(AllHipHop News) Russell Simmons is returning to the world of comedy with a new series for Comedy Central.
The entertainment mogul, along with fellow executive Stan Lathan, will executive produce the half hour show, which will be taped in Los Angeles on Wednesday and Thursday. Curb Your Enthusiasm star JB Smoove will serve as the host of the stand-up comedy series and include three up-and-coming comics in each episode. DJ Cassidy will be on hand to provide music.
The creation of the new series serves as a reunion for Simmons and Lathan. The pair’s best-known collaboration came in the 1990s with the hit HBO show Def Comedy Jam. The show is credited with starting the careers of various comics that include Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, Dave Chappelle, D.L. Hughley, Mo’Nique, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and Mike Epps.
In addition to Def Comedy Jam, Simmons and Lathan’s produced Def Poetry for HBO and the Tony award wining Def Poetry Jam on Broadway as well as executive produced feature films such as Waist Deep, Gridlock’d and The Show.
“Def Comedy Jam made a significant contribution to American pop culture by introducing so many superstars,” said Simmons. “Now, with Comedy Central as our new partner, we’re poised to present the next generation of star talent.”Comedy Central senior vice president of specials and talent Elizabeth Porter echoed Simmons’ excitement as she welcomed the opportunity to work with the businessmen on the new show.
“We’ve been trying to get into business with Russell and Stan for a while now and this new stand-up series is an exciting first venture for us to partner with them,” she said. “As someone who was a huge fan of Def Comedy Jam, working alongside these two incredible visionaries on this series has been nothing short of amazing.”
Russell Simmons’ and Stan Lathan’s new stand up comedy series is set to air this in the summer on Comedy Central.
