Arnez J. On Katt Williams, Kevin Hart, MoβNique, Rickey Smiley, Bernie Mac, BET & Comic View
In this episode of Club Shay Shay, Shannon Sharpe sits down with the electric and fearless Arnez J.βa legendary stand-up comedian, dynamic actor, and one of the most physical performers ever to grace a comedy stage. With nearly 35 years in the game, the former host of BETβs Comic View and Def Comedy Jam alum has performed to sold-out crowds across the country and built a legacy rooted in originality, raw honesty, and side-splitting impressions.
Arnez opens up about his deeply personal comedic influences, including imitating family members like his Uncle Charlie and honoring his developmentally challenged brother Rodney through his act.He and Shannon revisit their brief fallout over a fishing trip gone wrong and Arnez missing Shannonβs Hall of Fame induction. He shares wild stories from his days as a flight attendantβincluding altercations with passengers, getting suspended, and even sending a photo of his rear end to the airline after they tried to rehire him.
Arnez also dives into his complicated family history: being told at his grandmotherβs funeral that his father wasnβt really his father, the heartbreak of trying to help his sister during an eviction, and the tragic deaths of his brothers.
He reflects on the impact of his motherβs passing just moments before performing one of the best shows of his life, and the eerie coincidence of learning his brother had died while doing an interview about childhood trauma. He also weighs in on comedian rivalries, the Katt Williams interview, and how he once beat both Kevin Hart and Katt Williams in a race. Plus: his beef and reconciliation with Rickey Smiley, his thoughts on joke-stealing, a wild piece of hate mail from Australia, and why he lives by the bro code.
Arnez shares even more unbelievable storiesβfrom reacting to a bomb threat mid-flight to pushing an old woman during the chaos. He describes doing comedy routines over the plane intercom and how a passenger pushed him to pursue stand-up. He recalls his first open mic at Comedy Works, meeting Robert Townsend, and drawing early inspiration from Flip Wilson, Robin Williams, and Jim Carrey.
He details his rise in comedy alongside legends like Martin Lawrence, Tommy Davidson, Bernie Mac, and Cedric the Entertainer. From wearing roller skates on Def Comedy Jam to out-skating Usher, Arnez reflects on the originality thatβs kept him in the gameβand the gatekeeping thatβs kept him out of things like Netflixβs Def Comedy reunion.
Arnez talks about auditioning for Showtime Allstars after just four months in comedyβbeating 500 comedians but being edited out of the special. He shares what people get wrong about MoβNique, why he holds deep respect for Katt Williams, and why he avoids airing out dirty laundry.
He opens up about his traumatic childhood: being shot by his father during a PTSD episode, his troubled relationship with his mother, and the moment a police officer assaulted him for skating backwardsβan event that ended his baseball dreams and put the officer in a coma. He also talks about how martial arts, fatherhood, and comedy helped him heal.
This raw conversation is packed with unforgettable stories, powerful moments, and nonstop laughs. Arnez J doesnβt hold back as he shares the heartbreak, hilarity, and healing that have shaped his one-of-a-kind journey. Tap inβyou wonβt want to miss a second.
#ClubShayShayβ #ArnezJ #comedian
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Club Shay Shay is a weekly podcast hosted by Shannon Sharpe β 3x Super Bowl champion, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and co-host of First Take on ESPN. Each week Shannon will sit down with athletes, celebrities and influencers to break down, analyze and discuss the latest headlines in sports, pop culture and everything in-between. Get on the VIP list at Club Shay Shay NOW and never miss an episode!
Arnez J | EP. 170
Link of Ep. https://youtu.be/3N87-NE_48I
Club Shay Shay
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Arzez, I feel you about them trifling siblings/family members.π―
Arnez has been my favorite comic for decades!!! Had the privilege of seeing you him LIVE back in Birmingham many years ago!! This man is a comedic genius!
I thought this interview was going to be Joke City. But to hear about all the drama and see this side of Arnez was very enlightening
These are some sassy men lol.
Homeboy is really hurt how his sister treated him. He released his internal feelings on club SHAY SHAY. Timing is everything
Hey guys why should a person put their lives on the line for temporary fame. Enjoy the good life SHAY and Arnez.
Arnez be thankful your father didn't leave you locked in a car at a temperature over 100 degrees.
I Love Arnez J.
Arnez J. Is one of my favorite he does his own comedy his way, and he is funny as sh** . I love how open and honest he is , keep doing what you are doing. Oh and I love that he is about it!
So, β€ enjoyed this. Love, when he said I know your glasses thick π .
Wow the blessing Anne of a heck of a story it's a blessing that you're here with us
He is definitely funny and very energetic in his shows
The best one Mississippi stand up
Did Rodney die?
π£οΈThank you BG for your openness, and sharing your story.
Never seen this side of this man. I love this brother β€οΈ π β₯οΈ.
I have seen Arnez J live, he is so funny! He is such an underrated comedian! I love to see him in his normalcy. I think people forget that we are all human and all have a story! I pray that God heals his broken heart and reunites his family! God bless him and his family!
Arnez is the all time favorite for me! Heβs the funniest!
You need to get somebody immediately to discuss the Jeffrey Epstein files. I believe this will be a huge ratings
I was told by someone (no name), my Father who I love to this day and always will, that he was not my father. I get it.
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Totally enjoyed this interview. Love his truth!
Wow another great interview and glad to hear it from my favorite comedian
He talking about Marlon Wayans. Marlon get that mf
This is such a great heartfelt interview. I love Arnes J even more today.β€β€β€
I just want to give Arnez J a hug !!
This was a lot darker than I expected. Big fan of Arnez from comic view but they prob shouldβve edited this down
Why ain't Arnez get his sister's address before flying to Kansas wtf πππ