It wasn’t until 1992, when a promoter friend of Capone’s challenged him to take his innate talent off the streets and to the stage that his comedy career was launched. “My first show was at Columbia University,” says the eight year comedic veteran of his meager beginnings and who credits his late mother for his comedic sense. “I won the amateur contest and I was invited to perform with the heavy hitters.” Performing with professionals such as Tracey Morgan (Saturday Night Live), Talent (Wyclef Jean’s 1998 The Carnival), Michael Epps (Next Friday) opened up many doors for the boisterous budding comedian. He immediately ditched his day job after he’d saved his earnings to open his first barber shop six years ago. “It was always one of my dreams to have my own barber shop and work for myself.” Today, the notorious funnyman is also the C.E.O. of D.D.L. Enterprises (his initials) and owns three businesses in the Bronx -a barber and beauty shop and a computer store. In addition to his acute business savvy, Capone’s ability to adapt to any audience has made him a mainstay in the comedy arena. He’s performed at a slew of comedy clubs including New York’s Caroline’s Comedy Club, Uptown Comedy Club, Boston Comedy Club and tons of universities. It is this same universal comedic flair that helped Capone nab his gig as the host of Harlem’s legendary Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre. “My jokes are personal -relationships, children, society, work, ethnicity,” admits Capone who also hosts the majority of the Apollo’s scheduled concerts. “I transform it into a comedic vision.” Luckily for the humorous, the gangster of comedy and his silly comrades had an even bigger vision -to unite The Big Apple’s top five comedians (Capone, Talent, Gerald Kelly, Drew Frasier and Rob Stapleton) for a N.Y. Kings of Comedy tour. “We decided to put this show together about a year ago, but it was difficult with everyone’s conflicting schedules. But when we finally came together I went straight to the Apollo and made it happen.” The Royal Fam’ is such a hot commodity that the show sold out in less than a week and a second show had to be added. “We’ve gotten an overwhelming response and I’m hoping the show will travel soon.” As if he isn’t already inundated with enough projects, Capone has also done album skits for one of the Ruff Ryder’s canines Drag-On’s solo debut Opposite of H2O and is currently completing his own debut My Life Was No Joke, a clever fusion of comedy, rhythm and blues and rap due out this July. Capone who is also remembered for his unique style of dress is also planning to launch his own clothing line in the near future. With such a hefty plate, it’s hard to imagine what Capone will most be remembered for -his contribution to the history of comedy or his flourishing businesses. “I want to be remembered as the comedian who handled things his way,” says Capone who also manages to be a doting father despite his dual career. “And as far as my personal contribution, I’d like to touch the lives of people who did not believe in themselves. Everybody has problems that they sometimes can’t control. But after the dark tunnel there’s always light, it’s just how long you’re willing to walk that path.” It’s obvious that the gangster of comedy has traveled his path and walked toward the light almost stealthily -when the world of comedy lease anticipated his arrival. But he’s here now, sitting stoically upon his comedic throne waiting to tickle the next funny bone.