Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari’s decision to trade his previous onstage apparel of hoodies and polos for a series of sharp designer suits is partially a play off the faux-suave title of his debut stand-up CD/DVD, Intimate Moments For A Sensual Evening. But it also signals a sleeker, more efficient style of comedy from the Parks And Recreation star and Human Giant alum. It’s not like Ansari has become unnecessarily fussy over material about the evils of Cold Stone Creamery or embarrassing himself in front of M.I.A.—it’s just that he’s given the rhythmic details of those older routines their proper due. Profile thus raised (and chops sharpened), Ansari has since self-released a new special, Dangerously Delicious, and returns to the stand-up circuit with his “Buried Alive” tour, which likely features new jokes about hanging with Kanye, and what it’s like to be burned by President Obama.

Updated 05/02/2012