Laff'n With Aida Rodriguez

Aida Rodriguez is a comedienne, a writer and an actress, but most of all, she is go-getter. Rodriguez had her first essay published in her hometown newspaper the Miami Herald when she was only 7 years old. She then her creativity and resilience has taken her to the big screen and the comedic stage.

As a teen Aida worked as a model, but later gave up that dream when she realized she was living a nightmare fueled by anorexia. “I was good at it, she says, but it wasn’t what was best for me. But looking back at it, I have no regrets.”

She currently lives in LA and balances her time between mommy duties and her regimented Hollywood hustle. She is on stage at least once per week and often on location shooting various film projects. Aida determined, and unwilling to rest on modest success, she says she has to create her own opportunities. “Im 5’10” and a woman of color. I am not in demand. Casting agents aren’t looking for girls like me” she states. So Aida has produced her own projects. “The Greatest Song,” which she wrote, produced and starred in is a romantic comedy. It’s the story of a Black man (Laman Rucker) and a Latina woman who fall in love after meeting at church. One huge milestone for her was Wal-Mart’s decision to sale the movie in stores around the country. Aida also produced other projects including “Diggas” and “Brainiacs in LA LA Land.” I can’t wait for the opportunities to come to me,” she said. “I have to create my own.”


As a comic, she is still considered a new comic and isn’t yet regarded as a queen of comedy but she has already garnered respect from her peers and fans as she works the crowd at the Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store and the Improv. In addition, she even appeared on BETs showcase One Mic Stand. Her comedic insight has even taken her abroad, touring the countries of Korea and Japan. “I don’t tell jokes. I tell my business,” she says of her comedy routine. “If I tell my truth, I can’t loose.”
Aida’s first time on stage would probably give most people extreme stage fright. She performed in front of 1500 people and did well. Although her second performance, didn’t go over as well, she held her head up and worked out the tweaks, learned the art of stand-up and continues to take people through her hilarious journeys. However, She says there are a few limits to what she will do onstage. She says she won’t embarrass herself, and she doesn’t talk about her dating life. She was recently dating a well known person, but refuses to talk about it publicly, acknowledging it’s his business also.

Her son likes him mom being a comedienne, while her daughter is used to her doing comedy but would prefer mom go back to modeling. Her family is finally all aboard. Initially they were hesitant because entertainment is a male dominant game, and unsure if she would be able to support her family. Aida says that comedy will always take priority over acting, because it is a creative outlet and it opens other doors for her. Moreover, she realizes success is more important that fame. “If I can’t show a feminine point of view and help someone at the same time, it’s pointless.”
For more info on Aida Rodriguez please catch her o Sunday and Wednesdays on www.chopituplive.com www.aidarodriguezlive.com www.twitter.com/aidaisfunny or find her on Facebook.

JOKERS:Rod-Man

Rodman is your typical country boy, talking to the crowd of thousands as if he’s telling his story only to you. Initially you will catch yourself laughing, but not sure if that was a punch line or his natural demeanor. That’s just his style, laid back and seemingly so conversational, you find yourself caught up in his world without realizing the show has started. He has appeared on HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central, Starz and BET and he says he is just getting started.
Rodman got his start in 1995 at the Uptown Comedy Club in his hometown of Atlanta. Although he was a huge fan of Def Comedy Jam, even watching comics repeatedly couldn’t prepare him for the first time on stage. “I did ok my first time. I just remember doing a fishing joke and a joke about church collection plates not giving me my change back” he recalls. With years of performing under his belt, he says now his material is reflective of his personal experiences and observations. Rod has performed all over the country and get compliments and well wishes from fans, but he says the biggest compliment came from Eddie Murphy, who simply said “You got it”. Some comics purposely make a name for themselves talking about touchy subjects. Rodman goes in another direction; he doesn’t talk about religion or racism. “An appropriate nigga is ok, because niggas are still around”, he said with a half laugh. “Sometimes it’s ok to say it, but I won’t use it randomly.”


In Hollywood you’re lucky if you get 15 minutes of fame and you try to stretch that as long as you can. Many comics have 20 year careers and are very funny but most never gain Richard Pryor or Bill Cosby type of success. Rodman jokes “I am a house hold name, it just depends whose house.” He maintains clarity saying his goal is simply to be funny. He admits when he started comedy, his goal wasn’t to be a movie star, but simply the best stand-up comic possible. Although he lives in North Hollywood in many ways he is still far removed from Hollywood politics. With as many TV credits as his peers, Rodman stays out of the spotlight. He rarely goes out to LA parties and doesn’t frequent the LA comedy scene unless he is performing. He describes Hollywood as a catch-22, saying he likes the benefits of Hollywood, but doesn’t like that many people are in-genuine or superficial. “I have to do Hollywood stuff sometimes, but I try to go to places with as little of the bullshit as possible”, he admits. “If you’re involved in that everyday a little bit of that has to fall back on you”.

