Today we’d like to introduce you to Yusuf Ali
Hi Yusuf , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After listening to Kid Cudi’s album all weekend that year(2009),I was extra inspired to start my comedy career(and I had already mentioned it to my cousin so since I said it out loud i didn’t want to come across as a bull sh** artist). That Monday I got in touch with a club that had a amateur night competition and it was the beginning of my new life,so to speak. I was instantly hooked to the feeling and also pretty good at it(which helped because if it went bad then we never get here 16 years later). The first seven years in Cleveland was amazing. We have some of the best,smartest audiences and it really helped me find my voice in the beginning. In 2016 I moved to Los Angeles after choosing between there and New York. I chose L.A. strictly for the weather. And the women. And the weed. I didn’t have a agent telling me to move out there,I didn’t have a deal set up. I was just tired of the cold weather and seemingly lack of opportunity to grow at home. Since being here I’ve grew into a writer, actor and podcaster(listen to Meldrick Moment Extendo Edition podcast) ,I even voiced a cartoon character. Right before the latest Hollywood strike i was having meetings about developing my hip hop quiz show(let’s do lunch!). Today I’m still getting on stage as much as can, still tryin to pitch ideas and doing my weekly podcast. Be on the lookout for my cartoon series!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggle along the way is not having enough time and money. That’s where the trust fund kids get the biggest advantage. It must be nice having 40 hours per week to create instead of work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The easiest answer for me to the question “what do I do?” Is be funny. But I also try to get some information in there. My humor is based in reality and observation. I specialize in finding the humor in tragic situations. I’m a mood lightener. I’m mostly proud of the weekly improvement I hear in my podcast and my dedication to it. And what sets me apart from others is my unique perspective on my upbringing.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality is honesty. Be honest with yourself and be honest with the audience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Nextgreatali
- Facebook: Yusuf Ali
- Twitter: Nextgreatali
- Youtube: Yusuf Ali Comedy
