Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, actor Baron Vaughn and MC/comedian Open Mike Eagle host The New Negroes on Comedy Central. Vaughn and OME are politically and culturally savvy entertainers whose humor transcends race and opens minds with unerring accuracy. Their show combines rap music with stand-up routines to address topics like racism, social-justice warriorism, police brutality, office rage, conspicuous consumption, drug abuse, and more. "It's mostly an all-black stand-up showcase, and it's interspersed with live music—mostly me," Open Mike Eagle explained when we chatted prior to The New Negroes tour stopping in Seattle. He said the live show's material varies on a night-by-night basis. "If I find the crowd is hungrier for straight-up comedy, I'll do stuff from the show. If I feel like they're there for a little balance, I'll do stuff that's more varied out of my catalog." by Dave Segal