Russell Simmons’ New Comedy Show Premieres in July

Russell Simmons new show for Comedy Central -- 'Russell Simmons Presents Stand-Up at The El Rey' -- is well on its way to hitting the tube. The show, hosted by comedian JB Smoove (of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' fame) will premiere on July 11 at 11PM with back-to-back episodes and plans to take a similar tone to Simmons' previous hip-hop comedy show, 'Def Comedy Jam.'

Each episode will open with a monologue by Smoove and then move on to three up-and-coming comedians for a miniature set of their best material. DJ Cassidy will spin music for the crowd throughout each episode to keep things moving.

"The series premiere of 'Russell Simmons Presents Stand-Up at The El Rey' features Smoove warning of 'raggedy ass' clubs, Tony Roberts on Danny Glover's female lookalike, Dante Nero on why he'd be a hit with Mesopotamian women and more," said a statement from Comedy Central. "The second episode, airing immediately after the premiere, keeps it going with comedians Mike Becchione, Calise Hawkins and JJ Williamson."

Other comedians that will appear on stage for the first season include Kurt Metzger, Smokey Suarez, Fahim Anwar, Ray Lipowski, Felipe Esparza, Lil Rel and Rachel Feinstein. Episodes will continue to air on Sunday nights and be available for download the next day.