The Herd with Colin Cowherd Joe and Jada - Mike Epps tells WILD Jay-Z & DMX stories, talks Dave Chappelle & top 5 standups
Dec 30, 2025
Join Mike Epps, the renowned stand-up comedian and actor from 'Def Comedy Jam', as he shares wild stories from his days in 1990s New York City with hosts Fat Joe and Jadakiss. Epps reminisces about his early comedy grind, hilarious encounters with Jay-Z and DMX, and what it was like performing alongside Tracy Morgan. He delves into why Dave Chappelle doesn’t make his top five standup legends and discusses his upcoming projects, including the We Them One's Comedy Tour. Get ready for a laughter-packed dive into hip-hop culture!
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Early NYC Comedy Grind
- Mike Epps describes doing comedy in Jimmy's Bronx Cafe and the Sugar Shack in 1990–91 while driving up with Tracy Morgan to hustle shows.
- He remembers being a ghost in NYC for years yet learning the scene by observation and grind.
Comedy's Lonely Dark Side
- Mike Epps says comedy is a one-man art that breeds cockiness and dark struggles for performers.
- He connects the drive for success with mental-health issues and tragic outcomes among comedians.
When A Payment Fight Turned Violent
- Mike Epps recalls a club pay dispute where an angry promoter pulled a gun and fired while the show and crowd remained inside.
- He describes the chaotic escape and later getting paid by security after police shut the club down.