photo by steed media service

"Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam" is an institution. Since it's inception, the HBO comedy staple has featured some of the latest and greatest in urban comedy. Producer Bob Sumner has seen some of the biggest names in comedy explode onto the national consciousness from his stage. When the show came back in 2006 to a warm welcome from fans - it wasn't hard for Sumner to see why. Upstart shows like BET's "Comic View" and "The Uptown Comedy Hour" caught viewers' attention, but were unable to rise to the caliber of "Def Comedy Jam." "We went [away] and took a breather," Sumner says. "[That] let everybody [see] why we are who we are."

"I look for originality - something that's different," continues Sumner. "It's about that cat that's poppin' and makin' it happen." His show's originality is the key ingredient to that keeps devoted fans watching, even after other shows blatantly tried to duplicate the formula. "Since the beginning of 'Def Jam,' you had people who were [imitating us] on these other shows. They saw the guy on 'Def Jam,' [and] now they want to be like him. They're like a remix."

For Sumner, it's not only about his commitment to top-tier talent, but their commitment to the show. "From Martin Lawrence, to Bernie Mac, to Chris Tucker, to Cedric [the Entertainer], to Mo'Nique - they're intelligent and they know what shows work and what shows don't," he says. Bringing those talented upstarts to the spotlight gives him great satisfaction. "My proudest moment was when I realized that Russell, Stan and myself were able to help people make money the right way." -todd williams



Share this article with a friend