Jeri Jacquin

On DVD is an amazing collection packed with laughs from Time Life is the 12-disc set of Russell Simmons’ DEF COMEDY JAM ALL STARS Collection.

In 1992, I had the cable channel HBO (known as Ho-Bo back in the day) and a new series premiered – Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam and it was an instant smash. Friday nights would never be the same after that! Friends came to my house with food and good times as we all gathered to laugh ourselves silly and jaw dropped at what we heard.

Martin Lawrence would be the first to come to the stage for the series offering his own look into Black culture and humor. He explains that ‘def’ is what a Black person says when something is cool or off the charts. This comedian also introduces Chris Tucker to the world and later, Bernie Mack and Bill Bellamy.

Continuing to show viewers even more, Dave Chappelle came in strong. To keep the audience on track, Heavy D., Kid n’ Play, Kenny Anderson, Big Daddy Kane, Pepa, Q-Tip, the Wu-Tang Clan and Wesley Snipes would take their turn in the spotlight. HBO recognized what Simmons already knew, that the show was a marvel in its own right with originality.

Time Life continues to bring never before released anywhere classic collections of television shows for fans to revisit and remember what has made television so special. Time Life has released Mama’s Family, CPO Sharkey and The Tonight Show and they now remind of us of a time when sex and politics were up for grabs with ROWAN & MARTIN’S LAUGH-IN. For more of what Time Life has to offer fans of classic television visit www.timelife.com.

Bonus Features of the set include Bonus Episode “2 Raw 4 TV”, Bonus DVD: Shaq & Cedric the Entertainer Present: All Star Comedy Jam anda 24-page Def Comedy Jam Collector Booklet.

Russell Simmons grew up in Queens, New York and would literally become a mogul becoming part of anything he could get his hands into. From music being the co-founder of Def Jam Records to clothing with Phat Farm and Baby Phat lines, Russell even wrote seven books about success. Through DEF COMEDY JAM, the laugh world would come to know so many more comedians that are still making us laugh today.

Martin Lawrence skyrocketed into his own stratosphere going from the television screen to the big screen with such movies as DO THE RIGHT THING, BOOMERANG and BAD BOYS. Cedric the Entertainer continues on with The Kings of Comedy and also to films such as MADAGASCAR and BARBERSHOP.

Bill Bellamy would take his appearances on DEF COMEDY JAM and turn it into even more success going on to host MTV JAMS and onto the 90’s film with HOW TO BE A PLAYER (which is one of my sons’ favorites). Earthquake and Mike Epps made their comedy stand on the Def stage as well.

Let’s not forget the funny ladies as well! Adele Givens is the 1990 grand-prize winner of comedy at the historic Regal Theater in Chicago and would also becomes one of the QUEENS OF COMEDY. Her talent came to television with Moesha and The Hughleys before hitting the silver screen with THE PLAYERS CLUB and BEAUTY SHOP (one of my own personal favorites).  

Tiffany Haddish made her young Def Comedy appearance and quickly made her way to The Carmichael Show and jumping to the big screen with Queen Latifah in GIRLS TRIP. The Queen also came to the stage later in the show’s running but made a lasting impression.

Sheryl Underwood took to the Def Jam stage and also appeared in the film BEAUTY SHOP (well, sort of but she’s awesome) and hosted the Daytime Emmy Awards. That’s all speaks of success for the Little Rock native.

Another well known name in comedy is that of Kevin Hart. It was only the beginning as Hart has made his way through the television, big screen and friendship with Dwayne Johnson. That relationship brought fantastic on-screen chemistry in the film JUMANJI.

 D.L. Hughley brought his own brand of comedy to the stage and it translated into the BET show Comic View and eventually to television with The Hughleys. Steve Harvey also brought his comedy to the show and eventually also became part of the KINGS OF COMEDY. Besides his funny side which can be seen on Family Feud, he has a very philosophical side with a daytime show.  

Other names of comedy that are totally recognizable is that of Tracy Morgan of Saturday Night Live fame and FRIDAY film star Chris Tucker. Finally, Wayans royalty as Damon Wayans Jr. takes his turn to make the audience laugh although, he already did that with his 1994 film BLANKMAN.

Time Life recognizes the vast richness of what Russell Simmons brought to HBO and recognize the best and brightest performances. This 12-disc DVD set if not only for those of us who remember it from the show’s very beginning, but for every generation after to see where these extraordinary performers took their talent.

Just as I did in 1992, Russel Simmons’ DEF COMEDY JAM had me laughing just has much and probably even harder now. Of course, there is the thing of seeing them all so young and remembering ‘oh jeez, was I ever that young too?’, it was an enjoyable time of binge laughing,

So, gather the pals from the 90’s and relive some classic comedy and then add to the group because the food will be good, the company will be awesome and the laughs will be non-stop!

In the end – see how excellence in comedy was born!

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