Lil' Duval came up in the Atlanta comedy scene, becoming a regular at the famous Uptown Comedy Corner. He achieved national recognition when he was invited to perform on the Budweiser tour featuring Cedric and four additional comedians. Powell was then invited by Cedric to perform on his television special Cedric the Entertainer: Starting Lineup.

In 2003, Lil' Duval released the underground comedy DVD Dat Boy Funny. The following year, he became a regular featured performer on three seasons of BET’s ComicView. Lil' Duval released his second DVD Put Your Hands on Me in 2005. That same year he appeared in Three 6 Mafia's independent film, Choices II: The Setup, as well as being featured on various skits of the film's soundtrack.

In addition to stand-up comedy, Lil' Duval also writes for Ozone magazine. He has also appeared in several music videos including T.I.'s "Rubberband Man", "24's", "Whatever You Like", "What Up, What's Haapnin', No Matter What, Big Kuntry King's "That's Right", Yung L.A.'s "Ain't I", Yung Joc's "It's Goin' Down" "Coffee Shop", and Young Jeezy's "My President".