In this Flashback, Aries Spears spoke with VladTV about why he’s hesitant to perform in Southern states, including Atlanta. While Spears praised the South for its hospitality and culture, he admitted that he often feels a disconnect with audiences there when it comes to comedy.

Spears explained that his fast-paced, high-brow style of humor doesn’t always connect with Southern crowds the way it does in other regions. According to the New York native, the slower pace of life in the South can affect how audiences process his rapid-fire delivery, layered punchlines, and nuanced references.

He added that he feels more at home performing in East Coast cities, where audiences tend to be quicker-paced and more responsive to the depth and complexity of his comedy style.