![]() It wasn’t until he was laid off by the MTA that he started producing and starring in the comedy skits he posts on social media. But before he embarked on the life of a showman, as a certified electrician he kept the lights on both figuratively and literally. “When you’re desperate you’re willing to do what you gotta do.”Ī single father, Hype’s growing career is what currently keeps the lights on and puts food on the table for him and his four children. I took certain roads– being on the streets and doing things I knew I was not supposed to do,” he states reflecting on a journey he feels wasn’t the best route to self sufficiency, but necessary to his growth. “My daughter turned me into a man quicker than I wanted to be. His journey into fatherhood at a young age forced him on to a risky path. Hype’s acceptance of the good, the bad and the ugly of the human experience adds to his appreciation for his place and purpose in the world. “I have a brand new saxophone over there in the corner I play percussions, piano and that’s my guitar,” he says glancing to the black string instrument eloquently coordinating with the sheen of his black leather couch. Preceded by a moment of reflective silence, Hype identifies an instrument he just purchased. “In my grandfather’s band, I was the wow factor.” ![]() “That’s the saxophone my grandfather gave me before he passed away right there,” Hype states as he points to a rust colored brass instrument proudly displayed on a wall not far from the entrance of his office. Over the years Hype also included piano, drums and guitar to his musical repertoire. His grandfather taught him to play the saxophone, and before long he was traveling with his grandfather’s band. Growing up in a family of entertainers, Hype’s career in front of an audience started when he was eight. “At the end of the day it’s not important where we’re from. Most importantly allow us to understand each other’s cultures,” Hype continues. “I want to build a platform for all of us to come together laugh joke and support each other. I neglect my culture for the sake of others. “My background is the people’s background. When asked his nationality, he gallantly responds with an air of purpose, to use his comedy and platform as a tool to teach diversity and to help dispel xenophobia. So much so that it’s difficult to determine Hype’s own nationality. His awareness of self and his surroundings gives him the ability to not only speak on different cultural and ethnic practices, but also in the dialects. Hype also funnels those experience into his characters. At the end of the day those are the things that created Majah.” Photo Devon Wallace He’s so Majah I might not have been this witty person or creative person. “But I might not have been this strong if I didn’t go through certain things. There are things that while they were happening I thought to myself, why me?’” Hype reveals. “I’ve had friends that I’ve called best friends who now have kids for my ex girl…I could count on one hand how many people that I actually call my friend. Hype also credits the wisdom he’s gained to events in his life where the integrity of trust, loyalty and love came into question. He attributes his success to discipline, hard work and consistency traits he says he learned from legendary comedians such as Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy and Dennis “Sprangalang” Hall. His performance scheduled at NJPAC this Mother’s Day only has a few seats left. With over 100 thousand subscribers on YouTube, and rapidly approaching a million followers on Instagram, sold out dates of Hype’s “Are You Dumb?” tour are not uncommon. Things that everyone can relate to.” Life Lessons “It’s more about what happens on a day-to-day basis. “I call my comedy realistic comedy,” Hype declares in a vocal drawl seasoned with passion and intention. A working atmosphere complete with audio equipment, speakers, computer screens, and musical instruments suspended on the wall the space is familiar because it serves as a stage for Hype’s many comedy skits on YouTube and Instagram. ![]() Jackets and coats dangle from hangers in the back, waiting their turn to help bring Qweff the weather man, or DIRASS the rasta to life. The spirits of the many characters he channels in his comedic videos are represented by the T-shirts and hoodies folded and stacked on the shelves next to him. Settled into his office in Brooklyn while taking a breather between tour dates, comedian, musician, filmmaker and father, Majah Hype, is a man in his element taking responsibility for his own destiny. Whether it’s good things, bad things, horrible things…You’re strong for a reason.” A Man’s World Things that happen to you in life is what builds you and conditions you into the person you are. BROOKLYN, N.Y.– “What I’ve been through in my past is what made me the man I am today.
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