’ve been doing it a while, compared to Mike, we still up-and-coming.”

The “We Them Ones” Comedy Tour has been playing major arenas throughout 2026, with scheduled stops in cities including Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore and Atlantic City. These large venues reflect the growing popularity of comedy tours that combine established headliners with viral and television personalities.

(Check back for our full interview with Chico Bean. Story continues below.)

Chico Bean, who gained national recognition through improv comedy and television appearances including Wild ’N Out, said the tour also feels personal because of the relationships behind the scenes.

“When he opened the door for us, we were excited,” he said. “The promoters are people we’ve worked with for years. It’s really like family figuring out how to make money while giving people a great show.”

That family atmosphere also translates into the show itself, according to Chico, who emphasized the diversity of comedic approaches audiences can expect.

“You get different styles of comedy. Different perspectives,” he explained. “Some people come to see us individually and some have never seen us at all.”

He added that the exposure helps everyone involved expand their reach.

“It’s a great opportunity to feed your platform, grow your fanbase and introduce fans to new acts,” Chico Bean said.

As the tour continues its nationwide run, the comedian suggested that the biggest takeaway is the spirit of collaboration. For Chico Bean, sharing the stage with a veteran like Epps is proof that comedy still values those moments where experience meets ambition and where opportunity gets passed from one generation to the next.

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