Druski is heading back on the road for the Coulda Fest Tour, and this time he’s going international. The comedy sketch superstar announced the arena tour on Monday (July 21), which will kick off at Wembley Arena in London on Sept. 13.
He’s bringing plenty of friends along for the ride with him as BigXthaplug, Young M.A, and Soulja Boy will be joining the entire trek from the music side, which also features Sundae Conversation host Caleb Pressley and Navv Greene.
“Coulda Fest was such a vibe that we had to run it back and switch up the concept — it’s bigger, better, and breaking global borders,” Druski said in a press statement. “This won’t be your typical comedy or music tour, it’s going to be a cultural movement full of laughs, great music, and surprise guests. I’m always looking to take ideas to the next level, so you never know who else might pop up in your city.”
Snoop Dogg will make appearances in select cities during the tour, while Lil Yachty is on board for San Francisco and L.A.’s shows. Fans can expect more surprise guests along the fall trek, which is slated to also hit Toronto, New York City, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Houston, Chicago, and Detroit.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale starting on July 23 at 10 a.m. ET, while the general public will have its chance on July 25. All tickets will be available on the 4Lifers website. For those who didn’t attend Druski’s 2023 tour, the shows will feature a mix of comedy sketches and music performances.
Druski’s as busy as they come in show business, as the 30-year-old launched season two of his Coulda Been House reality series and appeared in a sketch with host Shane Gillis at the 2025 ESPY Awards last week.
Find all of the Coulda Fest Tour dates below.
The comedy trio behind the wildly popular 85 South Show—DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean—are officially heading to Hollywood, thanks to a newly announced movie deal with Kevin Hart. The news broke on July 20, 2025, during a live broadcast, sending shockwaves through the comedy world and marking a major milestone for the Atlanta-based crew.
The film will be produced in collaboration with Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Productions, known for hits like Night School, Die Hart, and Lift. While plot details remain under wraps, insiders say the project will be a comedy feature that blends the trio’s raw, improv-heavy humor with Hart’s blockbuster sensibilities.
Hart praised the group’s “authentic voice and undeniable chemistry,” calling them “the future of comedy” during a recent interview. The partnership is expected to bring a fresh, unapologetic energy to the big screen—one that reflects the 85 South brand’s roots in Southern culture, hip-hop, and barbershop-style banter.
Since launching in 2015, The 85 South Show has grown from a grassroots podcast into a full-blown entertainment empire:
Their chemistry, quick wit, and fearless commentary have made them a staple in Black comedy and beyond.
The trio also announced a new tour kicking off September 6 in Detroit, which will coincide with early production phases of the film. Fans can expect behind-the-scenes content, live tapings, and sneak peeks as the project unfolds.
With Kevin Hart’s backing and their own creative control, the 85 South crew is poised to make a splash in theaters—bringing their signature style to a whole new audience.
Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival has announced a lineup of 47 for the 2025 edition of its New Faces of Comedy Showcase.
Since its inception in 1994, New Faces has been regarded as a premier launchpad, helping to propel the careers of dozens of comedy’s biggest stars — among them, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, and Kumail Nanjiani.
This year’s program will continue to spotlight rising stand-up comics, character performers, and digital creators, while introducing a new category focused on rising talent in scripted comedy. On the Stand Up List are two comics we included on our December 2024 list of Comedians Ready To Break Out In 2025: Katherine Blanford and Chloe Radcliffe, who we profiled amid the run of her solo show Cheat.
“Each year, we sift through thousands of names from across the world to find the most original and promising comedic voices,” said Nick Brazao, Head of Programming & Talent, Just For Laughs. “This is always such an exciting time of year and we can’t wait to share this year’s class of New Faces with the world.”
Created in 1983, Just for Laughs is the largest festival in the world, focused specifically on comedy, and one of the most closely watched amongst industry professionals. The festival’s decades-long run was momentarily disrupted in 2024, when JFL cancelled that year’s shows and filed for bankruptcy protection, citing the impact of the pandemic as one factor. But that same year, Sylvain Parent-Bédard inked a deal to acquire the festival through his Quebec-based ComediHa, with the brand’s flagship comedy festival in Montreal returning for the first time in two years on July 16. We break the whole story down in a conversation with Parent-Bédard and colleagues in a recent edition of our Comedy Means Business podcast, which you can listen to at the link above.
The New Faces showcases will take place as part of JFL’s ComedyPRO industry programming between July 23 and July 26, with the festival running through the 27th.
