Lil Duval

Roland Powell, known professionally as Lil Duval, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and rapper recognized for his observational humor and presence in the entertainment industry. After graduating from high school, Powell moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue a career in stand-up comedy, adopting the stage name Lil Duval in tribute to his hometown of Duval County, Florida. His comedy career began in Atlanta, where he became a regular at Uptown Comedy Corner. His participation in the Oakland Bay Area Competition led to an invitation to join Cedric the Entertainer's Budweiser tour and an appearance on the television special "Cedric the Entertainer: Starting Lineup."

Powell made his debut on the BET stand-up comedy show "ComicView," where his performances led to multiple appearances. He was also a finalist on BET's comedy competition series "Coming to the Stage," which helped solidify his national profile. Powell became a series regular on MTV2 programs such as "Guy Code" and "Hip Hop Squares," connecting with audiences through his candid commentary. He also hosted "Ain't That America" on MTV2, further expanding his reach in television comedy.

Following his television success, Powell appeared in films including "Scary Movie 5," "School Dance," "More Money, More Family," "Meet the Blacks," "Grow House," and "The Trap." He also hosted the BET Hip-Hop Awards, sharing the stage with prominent figures in hip-hop.

In addition to his work in comedy and acting, Powell achieved success in music with his single "Smile (Living My Best Life)," featuring Snoop Dogg and Ball Greezy. The track reached the Billboard Hot 100, peaked at number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. The music video amassed over 100 million views on YouTube. Powell followed up with tracks such as "Pull Up" and "Black Men Don't Cheat," establishing a presence in the music industry.

Powell's comedic style blends storytelling, sharp observations, and commentary on relationships, social media, and Black culture in America. He is known for a relaxed delivery that resonates with audiences. Powell has also advocated for mental health awareness, openly discussing his experiences with depression, which adds depth to his public persona and connects with a broad audience in the comedy and entertainment fields.