Jo Koy will host a multi-episode comedy showcase series titled “Martin Lawrence Presents: Pass Tha’ Mic.”
The event will be filmed in front of a live audience on Aug. 29 and 30 at the Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Created by “Def Comedy Jam” icon Lawrence and Stacy Lyles, “Pass Tha’ Mic” is designed to spotlight up-and-coming talent in stand-up comedy. The project does not yet have a distribution partner.
“Pass Tha’ Mic” hails from Magenta Light Studios and Runteldat Entertainment. It’s executive produced by Lawrence, Yari, Koy, Lyles, Rae Proctor, Robert Lawrence, Leslie Small and David McPherson.
Tickets to the live event will go on sale on June 19.
“‘Pass Tha’ Mic’ is about creating opportunities for the next generation of comedians and giving them a platform to be seen,” said Lawrence. “Comedy has always been about discovering new voices, and I’m excited to help shine a light on talented performers who deserve that opportunity.”
“Martin Lawrence is an important figure in the history of stand-up comedy and television. ‘Pass Tha’ Mic’ continues that legacy by creating a showcase for emerging talent while bringing together some of the best voices in comedy today,” added Bob Yari, CEO of Magenta Light Studios. “As Magenta Light Studios continues to expand its television slate and invest in premium unscripted and comedy programming, we’re proud to partner with Martin, Runteldat Entertainment, Jo Koy and this incredible team.”
Koy is a stand-up comic who hosted the Golden Globes and routinely sells out arenas across the globe. Lawrence is a comedy veteran whose work spans from the sitcom “Martin” to blockbuster franchises like “Bad Boys” and “Big Momma’s House.” His championing of emerging comedic talent dates back to his hosting HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” in the late 1980s and ’90s.