Russell Simmons Bringing New Stand-Up Show to Comedy Central

Hip-hop mogul/philanthropist Russell Simmons is bringing his newest show to Comedy Central. The comedy network announced that the Simmons produced 'Stand-Up at the El Ray' will premiere this summer. Billed as a "hip-hop show with a stand-up vibe," the program will be hosted by actor/comedian JB Smoove who has appeared on 'Curb You Enthusiasm' and 'Saturday Night Live.' Each episode, which is taped at the famed El Rey theater in Los Angeles, will showcase three up-and-coming stand-up comedians and feature music by DJ Cassidy.

This latest show will re-team Simmons with his longtime producing partner, director Stan Lathan. Through their company Simmons-Lathan Media Group, the two have created shows like 'Def Comedy Jam,' 'Def Poetry Jam' and 'Run's House,' which airs on MTV. "We have to understand hip-hop as a Cultural movement," Simmons said in a statement on the company's website. "Beyond just music, and as a generation of multicultural young people that have been influenced by pop culture of the 70s and 80s, but through technology and diversity have evolved into a singularly unique generation that values each personís individuality, while at the same time being comfortable remaining connected to a larger emotional community."

'Stand-Up at the El-Ray' debuts July 11.