Saturday, August 22, 2015

On The Red Carpet: LAFF MOBB comedy series founder Bob Sumner

 
It takes a special, on-point, unique individual to discover top-notch, exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime talent, and in the always fun and competitive arena of comedy, Bob Sumner has been and continues to be THE guy in that department. As the co-creater, producer and talent scout of the iconic HBO series Def Comedy Jam with renowned music industry mogul Russell Simmons during the 1990-era, Sner was largely responsible for introducing not just America, but the entire universe to the legendary likes of the late Bernie Mac, as well as Chris Tucker, Bill Bellamy, Mo'Nique, Mike Epps, Adele Givens, Dave Chappelle, Sheryl Underwood and so many other gifted funny men and women at that point, and as of now in 2K15,  each and every one of them has achieved great success. In 2K8, Sumner - along with talent manager/producer Arthur Spivak joined forces to give birth to the on-the-rise LAFF MOBB Enterprises, with comedy series on both the SHOWTIME (LAFF MOBB Presents) and ASPIRE (LAFF MOBB's 'We Got Next') networks, and looks to continue in making a massive impact in the game. I recently spoke to Sumner by phone to discuss LAFF MOBB, the state of today's comedy landscape and more.

RG: Why should fans of stand-up comedy check for the LAFF MOBB brand?

BS: The reason the people should check out what LAFF MOBB is all about is because of exactly what the name stands for - people LAUGHING; a MOB is somewhat of a family. Therefore, we are a comedy family, but in particular, the MOBB portion of the name stands for 'More Of Bob's Best.' So basically, what I had already accomplished in the past with Def Comedy Jam in launching the careers and changing the lives of some of the best to ever do it, I am now presently trying to contribute that trend with the next generation of super-talented, hilariously funny comedians. I am trying to build LAFF MOBB the same way Berry Gordy did with Motown Records and what Russell (Simmons) did with both Def Jam Records and RUSH Management. It's all top-quality comedy here at LAFF MOBB.

RG: What's your take on the current landscape of stand-up comedy?

BS: I think it's gotten watered down and it's used too much as a hustle. People are busy wanting you to buy their DVD after the show that they couldn't deliver a great performance and look at things the hard way. That's what stand-up comedy reminds me of today. I like to look at people do their thing live onstage and see and hear what they're really all about. Some stand-up comedians are not putting in the time to perfect and hone their craft - especially when it comes to working on fresh, new, original material. For me, it's not just about seeing a funny comic onstage - it's about if that comic has 'star' quality and can make the transition to TV and film. Classic shows like 'Seinfeld' (Jerry) and 'The Bernie Mac Show' were based on their stand-up routines. They weren't just shuckin' and jivin' and humping on stools. (Both laugh)

RG: Interesting! Now with your impeccably proven and highly successful track record of discovering comedic talent over the past two decades-plus, who are the hot, on-the-rise, funny fellas and ladies that fans should be on the lookout for in 2K15 and beyond?

BS: As far as the guys are concerned, Karlous Miller (Nick Cannon's Wild'n Out) is the funniest comedian I've seen since Bernie Mac. His stand-up stage performance is like WOW! He's fresh and original, so he's doing his thing. The other fellas to also check for are Rubyn Warren, Brandon 'Hot Sauce' Glover, Austin Hall, Bryan Dey (He's the Freddie Prinze of Comedy), veteran Red Grant, Boogie B Montrell and Trey Elliot. On the women's side, look out for Pretty Ricki Fontaine. She's more of an entertainer than a stand-up - like a Carol Burnett-type. Also check for Meshelle Forman Shields aka The Indie-Mom of Comedy, and Tyree Elaine. Those are just a few of the names that jump out at me right off the bat that are really talented in the comedy game right now.

RG: Who are the most influential comedians of all-time, from your perspective?

BS: 'Moms' Mabley, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell, Pigmeat Markham, Carol Burnett, George Carlin, Eddie Murphy (He changed the game like Michael Jordan), 'The Godfather' Dick Gregory, Chris Rock.

RG: What are the keys to a solid stand-up comedy stage performance?

BS: The 'IT' factors I look for are confidence without cockiness....Seeing someone in their natural, relaxed element....Just being themselves and not trying to be someone else....Most importantly - ORIGINALITY! They MUST come with something that I've never heard or seen before to really 'WOW' me.

RG: What is comedy to you, Bob Sumner?

BS: THE BEST MEDICINE!

www.LaffMobb.com

*For those who feel they have the goods to become the next hot stand-up comic superstar, send your performance video links via e-mail to info@laffmobb.com