This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence Lead All-Star Lineup For Netflix's New 'Def Comedy Jam' Special
(From left to right, photos by Jason Merritt/Getty Images, Kevin Winter/Getty Images, Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Def Comedy Jam made its debut on HBO in 1992 and opened the doors for a host of major black comics that included the likes of Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan, and the late Bernie Mac.
Producer Russell Simmons aimed for a platform where comics could cut loose and connect with a broader audience—a move that didn't sit well with some. "In direct opposition to the intentionally dignified Cosby Show, Def Comedy Jam was intentionally undignified," notes the Paley Center, who adds that Cosby had "spoke publicly against host Martin Lawrence and the series, calling it a “minstrel show.”"
But the series' legacy has endured, even if it's been off the air for more than 10 years. Now, a new Netflix special will honor the 25th anniversary of Def Comedy. It'll invite a slew of Def Comedy old-timers and newcomers to perform on-stage. The lineup is a powerhouse, to say the least. As noted in the teaser trailer below (which was released just today) the roster will include Chappelle, Lawrence, Morgan, Kevin Hart, Bill Bellamy, Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, Craig Robinson, JB Smoove, Mike Epps, Tiffany Haddish, D.L. Hughley, Katt Williams, Kid Capri and Adele Givens. There's also Steve Harvey, which gets an ugh from us. But OK.
Def Comedy Jam 25 will air sometime in the fall.
And if that's not enough Def news for you, there'll be a reboot called All Def Comedy that's in the pipeline. Also, Simmons is reportedly looking into reviving the Def Poetry Jam series.
Here are some select clips of the Def Comedy performers:
Sponsored message
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