NEW FACES: STAND UPS
Alistair Ogden
Anjelica Scannura
Aurie Styla
Bruce Gray
Chloe Petts
Chloe Radcliffe
Conor Janda
Dan Duvall
Dan Rath
Dan Tiernan
Dean Stanfield
Dvontre Coleman
Dylan Adler
Grace Johnson
Hayden Johnson
James Mwaura
Jesus Sepulveda
Jo Sunday
Katherine Blanford
Lara Ricote
Maggie Crane
Maxx Eddy
Olivia Carter
Olivia Stadler
Randee Neumeyer
Sam Biru
Steve Furey
Tom Murphy
Vittorio Angelone
Willie Simon
NEW FACES: CHARACTERS
Andres Parada
Austin Williams
Ava Bunn
Jess Elgene
Lesley Osuala
Mimi Von Schack
Miranda Rozas
Tom Hearn
NEW FACES: CREATORS in partnership with SMOSH
New Faces: Creators highlights emerging digital and social media comedy voices, character performers, and original-format innovators who are redefining how comedy is made and shared.
Evan Mulrooney
Kel Cripe
Jazz Emu
Yasmine Sahid
NEW FACES: WRITERS in partnership with More Better
This year, the showcase expands with New Faces: Writers, spotlighting rising talent in scripted comedy. Selected writers will bring their original half-hour scripts to life in live table reads featuring fellow New Faces performers.
Allie Pearse & Michael Musi (The Grande Affair)
Tai Leclaire (Bad Apples)
Tova Diker (Mason County Library)
Zavior Phillips (The Family Jewels)
Source: Deadline
In this episode of Box Seats, we start out the episode of the shocking news of the death of Malcolm Jamal-Warner, who passed away right before we went live.
Plus, we talk about Marcus Smart joining the Los Angeles Lakes and Chris Paul coming back to the LA Clippers for another season! We also talk about the WNBA Players and the WNBA Owners squaring off for a potential strike and the repercussions if they do strike!
Also, we talk about the NFL Training Camps opening up this week across the league and the hottest topics in sports!
This episode features comedians Howie Bell and Maurice Smith!
#NBAPlayoffs #NBAfreeagency #Freeagency #Indiana #IndianaPacers #OKC #OklahomaCItyThunder #BostonCeltics #NBAPlayoffs #NewYorkKnicks #DenverNuggets #OKC #Denvernuggetts #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the Emmy-nominated actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 following a tragic drowning accident while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.
Warner was swimming near Playa Cocles, a beach in the Limon province, when he was reportedly caught in a powerful current. Despite rescue efforts, he was pronounced dead from asphyxia on July 20, 2025. Costa Rica’s National Police formally identified his body, and the news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
Warner rose to fame in the 1980s as the lovable and relatable Theo Huxtable, the only son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination and made him a household name. But his career didn’t stop there:
Warner also hosted the podcast Not All Hood, which explored the complexities of Black identity and culture. His final episode, released just two days before his death, featured a powerful reflection on Black survival as Black excellence.
The outpouring of grief from fans and fellow celebrities has been overwhelming:
Fox Entertainment released a statement saying Warner would be remembered “for his warmth, kind heart, and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family, and fans everywhere”.
Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, both of whom he kept out of the public eye. In a recent podcast interview, he spoke candidly about his love story and the joy of fatherhood, saying, “If I’m going to have a kid, this is the person I would like to have it with”.
His death marks the loss of a multi-talented artist whose work spanned television, music, theater, and activism. Warner’s voice, both literal and figurative, helped shape generations of Black storytelling.
In his last podcast, Warner said: “Black survival in of itself is Black excellence.” That sentiment now echoes as a powerful reminder of his legacy—a man who lived with purpose, spoke with conviction, and inspired millions.
In this episode of Box Seats, we discuss the news of Damian Lillard re-signing a deal to return to the Portland Trailblazers- in a move that no one saw coming!
Plus, we talk about news that is shaking up the Philadelphia 76ers! Whats going to happen to Joel Embiid?
We also talk about the NFLPA news that’s shocking, and the other hottest topics in sports!
This episode stars comedians Howie Bell and Maurice Smith!
