Monie Jonezy

Not Just for Laughs

Interview by David R. Navarro

David R. Navarro: Tell us a little about yourself?

Monie Jonezy: Sensational Blackman, born and raised in Denver, Colorado also know as the infamous Eastside. I am also a Veteran and served in the Air Force for 6 years, my highest rank was Staff Sergeant. I am a Super proud Dad of 3 amazing kids.

DN: How long have you been doing standup?

MJ: With all due respect for the Art but I have been producing Comedy shows for 6, almost 7 years. But all in all, I’ve been doing stand-up about 4 years now.

DN: What made you decide to be serious about being a comedian?

MJ: I really enjoy making people laugh! I saw a lane and tried it out and form the looks of it I made a good decision.

DN: Which people or books have had the most influence on your career and why?

MJ: I don’t want to give away my secrets, but my biggest influences are Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. Watching Eddie’s Hit Raw has a real impression on me, well all his movies really did. He was my favorite actor for over a decade. Martin Lawrence came through with his talent and style that was so incredible to me. Just watching their brilliance really put a fire in my belly and I felt I needed to be a part of that lane.

DN: What would you say is the #1 key to success in the entertainment industry?

MJ: Off top, listening to God.

DN: Talk about the biggest failure you’ve had. What did you learn from it?

MJ: Far too many times I gave too many people too many opportunities, putting their feelings and wants in front of my own, instead of trusting my intuition. I feel I would be further in my career, but the good thing is I learned how to stay focused by letting go of those distractions that kept me from being the best version of myself.

DN: What advice can you give other individuals who want to follow in your footsteps?

MJ: You must really be passionate about your craft because it looks better than it really is. There are a lot of sacrifices that come along with this lane.

DN: What keeps you going when things get tough in the business?

MJ: My ambition to be successful and God. That simple.

DN: What does a typical day in your week look like?

MJ: Man, fueling up for mu work out, checking my social media sites, in tour mode, working on my set, eating is super important I’m a half vegan, Atlanta has way too much good food to go full vegan right now, most importantly I’m always trying to figure out how to make more money.

DN: Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

MJ: All jokes aside ultimately, I love what I do. I love to see people elevate and I’m a serious advocate to help end homelessness and hunger. I’m passionate about these issues and I want to make sure to do my part to make a difference.

You can find me on Facebook Monie Jonezy @Monie Jonezy on Twitter and Instagram.