About The Artist

Emerging from the crossroads of stick-figure art and razor-sharp wit, before Twitter captured a moment with a 140 characters, there was the “Original Yo’ Mama” by the artist James Stephens III. Unlike a painter who only uses his brush or a writer who only uses his words, James has the unique ability to mesh the two mediums, sculpting visual imagery through his words and supplementing them with his eye-catching drawings. James has been given the gift to share it with the public, this collection embodies the soul and spirit of a young man’s experiences growing up in everyday life.

Actor, comedian, artist, musician, composer, writer, producer and so much more, James Stephens III is one of the most talented and prolific performers of our time. The creator of a first-rate, family show, James uses his magnetic personality and iconic style to energize the audience. His quick wit, impersonations and improv skills brings overwhelming joy and side-splitting laughter into the lives and hearts of multitudes of people from the rich and famous to the poor and ordinary. James is the Ultimate performer and has been hailed as “one of the funniest comedians of our time” by Walter Isaacson, the Managing Editor of Time Magazine. His shows are magical and endearing, whisking the audience on a memorable journey that entices their senses of sight and sound. A surefire standing ovation always follows suit on the heels of his performances and engagements.

His resume is long and his experience is unparalleled to any other in the business. James is one of the most versatile and gifted entertainers to have achieved national and international acclaim, gracing stages far and wide. Throughout his career, James has transcended the comedic form while continuing to maintain his unmistakable charisma blending and weaving his artistic talents. He has graced the stage with legendary greats such as Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Patti Labelle and James Brown; shared the big screen with Jennifer Aniston and Dana Carvey; and paired with comedic icons Will Ferrell, Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Chris Rock, George Lopez, Paul Rodriguez and countless others. His cross-over appeal has taken him from performances at the White House and Carnegie Hall to the famous Apollo Theatre. His listing of TV shows as well as stand-up appearances are just as long as they are impressive: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Comedy Central, HBO, BBC, Showtime and MTV. An established Headliner on all the major cruise lines, he has also graced the halls of the Grand Ole Opry, London’s Lewisham Theatre, currently named Broadway Theatre in Catford as well as the Hackney Empire Theatre. Abroad, he has headlined at the Edinburgh Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and at numerous stand up comedy clubs across the US including the Improv, Harrah’s, Laugh Factory, Caroline’s and the Comedy Store. He is a supporting actor in the Christian-based film, Until Forever (2016), the Michael Boyum Story, portraying the role of Mr. Fenton.

As James rose to stardom, he was able to fulfill his true purpose in life: uplifting, educating and serving others. When James is not on the road traveling to his next gig or speaking engagement, he is often found ministering to people from all walks of life in churches, prisons and schools. James has had the extraordinary opportunity to team up with notables as Dr. Maya Angelou and Bishop T.D. Jakes, join efforts with non-profit organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, NAACP and lead his own organization, the James Stephens III Scholarship Foundation. Proceeds from the sales of the“Original Yo’ Mama” Collection will go towards the James Stephens III Foundation, providing deserving high-school graduates with scholarship funds and a laptop computer upon entering their first year of college, setting them up for success. Yo’ Mama wouldn’t have it any other way.