Today we’d like to introduce you to James Andre Jefferson Jr.
James Andre, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
So it all started when I was 12 years old. The movie “Titanic” came out in theaters and I went to go see with my sister and I hated the movie. So a few months later the Stand Up special the “Kings of Comedy” came to theater and it was featuring D.L. Hugley, Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, and Steve Harvey was hosting.
Steve Harvey had a joke about how the Titanic was so long and dry; I related with it so much that I cried from laughing and fell in love with Stand-Up.
So now I am 13 years old and a show called, “Coming to the stage” was on BET and it was stand up competition and there was 13 years boy on their named, “Lil JJ” and he was killing it. So I thought to myself, if he could it then I can do it. Before I thought being a stand up comedian was an adult job but Lil JJ helped realize that I can do it at this age of 13.
So there you have it I was 13, taking the bus to comedy clubs trying to get some stage time. My family didn’t know what I was doing, so I never got a ride. I did my first big college show at Cal State Fullerton. I continued doing stand up until I was 19. This was 2009 and I discovered youtube, but my content in the beginning was too vulgar which only led to me being suspended from youtube. Now I went to youtube to potentially build an audience for stand up.
So from the years 2009 to 2016, I was posting content on all platforms trying to have breakout moment. I really understood how platforms worked and I told myself Imma try one more platform(Instagram) and see if I can get some followers. This time around I branded myself and I worked extremely hard on my craft and this was the first time I see my following go up. I went from 2k-400k followers in two years. I have gotten major repost from The rock, 50 cents, worldstar and even Will Smith. So Patience was the key and now I am working back on my stand up. So this process to get where I am today took 16 years. I also have a successful podcast called “Off The Mic”.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road.
Being a young comic was difficult to get shows because I was a no one at the time and a lot of the promoters would require you t sell tickets to the show. I was 14, I didn’t know too many people over 21.
Catching the bus is always a struggle, I would be out super late and get home just to get a fews hours asleep because I had Hs the next morning.
Social Media struggles.
With my content, Instagram and youtube limited my discoverability; also known as a “Shadow Ban”. So if people couldn’t find my page, then it was hard to get new followers. One time I was shadowbanned for ten months and it made not want to create content. So pretty everyday I make a video, the platforms have the power to delete my whole account and thats a scary thing because I built this.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a stand up comedian and influencers.
I pretty much make rants on social media about pop culture in a minute.
I am proud of my impressions, at this time I have 410k followers and I get more likes, comments and views then someone with 2 million followers. I also love how I have a lot supporters around the world and just not in America.
What sets me apart is that I am my self, there will never be another me, so I take advantage of that.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The best thing about LA is the taco trucks lol no but really. Everything is out here that I need, I don’t have travel anywhere in the field that I am.
I hate how crowded it is in LA.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instagram.com/JamesJeffersonJ
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/JamesJeffersonJ
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/JamesJeffersonJ
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/JamesJeffersonJ
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-mic/id1253246427
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
