The Man Behind The Tears: An Exclusive Look At The 'Black Man Crying Meme' Sensation

The "Black Man Crying Meme" stands as one of the most recognizable and enduring reaction images in the history of internet culture, a versatile template used to express everything from profound sadness to ironic despair. Originating from a viral video in late 2016, the image has transcended its original context to become a universal symbol for overwhelming emotion, particularly the kind of exaggerated, soul-crushing disappointment or relief that only the internet can truly appreciate. As of December 18, 2025, the meme continues to be a staple on platforms like X (Twitter), Reddit, and TikTok, demonstrating its evergreen status as an "exploitable image macro."

This deep dive will reveal the full story behind the famous face, detailing the man's identity, the surprisingly simple—yet emotional—origin of the video clip, and how it evolved into the highly popular "How Old Is" Google Searches format. Understanding the meme's journey from a personal video to a global cultural shorthand offers a fascinating look into the unpredictable nature of viral fame and the power of a single, raw emotional moment to capture the internet's collective mood.

The Biography of Melvin Lawson: The Man Behind the Tears

The man whose face launched a thousand memes is Melvin Lawson, an individual who embraced his unexpected internet fame after his emotional video went viral. Lawson is also widely known by his social media handle, Hoodnews24u, which was the account responsible for uploading the original clip. While specific traditional biographical details like birth date or hometown are not widely publicized, his digital footprint is significant, centering entirely on the video that made him a viral sensation.

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• Name: Melvin Lawson
• Online Handle: Hoodnews24u (Used on Instagram and other platforms)
• Original Video Title: "Thank God for My Reefer"
• Video Origin Date: Sometime in November 2016
• Original Platform: Instagram
• Meme Nicknames: Black Man Crying, Crying Black Man, Crying Weed Guy, Best Cry Ever, How Old Is Google Searches Meme
• Context of Crying: He was crying from an overwhelming, positive emotional reaction after smoking cannabis, expressing deep gratitude for the experience.
• Current Activity: Lawson has acknowledged his fame in interviews with media outlets like Know Your Meme, discussing the clip's origin and his history with internet culture, confirming he is aware of and a fan of the meme format.

Lawson's story is a classic example of the "viral video to meme pipeline," where a genuine, unscripted moment is captured and then repurposed by the internet hive mind. His raw, uninhibited emotional display is what gave the image its lasting power, allowing it to be applied to an infinite number of relatable situations.

From 'Reefer' to Reaction: The Origin of the Viral Sensation

The "Black Man Crying Meme" originated from a short, personal video posted by Melvin Lawson, under the name Hoodnews24u, in late 2016. The video was titled "Thank God for My Reefer," and it captured Lawson in a moment of intense, tearful euphoria after consuming cannabis. His profound, almost spiritual expression of gratitude—"That shit good, man. Thank God for my reefer"—was both hilarious and deeply genuine, immediately resonating with viewers.

The Birth of the 'How Old Is' Exploitable Format

While the original video was a viral hit in its own right, the meme truly exploded in popularity when it was adapted into the "How Old Is" Google Searches format. This is the most common iteration of the meme template, and it skillfully transforms Lawson's raw emotion into a joke about existential dread and celebrity longevity.

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The format typically consists of two side-by-side Google search bars positioned over Lawson's crying face:

1. The first search bar shows a query for a beloved or iconic celebrity's age (e.g., "How old is Keanu Reeves?").
2. The second search bar shows a query for a depressing or universal concept's longevity (e.g., "Average life expectancy of a human," or "Life span of a dog").

The joke lies in the stark contrast: the crying man is not crying over the celebrity's death, but over the realization that the celebrity is still relatively young and will likely outlive the person or thing the meme creator cares about, or simply the realization of their own limited time. It's a dark, comedic twist on life's inevitable disappointments. This "exploitable image macro" is highly flexible, making it a favorite for expressing universal feelings of loss, disappointment, or relief over a wide range of pop culture and personal topics.

The Cultural Significance and Longevity of the Reaction Meme

The Black Man Crying Meme, and its most famous variant, has achieved remarkable longevity in the fast-paced world of internet trends. Unlike many memes that fade after a few weeks, this image continues to be used actively in 2025, cementing its status as an "evergreen reaction meme."

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Its success can be attributed to several factors that speak to its deep cultural significance:

• Universal Emotion: The image captures a state of utter emotional breakdown that is instantly recognizable. It can signify the joy of a major sports victory, the devastation of a final episode, or the existential despair of a mundane task. This versatility is key to its survival.
• Exploitable Template: The clean, two-panel structure of the "How Old Is" format allows for endless customization. Meme Generators on platforms like Imgflip and Tenor ensure that new iterations and GIFs are constantly being created, keeping the image fresh in the public consciousness.
• The Power of Contrast: The meme effectively uses contrast for comedic effect. Lawson's intense, tearful face is often paired with a trivial or absurd caption, creating a powerful sense of hyperbolic humor that defines modern internet comedy. This "hyperbolic reaction" is a common trope in digital culture.
• Shining a Light on the Subject: Melvin Lawson, unlike some meme subjects, has embraced his fame, which adds a layer of authenticity to the meme's narrative. His acknowledgment of the "Hood News" sensation and his willingness to discuss the "Tears Over Weed" video have helped preserve the meme's original context while allowing its meaning to evolve.

Other 'Crying Black Man' Entities and Memes

It is important for topical authority to note that while Melvin Lawson is the most recognized face of the "Black Man Crying Meme" template, there are other notable images that fall under this umbrella, further demonstrating the power of the "emotional reaction" genre:

• Rocky Lockridge's "Crying Shame" Meme: This meme features former professional boxer Rocky Lockridge, who became a viral sensation after a tearful moment on the reality TV show Intervention in 2010. His dramatic cry was often remixed and parodied, though it is less common today than Lawson's meme.
• The "Black Guy Crying and Black Guy Laughing" Template: This template, often used to show a humorous contrast in emotional states, is actually a scene from the 2010 film The Hangover Part II. It is a distinct "stark contrast" meme that serves a similar purpose of illustrating polarized feelings.

Ultimately, the enduring legacy of Melvin Lawson's image is a testament to the internet's ability to find profound humor in genuine human emotion. The "Black Man Crying Meme" has evolved from a simple video of gratitude into a complex, endlessly adaptable cultural artifact, securing its place in the pantheon of iconic internet imagery for years to come.