#NBAPlayoffs #NBAfreeagency #Freeagency #Indiana #IndianaPacers #OKC #OklahomaCItyThunder #BostonCeltics #NBAPlayoffs #NewYorkKnicks #DenverNuggets #OKC #Denvernuggetts #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency
From viral specials to sold-out tours and Emmy nods, African American comedians are leading the charge in 2025’s comedy renaissance. Whether through stand-up, streaming, or social media, these artists are reshaping the landscape with bold storytelling, cultural insight, and undeniable charisma.
| Comedian | Project(s) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dave Chappelle | The Dreamer (Netflix), Summer Camp Tour | 17.4M views; sold-out shows in Ohio and Europe |
| Jamie Foxx | What Had Happened Was… (Netflix) | Emotional comeback; Golden Globe-nominated |
| Katt Williams | Arena Tour, Podcast Appearances | Provocative and packed performances |
| Ali Siddiq | Domino Effect series, In the Shadows Tour | 40M+ views across specials; 34-city tour expansion |
| Deon Cole | Average Joe (TV), Stand-up Tour | Blending acting chops with sharp observational humor |
| Comedian | Show/Platform | Accolades & Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Quinta Brunson | Abbott Elementary (ABC) | Emmy-nominated for acting & writing |
| Ayo Edebiri | The Bear (FX), Prodigies (Apple TV+) | Lead Actress and Directing Emmy noms |
| Jessica Williams | Shrinking (Apple TV+) | Supporting Actress Emmy nominee |
| Nicole Byer | Summer of 69 (Hulu), Nailed It! | Joyful irreverence meets hosting excellence |
| Name | Work & Impact |
|---|---|
| Josh Johnson | Touring Flowers, writing Daily Show, podcast host |
| Sam Jay | We the People (Fringe Festival), HBO special Salute Me or Shoot Me |
| Langston Kerman | Bust Down, podcast My Momma Told Me |
| Comedian | Platforms & Projects |
|---|---|
| DC Young Fly | 85 South Show, solo stand-up tour |
| Desi Banks | Elevation Tour, Desi Banks Productions |
| Druski | Skits, tour dates TBA |
| Tacarra Williams | Stand-up special My Favorite Season Is Men |
These comedians aren’t just making people laugh—they’re shaping conversations around race, identity, and representation. From Emmy stages to YouTube specials, African American comedians are proving that Black comedy is the heartbeat of the industry.
Netflix’s comedy lineup in 2025 was headlined by two titans of stand-up—Jamie Foxx and Dave Chappelle—whose specials not only captivated audiences but also topped the platform’s performance charts. Their respective releases, What Had Happened Was… and The Dreamer, delivered a potent mix of vulnerability, social commentary, and signature humor, making them standout hits in a competitive year for streaming comedy.
Jamie Foxx’s long-awaited return to stand-up was more than just a comeback—it was a revelation. Filmed in Atlanta, the special chronicled his near-fatal health scare in 2023, including a stroke caused by a brain bleed, and his emotional journey back to the stage.
Foxx’s motto—“If I could stay funny, I could stay alive”—became the emotional heartbeat of the special, resonating deeply with viewers and critics alike.
Dave Chappelle’s The Dreamer, released on December 31, 2023, kicked off 2025 with a bang. Known for his fearless approach to comedy, Chappelle tackled everything from cancel culture to race and politics in his signature unfiltered style.
Chappelle’s ability to provoke thought while commanding massive viewership underscores his enduring influence in the comedy world.
Together, Foxx and Chappelle’s specials outperformed other top-tier releases, including Gabriel Iglesias’ Legend of Fluffy and Nate Bargatze’s Your Friend, Nate Bargatze. Their success highlights a growing appetite for personal, provocative, and culturally resonant comedy.
In this episode of Box Seats, we discuss the news of Bradley Beal landing on the Los Angeles Clippers, and hope it affects the new team, and if it forms a new Big 3 in LA.
Plus, we talk about the new news we heard about LeBron James, and the hottest topics in sports!
This episode features comedians Marc Howard and Maurice Smith!
#NBAPlayoffs #NBAfreeagency #Freeagency #Indiana #IndianaPacers #OKC #OklahomaCItyThunder #BostonCeltics #NBAPlayoffs #NewYorkKnicks #DenverNuggets #OKC #Denvernuggetts #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency
Paramount+ today announced that Samuel L. Jackson has signed on to headline his first TV series following the greenlighting of NOLA KING, the first spinoff of the hit series, TULSA KING. Jackson’s character, Russell Lee Washington Jr., will be introduced in the upcoming, highly anticipated third season of TULSA KING, slated to premiere in September.
