Aries Spears

MADtv sometimes gets a bad rap as nothing more than a grosser, dumber, less sophisticated (ha!) version of Saturday Night Live. But for 15 (non-consecutive) seasons, it relished that role, as it churned out major league talent and some wicked funny gems along the way. A key part to that successful run was Aries Spears, best known for his impersonations of Jay-Z, LL Cool J and DMX (the best one), as well as fictional rapper Emcee Esher. Performing at Pittsburgh Improv for a run of six shows this weekend, Spears has kept his comedy chops and impression-game tight during his post-MADtv career with a busy stand-up touring schedule and small but memorable roles in movies and TV. It's not exactly cerebral stuff, but if, say, the name Emcee Esher still makes you laugh, Spears' act shouldn't be missed.