Joe and Jada - Jess Hilarious talks new book, Birdman’s LEGENDARY Breakfast Club moment, Netflix crossover & WILD Martin Lawrence story

Joe crack in the building with Jada—legendary energy only. Today’s guest is a Baltimore force who turned pain into punchlines, built a media lane from the Gram to one of radio’s hottest mics, and put her story in a book. She’s a mom first, comedian always. Make some noise for Jess Hilarious.

Baltimore shaped you. What was growing up there like—and who did you look up to?

My dad was the first funny I knew. I watched Bernie Mac, Martin, and Chappelle, but my parents kept me protected. My brother was in the streets; I got sent to a mostly white high school in Pennsylvania and, honestly, that’s where I first experimented with stuff. Baltimore was home, but my folks made sure I stayed focused.

When did you know comedy was the move—not just vibes, but your lane?

I started with quick IG and Vine skits, then hit an open mic even though I was scared to bomb. First time out I did about ten minutes and felt the room. Then Martin Lawrence’s brother called, asked if I did stand‑up, and put me on in my city before an arena crowd—I got that love and knew this was it. After that came Wild ’N Out, a Fox sitcom, Def Comedy Jam, and later The Breakfast Club.

Radio can be political. How tricky has that been for you?

I’m unfiltered, so learning what you can’t say is a daily thing. Politics are real—like when I got introduced onstage as the other New York station and didn’t even clock it at first. I learned fast that little slips can be big shade.

DJs get pressed by every aspiring rapper. How do you handle people close to you chasing music when it isn’t there?

Tell the truth. If a song is bad, say it. Too many crews gas their friends and waste time and money; real love is honest feedback.

Low‑key, I’ve always wanted to do morning radio.

Morning radio is a jolt. You wake people up, talk your talk, and build a bond daily. It’s loud, it’s live, and if you’ve got a real connection to the audience, it fits.

You’re touring, pushing a book, and doing mornings while being a mom. How are you pulling that off?

I’m a walking zombie some days. I cut Sunday shows so I can travel, be in the studio before sunrise, and still show up for my kid. My husband and my son feed me highlights so I can talk sports on air when I’ve knocked out by the late game.

Hoops talk—Wemby looks unreal. Also joked about culture shock dating here versus Europe. He seems humble and locked in, and the league loves that.

What sparked the book?

Co‑parenting taught me a lot. I tried to be a great mom while staying mad at my ex, and it showed up in my son’s behavior. I had to face my own anger, understand his father’s deeper pain—he lost his mom at ten—and choose peace so our kid could thrive. The book is that growth on paper.

Tour timeline?

I’m on the road through year‑end, then I tape a special, then back out again.

Where do most fans connect with you—IG, Wild ’N Out, Breakfast Club, stand‑up?

All of it. I started online, grew on TV and radio, and the stage made the bond real. I’ve crossed over more lately, but my day‑ones are still heavy in the rooms.

That quick pull‑up to your station years back went viral. Thoughts on that era?

I wasn’t there that day, but it was in‑and‑out and all eyes were on. With cameras rolling and a billionaire entourage, nobody’s letting a one‑on‑one happen. Later on, I spoke to him and we were good.

Real talk, you’re a boss. You had the baby, came right back, and kept your seat. Salute.

Big love to Jess Hilarious—book out, tour rolling, mornings rocking. Make some noise.