NOLA KING follows Russell Lee Washington Jr. (Jackson) who, after befriending Dwight Manfredi (Stallone) during a ten-year stint in federal prison, is sent to Tulsa by New York’s Renzetti crime family to take Dwight out once and for all. Inspired by what Dwight created in Tulsa and impressed with the possibilities of second chances, Washington returns to New Orleans, the home he abandoned forty-years ago, to rekindle his relationship with his family and friends, and to take control of the city he left behind. In so doing, he incurs the wrath of his former employers in New York, and makes himself vulnerable to old NOLA foes, both criminal and cop.
“Samuel L. Jackson brings unparalleled presence and global appeal, making him the perfect choice to maximize the momentum of one of our biggest hits and transform it into a hit franchise,” said Chris McCarthy, Co-CEO of Paramount Global and President of SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment. “Building on the breakout success of Sylvester Stallone’s TULSA KING, audiences will now experience the full force of Jackson’s dynamic, layered performance, supercharging one of Paramount+’s flagship series.”
“Chris McCarthy came to me with a game-changing idea: to elevate my show beyond a mob boss series, creating a dynamic, family-driven franchise,” said Sylvester Stallone. “I was immediately on board. Sam Jackson is the only choice to anchor this new adventure in NOLA, and David Glasser and 101 are the perfect partner to bring it to life.”
“Partnering with Paramount has been such a rich experience,” said David C. Glasser, CEO 101 Studios. “Taylor had the brilliant idea to drop Sylvester Stallone in the middle of Tulsa and it has been everything we have wanted and more. The success of this show has now led us to another icon. I cannot wait to see what Sam brings to this world.”
NOLA KING is executive produced by Oscar(R) nominees Taylor Sheridan, Sylvester Stallone and Samuel L. Jackson. David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Michael Friedman and Keith Cox also executive produce. The series is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of the Paramount+ markets.
In 2024, TULSA KING ranked as the #1 global Paramount+ original series and was a top 10 original series across all SVODs in Q4 of that year.
With countless iconic screen performances in over 150 films, Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most respected and beloved performers in Hollywood, standing among the highest global box office earners in cinematic history with his films grossing nearly $15 billion worldwide. He has received Academy Award(R), Emmy(R), Golden Globe(R), SAG(R) and Tony Award(R) nominations, and is the recipient of a BAFTA Award, two Independent Spirit Awards, and four NAACP Image Awards(R), among myriad honors. In 2022, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to cinema, Jackson received an Honorary Academy Award.
Jackson’s portrayal of ‘Jules’, the philosopher hitman, in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction made an indelible mark on American cinema, and among his many acclaimed performances, he made movie history with Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever when he was awarded the first and only Best Supporting Performance Award at the Cannes Film Festival. His career-defining collaborations with both directors include Lee’s Do The Right Thing, Chi-Raq, School Daze, Oldboy, and Mo’ Better Blues; and Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, Django Unchained, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Inglorious Basterds, and The Hateful Eight.
A franchise powerhouse, Jackson currently holds the record for the most Marvel Cinematic Universe projects, appearing as ‘Nick Fury’ in twelve films and three television series. His other major franchises include the Star Wars prequel trilogy; M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable trilogy; and Pixar’s The Incredibles and its sequel. His impressive filmography includes A Time to Kill, The Red Violin, Black Snake Moan, Changing Lanes, Eve’s Bayou, Snakes on a Plane, Deep Blue Sea, 187, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, and countless others.
On television, Jackson has made a powerful impact both as an actor and producer. In 2022, he starred in and executive produced the critically-acclaimed limited series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, earning a Critics Choice Award nomination for his performance. He also starred in and executive produced Secret Invasion, once again reprising his role as ‘Nick Fury’. Most recently, Jackson starred in the record-breaking series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist alongside Kevin Hart, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, and Don Cheadle.
Jackson’s career began on stage, graduating with a degree in Dramatic Arts before originating roles in two of August Wilson’s seminal works, The Piano Lesson and Two Trains Running, and in the original company of The Negro Ensemble’s A Soldier’s Play, by Charles Fuller. On Broadway, he portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop opposite Angela Bassett. He most recently returned to Broadway in 2023 in the acclaimed revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, directed by his wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson, for which he earned his first Tony Award nomination for his performance as ‘Doaker Charles’. He later reprised the role in the Netflix film adaptation of the play, released in November 2024. He earned his second Tony Award nomination as co-producer of the acclaimed Broadway revival of the seminal play Purlie Victorious.
Jackson and his wife recently opened the LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center at Spelman College, the sister school of his alma mater, Morehouse College.
Jackson is repped by CAA, Anonymous Content, ID and law firm Jackoway Austen Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein LLC.