Derrick
Ellis
has been heralded by many industry insiders
and comedy fans alike as
one of the next big things in urban comedy. Our roving celebrity
correspondent Miss Eloquence, discovers
why they may not just be blowing smoke.
By Miss Eloquence
Question: What do you get
when you mix southern charm, incredible skill, impeccable timing and
unparalleled originality?
Answer: You get the next thing coming in the
world of Urban Comedy. You get the one and only Derrick Ellis.
Recently, our roving celebrity interviewer Eloquence Jones, met with Derrick
at a posh cafe on Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive. We sprung for the
lunch, a glass of his favorite libation and then she did her thing in her usual
revealing fashion.
Comedian Derrick Ellis although
one of the most humble, most deceptively unassuming soon-to-be
celebrities this writer has ever had a one-on-one with, he is truly a
remarkable personality. At first impression his 'country grammar' has
you wondering if he is just pulling your chain. Moments later, this
complex comedy stylist will have you mesmerized.
It's no use looking for the
usual when talking to Derrick. Surprises are all part of his shtick.
Another big part of his routine is his elusive on (and off) stage
timing. Once I got him to stop complimenting me on my outfit (I was G'd,
y'all, even if I have to say so myself!) and we got past the single
male/female thing, and he stopped cracking me up, we were able to get down
to business and a little Q & A. But I have to admit, y'all, he
tried to interview me too! And I almost let him. You have to
watch those smooth, southern bruthas, y'all.
EJ: So, Derrick, where were you
born and raised?
DE: Houston.
Texas. Before moving to L.A., I lived at my Mama's house.
EJ: Are you officially an Angeleno now?
DE: I don't know
about all that, beautiful, but I live here now. But my mailing address
is still at my Mama's house.
EJ: What did you do for a living before you decided to
dedicate yourself to comedy?
DE: I was a first rate
Driving Instructor back in Houston. After doing that for a few years
and living to tell it, I had to do something with all that material!
EJ: What were your first notable appearances?
DE: My first
appearances were on BET's Comicview and HBO's Def Comedy Jam.
EJ: What's your favorite movie?
DE: Richard
Pryor's classic, "Which Way is Up."
EJ: You seem like a brother who
likes to get his read on. What's your favorite book?
DE: Pryor Conviction, by
Richard Pryor
EJ: What Do you enjoy
doing most in your spare time?
DE: I love to watch
movies. When I'm feeling physical, I like to get my hoop on.
EJ: Break it down for me.
DE: Basketball, sweetheart.
Where are you from, Eloquence?
EJ: Detroit, originally.
But I've been here for a minute. Why do you ask? Hold on. I'm interviewing you, remember?
DE: Okay, You want to
play it by the book, huh? You have to learn to relax. I want you
to practice breathing with me. Then I want you to unbutton your--
EJ: You must be trying to
get me in trouble?
DE: You know what I'm sayin'!
You look like you need to be in a little trouble. Now as I was saying--
EJ: No, as I was saying,
Derrick. You are crazy!
DE: I like playing
basketball, golf and the field. I'm a bachelor, remember?
EJ: Uh huh, I remember.
Maybe I shouldn't have worn this sun dress.
EJ: There you go, interviewing
me again. Do you have a favorite charity?
DE: Yes. It's Housing
for the Homeless.
DE: GOD. I was
brought up in a God-fearing home. God is the beginning and the end of
my fear-factor.
EJ: I know everyone asks
you this but I have to do it, too. Who is your favorite comedian?
DE: Richard Pryor, Redd
Foxx, and Chris Rock. If you count cartoon characters, you have to
include Tom and Jerry.
EJ: Do you have any pearls of wisdom for people
trying to make it in the business?
DE: Live life to the
fullest and treat people like you would want to be treated.
EJ: What's your life's guiding principal?
DE: To put GOD first
and try to make wise decisions. Work hard everyday at your dream;
therefore when it happens you will appreciate it.
EJ: What's your current or next project?
DE: Well, my ongoing
project is to be the best Derrick Ellis I can be. That means trying to
write at least one new joke everyday and try the new stuff out every night.
I'm featured in the upcoming movie "TEARS OF A CLOWN" starring Don "DC"
Curry. I'm working on new material for my comedy DVD special. I
have my own comedy showcase every Tuesday night. I'm also working on
my own clothing line "FunnyWear" - Got them T-shirts right now! I
could hook you up. Girl, I'm trying to blow up and take this industry by storm! It's a
quiet storm right now but check for me, baby. I'm coming!
EJ: I'm not touching that one
because you're giving me that look again, but I believe you. You're a
busy man! Tell me about the movie "TEARS OF A CLOWN."
DE: It's a dramatic comedy
about the rise, fall and redemption of a Black stand up comedian. I
play a stand up named Scatman. It was written and directed by my
manager Tony Spires and produced by he and his wife Rhonda. It's
really a good movie. I think it's going to be big.
You mentioned that you write everyday.
Why
all the writing?
DE: Because the great
comedians, the ones who I'm trying to emulate, are big writers. Comics
don't just tell jokes and entertain. The great ones write. Later
this year I'll be releasing my concert DVD and CD. And before you ask, yes,
I'll sign one for you! I'll also be releasing the boot-leg version for
half-price.
EJ: Derrick, I know I'm
going to pinch myself for asking you this but do you have an ultimate
fantasy?
DE: You know that I do!
It involves me being on a Yacht with three lovely nude women. The
rest is private.
DE: And then there's the
one about this female writer who comes to visit me in my room at my Mama's
house in a sun dress. What's up with those digits, though?
EJ: Anyway, Derrick, what is your ultimate, professional goal?
DE: To be the most working
comic in the industry as well as a great film actor.
EJ: I've really enjoyed you, Derrick. Will you please look up here into my eyes, please? You are a mess!
Is there anything you'd like to say in conclusion.
DE: Yes. People
who know me, know that I'm a humble dude but I'm also very confident in my
own abilities. I'm funny as hell and I'm not scared to compete with
the best out there. All I'm doing right now is paying my dues and
staying ready. Like the song goes, "If you stay ready,
you don't have to get ready!"
Derrick Ellis is one of the hardest working
comics in the business, touring all over the country performing his stand-up
routine and selling his exclusive Funny Wear merchandise where ever he
travels. When not on the road, he's a regular at all of the popular
comedy clubs in Los
Angeles and many of the top clubs throughout Southern California. Look
for Derrick and his Funny Wear clothing line where ever jokes are told and
fine clothing is sold.
