Kevin Hart recently responded to people who call him an “industry plant” and acknowledged the term as something positive instead of negative.
In a recent conversation with Charlamagne Tha God that aired on Monday, the topic arose regarding Kevin Hart’s remarkable success. The host inquired about Hart’s thoughts on the perception that he was strategically placed in the spotlight as a leading entertainer. Rather than interpreting this notion as an insult, Hart embraces it as a compliment.
“It’s the biggest compliment ever. When you hear things like that…you gotta give a nod to common sense versus lack thereof,” he said. “If success is that easy, how many different versions of that would you see today?”
The phrase “industry plant” is thought to have originated within hip-hop circles, referring to artists who portray themselves as having risen from humble beginnings with a natural following. In reality, however, these artists often benefit from the support of record labels and major corporations, which helps propel them to fame. Over time, this concept has expanded to include creators across various genres and forms of entertainment. Kevin Hart serves as a prime example, but numerous contemporary artists have faced similar accusations regarding the manipulation of their careers within the industry.
Katt Williams was the one who made these claims about Kevin Hart when he said “no one” had any interest in him when he was starting out on the LA comedy scene, dubbing the comments on fellow comic Shannon Sharpe’s ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast. During their sit down Katt Williams spoke about how Kevin Hart’s rise to fame for strange to him.
“In 15 years in Hollywood, no one in Hollywood has a memory of going to a sold-out Kevin Hart show, there being a line for him, ever getting a standing ovation at any comedy club,” the 52-year-old said back in January.
He added: “He already had his deals when he got here. Have we heard of a comedian that came to L.A., and in his first year in L.A., he had his own sitcom on network television and had his own film called Soul Plane that he was leading? No […] What do you think a plant is?”