If you were on the internet in 2012, you heard it. You couldn't escape it. That high-pitched, mocking chorus of "She ratchet!" blasted from every phone speaker in every high school hallway from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Phillip Hudson and Emmanuel didn't just go viral; they basically helped define what the early era of "Comedy YouTube" looked like before TikTok took over the world.
But honestly, where did they go?
Most people see a viral hit and assume the creators just evaporated once the trend died down. That isn’t the case here. While the wigs and the "Ratchet Girl Anthem" might feel like a fever dream from a decade ago, the Hudson brothers have been remarkably busy. They didn't just sit around waiting for the next meme to find them.
From Mississippi to the Barclays Center
It’s easy to forget these two are actually brothers. Born in Mississippi and raised in the suburbs of Atlanta, Phillip and Emmanuel Hudson were part of a huge family—eight siblings in total. That kind of environment is basically a lab for comedians. You either learn to be funny, or you get talked over at dinner.
They moved to Jonesboro, Georgia in 1998, and that’s where the "performance" bug really bit. We’re talking about kids who were winning over classmates with freestyle raps and sketches long before they ever hit "upload" on a video.
📖 Related: Gwendoline Butler Dead in a Row: Why This 1957 Mystery Still Packs a Punch
The 2012 Explosion
The "Ratchet Girl Anthem" was the big one. January 2012. It was raw, it was low-budget, and it was hilarious because it felt like something you’d see at a backyard barbecue. Within months, they had a record deal with Archive Entertainment and an album titled LOL.
They even ended up on America’s Got Talent Season 9. Howard Stern wasn't a fan—he buzzed them—but Howie Mandel saw the vision and used his Golden Buzzer to save them. They didn't win, but that didn't matter. They had already built their own stage.
Why the Hudson Brothers Still Matter in 2026
Fast forward to today. It is January 2026, and the landscape for creators is brutal. Most people who went viral in 2012 are working regular 9-to-5s now. Not these guys.
Emmanuel Hudson has carved out a massive lane as a veteran on Nick Cannon’s Wild 'N Out. He’s one of the few cast members to stick around for over a decade. He’s not just a "guy from YouTube" anymore; he’s the referee for the "Got Damned" game and a staple of the improv scene.
👉 See also: Why ASAP Rocky F kin Problems Still Runs the Club Over a Decade Later
- Phillip Hudson joined the Wild 'N Out cast as well, making them a rare family duo on the show.
- They still tour. In fact, Emmanuel is slated for the April Fools Comedy Jam at the Barclays Center in April 2026.
- They’ve pivoted into "serious" acting and digital films like #DigitalLivesMatter.
It’s a lesson in longevity. They didn't let the "ratchet" label box them in. While Phillip has been dropping solo music under the name Phillip Benjamin (tracks like "COOTS" and "ANTISOCIAL"), they still come together for the fans who remember where it all started.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Ratchet"
There was a lot of talk back in the day about whether the Hudsons were being "mean" or "misogynistic" with their characters. If you actually listen to their interviews, like the one they did with HHS1987, Emmanuel explains that they were "owning" the term. It wasn't about hate; it was about observational comedy from their own neighborhoods.
They weren't mocking from the outside. They were part of the culture.
Honestly, the transition from "viral YouTubers" to "working entertainers" is the hardest jump to make. Most people fail. The Hudsons succeeded because they understood that the joke has to evolve. You can't wear the same wig for fifteen years and expect people to keep laughing. You have to learn improv. You have to learn how to command a stage at a comedy club. You have to learn how to act in front of a real camera crew.
✨ Don't miss: Ashley My 600 Pound Life Now: What Really Happened to the Show’s Most Memorable Ashleys
How to Follow the Hudson Blueprint
If you’re a creator or just someone interested in how people stay relevant, the Hudson brothers provide a pretty clear map.
- Diversify immediately. The moment they blew up, they looked for TV deals and acting roles.
- Lean into family. The chemistry between Phillip and Emmanuel is something you can't fake or manufacture in a studio.
- Respect the hustle. Emmanuel started on Wild 'N Out in Season 5 and he's still there in 2026. That is a 13-year run on a single show.
The most important takeaway? Don't let your first big hit be your last one. Whether it’s Phillip’s new music or Emmanuel’s comedy tours, they’ve proven that "viral" is just a starting line, not the finish.
To keep up with what they're doing right now, you should be looking at their individual projects. Check out Phillip Benjamin’s latest lyric videos on YouTube if you want to see his growth as a serious artist. If you're in New York this spring, keep an eye on the Barclays Center schedule for the April Fools Comedy Jam—it's one of the best ways to see Emmanuel's improv skills in a live setting.