Kevin Hart Aimed For Shock Value At Bieber Roast

Roast Master Kevin Hart picked the best of the best jokes to deliver during Comedy Central’s “Roast of Justin Bieber.”

He spoke to Access Hollywood‘s Liz Hernandez on Saturday ahead of the show’s taping in Los Angeles.

“What are the [jokes] that are for sure gonna be shocking, that are gonna set the audience in a little place of, ‘Wow! I can’t believe he did that!’ but, also set the tone for the night,” Kevin said of how he chose his material. “At the end of the day, I don’t want the crowd to be on edge and to be afraid of what they can laugh at and what they can’t, so it’s my job as a Roast Master to make everything fair play.”

PHOTOS: Comedy Central’s ‘Roast Of Justin Bieber’

The comedian said he gave Justin a pep talk ahead of time to help prepare him for being the butt of most of the jokes.

“I’ve told Justin several times, I said, ‘Look, man. You gotta understand people are gonna come for you. They’re gonna hit you, but it’s your job to smile and laugh it off. At the end of the day, that’s why you’re doing this. You’re doing this to put all the dumb things that you did the past behind you. And the best way to do that is to laugh at it, so you got a team of people who are very good at poking fun at the dumb stuff that you’ve done. Enjoy that, laugh at it and just, you know, don’t take it too serious,'” he said.

PHOTOS: Inside & Backstage At The ‘Roast Of Justin Bieber’

The Roast Master himself also said he was well aware that he was wearing a target on his back too.

“They’re gonna hit me too. I’m gonna have to laugh the same way he’s laughing,” he said. “Everybody up there’s a target tonight.”

Although not a professional comic, Shaquille O’Neal – who was also on hand for the Roast – said he hoped to score a slam dunk with his jokes.

“I’ve been practicing for a while, so hopefully I’m as good as the real comedians on stage,” he said.

WATCH: Kevin Hart & Justin Bieber Tease Comedy Central Roast

The former NBA superstar also explained that he thinks the pop star is often misunderstood.

“I think we don’t really know Justin. You misunderstand him sometimes, but I spent some time with him,” Shaq said. “He has a great sense of humor and [he’s] still young. You know, he’s very successful. You know, a lot of times a success can overlook your age, but he’s still a young guy and he’s learning.”

Ludacris, who said he has supported Justin since the beginning of his career, also came to the young singer’s defense.

“This is a turning point because he just turned 21 years old,” the rapper/actor said. “He’s going from childhood to manhood right about now, so I just think it’s a good timing and everything for this roast.”

The Roastmaster General, Jeff Ross – who came to the roast dressed as the Pope – told Liz he was there “to absolve Justin [of] his sins,” and gave a little sampling of what to expect from his act.

“Selena Gomez would been here tonight, but she’s now dating men,” Jeff cracked in a one-liner about The Biebs’ ex-girlfriend.

Jeff said many top comedians jumped at the chance to roast the singer, but they selected the “cream of the crop” for the final roster.

“I think this is going to be possibly the best roast in Comedy Central history,” he said.

WATCH: Kevin Hart Will ‘Go Below The Belt’ Roasting Justin Bieber

“Roast of Justin Bieber” – which also features appearances by Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart, Chris D’Elia, Natasha Leggero – airs March 30 on Comedy Central.

Paige Feigenbaum

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