Album Review: Hisham Kelati, Tigre King

There are often times, when a friend is telling you a story they find hilarious, they find themselves in front of an audience of crickets—bemoaning, “you had to be there.” It takes a lot of skill to be an expert storyteller; you have to hook people in, focus only on key details, and deliver it all with energy. It’s something that Hisham Kelati does in his debut album, Tigre King, exponentially well.

From HR mishaps to Banh Mi Boys fame, Kelati can pluck out the nuggets of hilarity from his life, and translate it into exuberant, dynamic stand up. His infectious, giddy energy oozes through every track, and he knows when to pepper in a sharp joke to make what would otherwise be lulls pop. Kelati’s mom provides him with a wealth of material, and through his characterization, gives her depth to provide some of the strongest jokes on the album—especially in the closing track, Seinfeld Trivia. 

Tigre King is a delight from start to finish and encapsulates everything that makes Kelati such an excellent stand up. He’s a vibrant performer, and this album is truly a shining moment.

Tigre King was released May 19, 2021 by Cottage Comedy Digital
Listen to it here.