Larry is a name that resonates in Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene, both for his connections and his unique comedic voice.
As a comedian, he has made a name for himself through various performances and collaborations, yet his legacy is intertwined with that of his famous father.
While Larry keeps his father’s identity private, he acknowledges the influence his dad has had in shaping his journey within the city.
Even as he carves out his own identity, many fans of his online comedy are surprised to learn he is the son of a well-known figure in Chicago’s Black community.
Growing up in neighborhoods like Beverly, Washington Heights, and spending time in the suburbs, Larry cultivated an upbringing that has contributed to his distinct sense of humor.
He fondly reflects on his youth, stating, “Half the people I know are from growing up…We went to school with people from the hundreds who just ended up doing something. I feel blessed.”
Larry’s rise to viral fame began in 2016 with his involvement in the #StopRappingCampaign sketch, which gained exposure on platforms like BET and The Fader.
This comedic milestone had a humorous yet profound effect on his life.
“I was crying in the video—it was everywhere.
My pops hit me up like, ‘What’s this about you on the Internet, crying all over the place?’ I was like, ‘Damn . . . I know I made it,’” he shared.
In 2018, Larry, alongside his team, rebranded their creative initiative and launched Smoked Out Saturdaze.
This show, described as “a band of brothers brought together by beautiful smoke while discussing current events in pop culture,” highlighted not just Larry’s hilarious antics, but the entire crew, creating a tighter production process.
“Everybody you see on the show does the skits with me,” Larry explained, showing his appreciation for his collaborative approach.
In addition to his comedic ventures, Larry collaborates closely with his brother La-Kheem to produce Kheemerfest, a music festival that found its genesis during the early days of the COVID pandemic.
Initially conceived as a means to support gigging musicians, Kheemerfest has evolved and will return to Dolton, Illinois, this July 19, headlined by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Avery Wilson.
“It’s like a younger version of Essence Fest,” Larry described.
“We smoke weed there, and it’s BYOB. We’re trying to get where we can have different stages for different times.”
Beyond being a comedian and a producer, Larry views himself as a cultural connector.
He effortlessly links Chicago’s experiences to national narratives, recalling local legends, such as how the rap group the Cool Kids influenced hip-hop fashion or how basketball legend Michael Jordan would play ball with locals before games.
Larry emphasizes the soul of Chicago lies within its details and the narratives of its people who work to keep these stories alive.
“I look at myself like a spokesman of the city, especially from the Black perspective,” he states.
“I’ve been around the world, but being able to bring it back to our people and speak it the way we speak is almost like keeping them up-to-date with what we be on—because it’s a way to eat Harold’s, it’s a way to order your Home of the Hoagy.”
Larry’s mission also targets something that has often been overlooked by major media outlets; he captures Black life with the nuance, humor, and care that it deserves.
“That’s why my words resonate: Because if you’ve hit the bump [on LSD], you know what I’m talking about,” he remarks.
He continues, “If you’ve been in the Harold’s or you’ve seen the cluck—you can relate to it.”
Through humor, connection, and a deep sense of pride in his city, Larry is not only redefining what it means to be a comedian in Chicago but is also actively engaging in the cultural narrative, shining a light on the myriad experiences that define the community he represents.
image source from：https://chicagoreader.com/music/city-of-win-music-chicago/larry-legend-harolds-saturdaze-stoprappingcampaign/