JOKERS:Lamont King

For Some, “Lazee”Lamont King is more known for his hilarious characters on the nationally syndicated Russ Parr Morning show, than he is for his on stage comedy. For the last few years, he has been getting busy on the stages around Hollywood, making a name for himself, and getting respect of fans and fellow comics. But with Lamont, it’s not just jokes. Instead of waiting for his big break, he is taking control and creating his own path, by producing shows in his hometown of Washington DC and Los Angeles.
King says he first got bit by the comedy bug when he was asked to host an event at University of Maryland Baltimore County. “I did three jokes and it worked. Then I did the same three jokes at other schools and they worked and that’s when I realized I can do comedy”, he said. But after taking beatings at Takoma Station and other local comedy nights, he decided to stick to radio.
From 1998-2004 Lamont sat in as the comedic sidekick on the Russ Parr show. He was responsible for creating some of the most memorable characters, including Cliché King, N.Y.C. from NYC, and Crayon Smiff, the crank caller. Being on the show afforded him the chance to show people his comedic talent on air and while hosting station events. As always, everything comes to an end, and Lamont packed up and headed to California to pursue comedy full time.


Lamont says he has grown as a person, and a comic and that maturity is reflected in his material. Much of his topics now revolve around relationships, current events, and he still does characters on occasion. Like many comics, he feels, that being yourself on stage and having a point of view is what’s going to separate him from his peers. But even being himself means there are certain limits to what he will say. Although he says there’s no topic that’s off limits, he is cautious about how he approaches it. “My mom won’t come see me perform, but neither of my parents like that I curse”, he said”. He says he will tackle any topic, yet find creative ways to get the same laugh and not always having to be vulgar.

Along with listening to Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby records, the late 80s variety show “In living Color” was very instrumental in Lazee chasing the comedy spotlight, “I enjoyed the characters they all created”. With being new to the game, his peers always offer advice. MeShell Foreman-Shields said “be yourself” while Guy Torry took a different approach suggesting books for Lamont to read. One day while cracking “Your Momma” jokes with George Wallace, Wallace was impressed and paid him on the spot for the two jokes that Lamont hit him with. He went on to later writer other jokes for Wallace.
Another motto that he keeps in the back of his mind is “dirty gets the laughs, clean gets you paid”. Remembering that sentiment causes a struggle for many comics. Some comics go for the easy laugh and many of those same comics, will never be successful in a mainstream audience. Lamont doesn’t want to be known as a “Black Comic”. He says the “Black Comic” label can sometimes work against you and he gets typecast by promoters expecting only certain types of jokes.
In fact he doesn’t want to be type casted at all. In addition to comedy, he’s had some acting success, landing roles on “All of Us”, “Gary Unmarried”, “Love for sale” and a popular Burger King commercial. Lamont used to be an on-air jock at The BEAT in LA. He sometimes sits in on Foxhole radio and says he does plan to get back into radio. But, for now he’s concentrating in branding himself by taking advantage on peoples internet access. He constantly posts short scripted videos and comedy performances online. For more info on Lamont you can reach him at:
www.lamontking.tv www.instantclassic.info www.facebook.com/lamontkingtv www.twitter.com/lamontkingtv

JOKERS:Cocoa Brown

This comedy queen, has appeared in several comedy showcases including BET, Starz and Comedy Central. She’s appeared on such shows as The Young and the Restless as well as ER. She’s even appeared in major films including, Lakeview Terrace and American Carol. Over the past decade Cocoa has established herself in the world of comedy.
This comedy queen Cocoa Brown, has appeared in several comedy showcases including BET, Starz and Comedy Central. She’s appeared on such shows as The Young and the Restless as well as ER. She’s even appeared in major films including, Lakeview Terrace and American Over the past decade Cocoa has established herself in the world of comedy.

Cocoa Brown got her start in comedy 12 years ago at “The Comedy Spot “in Washington, DC after a friend introduced her to a promoter who liked her personality. He was looking for a female host for an upcoming show and that began her comedy career. Born Farah Brown in Newport News, Virginia, the name Cocoa was given to her by a fellow comedian who admired her “cocoa brown” skin-tone.
Although she has a BS in Mass Communication from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix, Cocoa left her job in the advertising field to pursue stand up full-time being named the “Washington DC Comedian of the Year” in 1997, just seven months after her first appearance on stage.



She knew comedy was her calling after her first time she performed in famous L.A. comedy clubs such as The Improv, The Comedy Store, and the Laugh Factory, and people kept asking her to come back. Since then, her career has taken her to some exotic places, including the Bahamas and Cuba where she says, “we kinda snuck in.”

