VALLEY WEEKEND : WEDNESDAY
LAUGHING IN THE HOOD
Def Comedy Jam All-Stars make their way to the Universal Amphitheater this Wednesday night. With its in-your-face style, Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam” on Home Box Office is one of the most popular comedy shows in the ‘90s. In rap lingo, def means excellent.
Although all the comics are African American and much of the material is filled with references unfamiliar to mainstream audiences, HBO research reveals that two-thirds of the show’s audience is not black.
But because of its frank treatment of sex and other controversial issues and its obscenity-laced routines, the show is definitely not for everyone. Simmons, the show’s creator, told The Times in 1991 that the show gives a voice to young African Americans to express their rage, thoughts and observations about growing up black.
“These guys are expressing their real values and attitudes. . . . It’s a dose of reality,” Simmons said.
Wednesday’s show will feature Joe Torry, Tommy Davidson from “In Living Color,” Kid Capri, Royale Watkins, Reginald Ballard, Billy D. and Monique.
* Def Comedy Jam All Stars at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Universal Amphitheatre, 100 Universal City Plaza. Tickets: $24-$45. Call (213) 480-3232.
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