W. Kamau Bell Reveals His Ultimate Gaming Essential
W. Kamau Bell is one of those figures who always seems to be in the spotlight. From his work on Totally Biased and Politically Re-Active to United Shades of America and We Need to Talk About Cosby, his unique mix of humor, social insight, and political engagement has made him a standout. He’s earned a Peabody Award, four Emmys, triumphed as a Celebrity Jeopardy! champion, received accolades from the ACLU, and even been named the Ambassador of Fishbone by founding member Chris Dowd. Bell is undeniably a busy individual.
We’re thankful he carved out some time between episodes of his podcast Who’s With Me, his comedy tour, and his Substack of the same name, while also promoting his upcoming children’s book Rock Paper Scissors Cheese (set to release on October 27th), and, of course, being a dad, to tackle our weekly questionnaire.
What is your most indispensable tool?
A charger. Without it, all this tech is just shiny paperweights.
Which app is the most underappreciated?
I probably rely on the map app daily. I wish MapQuest had a better app so I wouldn’t have to use those other guys’ apps. You know the ones I mean—the map apps that call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. SO embarrassing!
What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
It’s been ages since I had a phone that didn’t just transfer my old apps, but if I started fresh, I’d quickly install YouTube. What do you expect? Just sit around thinking my own thoughts? I need someone constantly sharing something or singing something.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
I wish it came with a hard case and that plastic screen protector already on it. I just bought it; I don’t want a project, and I’m not comfortable asking the person at the store to do it for me. Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s a scam, but I put it on anyway.
How many tabs do you have open right now?
I have 17 tabs open across two browser windows. That’s light work. When I’m writing a Substack article, I can easily hit 30 tabs. I only close them when I hit “publish” on an article. I have to earn the right to close a tab.
Which social media platform do you use the most (if any)?
I owe a thank you to Elon Musk for breaking my Twitter addiction. It wasn’t healthy, so I can honestly say he improved my life by ruining Twitter. Nowadays, I’m more into Instagram and Threads. Not that Zuckerberg is much better than Elon, but as someone in the public eye, I need these platforms. But Zuckerberg better watch out; my generation isn’t afraid to leave social media. We ditched MySpace and Friendster, just like I left Twitter.
What is your happy place online?
Watching the latest Japanese videos on YouTube or enjoying Lionfield videos with my 8-year-old on Instagram.
What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
An afro pick with extra-long metal teeth and a fist for a handle.
Which was the most disappointing?
A brush that claimed it could comb Afros effectively. I bought it after seeing it on Shark Tank, but I think my hair is just too long. Or maybe those X-ray specs they used to sell in comic books.
What game do you have the fondest memories of?
It’s a tie between Civilization on PC and NBA Live on Sega Genesis—specifically NBA Live ’95. I’M SO OLD!
Which tech trend do you wish would go away?
AI.
What is one thing you wish you had created?
Flappy Bird. I would have let it thrive instead of pulling it. With three kids, I can’t afford to dismiss a gift app like that. You’d all be enjoying at least eight Flappy Bird movies by now. It would have out-Minioned the Minion movies.
What creation are you most proud of?
My three daughters. It was a collaborative project.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t think you’re going to make it just by doing stand-up comedy. You need to learn how to write other things,” – Kevin Kataoka.
What is your current obsession?
The NBA off-season. It’s way more exciting than the actual season, even with the Knicks winning.
What do you do when you need to focus?
Coffee and extreme quiet… like, leave me alone so I can listen to YouTube while I work. The middle of the night is the best time for me to work, but I can’t do that as often as I’d like—those three kids prefer it when both their parents are awake. My wife does too.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?
Change the song or play a silly mobile game for four hours. Did you know YouTube has free games now?
When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
Excuse me? WHY WOULD I DO THAT?
What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?
I’m a middle-aged dad who buys records from years ago. The guy at the shop (Mars Records in Oakland) holds things for me. I recently bought Fishbone’s first EP. I should really get a record player.
What do you think is worth splurging on?
If you need a new computer, GET A NEW COMPUTER!
What would the tagline for your biopic be?
Doing the best he can.
What’s the last GIF or meme you used?
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