Cocoa has had some crazy experiences on stage. Like the time she was booed during a performance at Prairie View University in Texas, “I did a joke about Erykah Badu getting high. I didn’t know it was her alma mater. The minute I said it, I got booed.” She didn’t understand why because the joke normally worked. “It was embarrassing.” Then there was an incident at Arena Players in Baltimore, “While I was on stage one dude showed me his gun, and said “You betta be funny”. Another wild experience was when a guy in the audience exposed himself while she was on stage. “Dude showed me his dick,” she says, “ I looked at him and said, ‘You good?’”

Raised by a school teacher mother and a key ship builder father, her family influences the material for some of her performances. Before seeing her perform, her Mom said, “Who told you you was funny?” then after seeing her perform, said, “Wow, she is funny.” Her mother advised her to do what she had to do, but cautioned, “Don’t degrade yourself” and “don’t embarrass me.” Out of respect for her family, she does different, toned-down material when she knows they, or people they know are in the audience. “I don’t say nigga.” she says. “My parents haven’t heard raw stuff. Even if I get my own TV special, but I won’t let everyone see me get real raw.”

Still a daddy’s girl, Cocoa says of her father, “He is the epitome of a man; hard working, dedicated, loves his family. The kinda man that comes home at night. He’s still that man. Don’t say much, but he mean what he say.” Cocoa describes her brother Tony as her, “biggest fan”. As for what other people think, Cocoa says, “I don’t give a damn; it’s about being funny and telling my story. But my parents have to deal with that after I’m gone”

Emotionally, Cocoa says she’s “a softy”. She said she gets her emotional side from her mother and her quiet side from her father. Speaking of experiencing heartbreak; she says she once fell in love with a guy in 13 days. He broke her heart, but she will not cry in front of other people. “I go home, crying, listening to Phyllis Hyman” she said. “It takes a lot to cry in front of people. “
Cocoa explains the difference between Cocoa and Farah by saying that “Cocoa brown is everything that Farah would be if I wasn’t so sheltered. “ She describes herself as a closet class clown. “I love and appreciate how I was raised. I’m an observer, but I’m the life of the party too.”

Cocoa is currently on tour with the Browns of Comedy and is also doing solo performances. For more information you can catch her on www.cocoabrown4life.com, on Facebook and Taboo Raw & Uncut radio.

JOKERS: Esau McGraw

People from Kansas City may know him as Esau, the barber, some even know him as the preachers’ kid, but after 11 years of cracking jokes, most people know him as Esau McGraw, the comedian and actor. Even those who don’t know his name, probably remember his hilarious characters or jokes about his girlfriend, who talks in her sleep or his funny parodies of popular songs.
Esau, says he knew at age 8 that he had a sincere interest in comedy but didn’t take it seriously until well into his adult years. In fact, he was a working barber when some friends entered him in to a talent showcase and with seven minutes of material he won, and has been joking ever since.
As expected, over the 11 year span of his career his material has changed. He said his first jokes were about him thinking Superman was gay because he never sexed Lois Lane, and because he wears tights. Now people remember him for different reasons. He got big laughs on Def Comedy Jam in 2006 when he came on stage with his jacket tucked inside his pants doing his best George Jefferson-like walk. And then tucked it back in his pants again as he left the stage. Other people know his songs like “Overweightass People”, sang to the same rhythm as John Legends tune “Ordinary People”. Simply put, Esau is making a name for himself.


Since moving to Hollywood he has racked up a decent list of credits including a role in the film Idlewild, appearing on Def Comedy Jam and appearing on the highest rated episode of Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment. Even with those stellar moments, he still ranks something else among the highlights of his career. Recently Eddie Murphy came up to him and complimented him telling Esau him that he is funny. Esau compares that to the Pope getting out of his seat and coming to shake his hand. “That shit will never happen,” he says jokingly.
For many young comics, Def Comedy Jam was influential in their decision to pursue comedy. However, Esau says, he watched Richard Pryor, Franklin Ajaye and that Def Jam only confirmed that there was a market for Black comedy. He is a self professed student of comedy, constantly writing, watching and performing. “I didn’t know how important writing (jokes) was until I started doing comedy” he admits. He says his life was boring growing up the son of a minister and a nurse. As a result, he doesn’t have a lot of the stories that some comics draw from, so instead he exaggerates his life. A lot of his material is impromptu, even hard to decipher the written stuff from the “off the cuff” jokes because he flows seamlessly to the next topic.
Even being the son of a preacher, no topic is off limits. His father is encouraging and according to Esau, living variously through him. “I think he’d be a comedian if he wasn’t a preacher,” he affirms. His father also likes the perks of having a son in the entertainment industry. For example, free tickets. Esau can usually call the headlining comic if there’s a show dad wants to attend and get free tickets.
For now Esau hits the road as often as possible taking his brand of comedy around the country. In addition to auditions he gets his chance to shine every week in LA’s Comedy Factory during the Chocolate Sundays showcase.