Ali Siddiq OPENS UP about Prison Time, Politics & the Legacy of Dick Gregory | The Don Lemon Show

Don Lemon is joined by Ali Siddiq for an up close look at the comedian's path to success. After being handed a gun at 10 years old, and then serving time in prison at 19, Siddiq managed to become one of the most successful comedians on the stand-up scene today. He discusses the use of journalism in comedy, the importance of owning your material, and the influence of Dick Gregory on his life and work.
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00:00 - Intro
03:05 - Siddiq on his favorite cities to perform
11:00 - On serving prison time
17:03 - What’s your process?
22:30 - Childhood influence
35:30 - Incorporating journalism into comedy
41:15 - Releasing specials for free on KZread
54:10 - Siddiq on the Puff Daddy tape
57:55 - Trump gaining traction with black men
01:02:30 - Legacy of Dick Gregory
01:04:30 - Using the N word
01:13:00 - Ali for President?

Пікірлер: 150

  • @dakotac180
    @dakotac180Ай бұрын

    Ali is the most real storyteller. He will make you laugh then cry then laugh.

  • @soulinspiration1
    @soulinspiration1Ай бұрын

    Ali Siddiq is an outstanding human who made a mistake, paid for it learned from it, and then capitalized on it.

  • @shaidkhan5557

    @shaidkhan5557

    Ай бұрын

    He didn't say that he made a mistake or anything like that. This is your mistake. He has made the best out of whatever situation he was put in by God. Even before he was in prison and decided to become a comedian. He was a child in the ghetto and broke. He was a very ambitious person who looked after normal people. He walked In to footlocker at the age of 17 told the staff to shut the store with everyone inside and then offered to buy everyone whatever they want and did. He spent around 40,000 dollars that particular time

  • @shaidkhan5557

    @shaidkhan5557

    Ай бұрын

    A gem of a man who has just seen a warrior's vision for everything that has been given to him. Fought for and stood his ground

  • @soulinspiration1

    @soulinspiration1

    Ай бұрын

    @@shaidkhan5557 I didn't say he said he made a mistake. I said he made a mistake. God uses our mistakes for greatness. Because of my mistakes, I am more wiser and richer.

  • @gcchair7634

    @gcchair7634

    Ай бұрын

    @@shaidkhan5557I don’t agree with you. He starts out his first mistake was not going back to his mom once he was with his father. He never shies away from the turns that he made durning his life that lead him to where he is now. Though it is true that he was being raised in poverty and it affected him but he was realistic. Just as his last drop was going to be his last drop because he was still grieving his sister’s death and knew there was a better life. He knows there were wrongs and knows that not everyone path was clean… but he doesn’t make excuses. I have seen these man in person twice and he’s very honest.

  • @shaidkhan5557

    @shaidkhan5557

    Ай бұрын

    @gcchair7634 👦 🕴guy . You have an opinion that you have no idea about . How do you know that his mum wanted to bring up a boy in the ghetto on her own? If you have watched 👀 his performances, you will know what type of ghetto he was from and what sort of family he was from. His uncles were known men who had reputations selling drugs was the norm . Carrying a gun without a licence was normal 👌 😏 💯 at his dad's house. His mum was a typical Muslim black lady .who lived a squeaky, clean life for the world to 👀 see. Really, she knew exactly what they done to make money and just took the money and kept herself and the kids in good nik. She gave Ali to his dad so he could get trained up for life . She knew her son was a hustler but didn't expect him to be a superstar comedian.

  • @lisamclaurinholt3196
    @lisamclaurinholt3196Ай бұрын

    Thanks Don for having Ali Siddiq on your show. Ali is the only Comedian other than Richard Pryor whose gifted story telling is so extraordinary that I see movie scenes play out during your Comedy routines. Would love to see your play.

  • @bodaciousandunapologetic6209

    @bodaciousandunapologetic6209

    Ай бұрын

    I absolutely agree with you. Ali has arrived if Don is interviewing him 🫶🫶🫶.

  • @nikki-mi3mp
    @nikki-mi3mpАй бұрын

    I’m a proud lemon head ……I love this man! Don & Ali! This should have broken the internet!

  • @petewashington32
    @petewashington32Ай бұрын

    When I see Ali I click 😂

  • @TwistedLyfofTV
    @TwistedLyfofTVАй бұрын

    I swear I just had a conversation with my daughter about missing out on living. I just hit 51 and realized I've spent all my life struggling to survive and now looking back like half my life gone and I haven't even touched the hem of living and how I wish different for her.

  • @bodaciousandunapologetic6209

    @bodaciousandunapologetic6209

    24 күн бұрын

    @@TwistedLyfofTV It's not too late.

  • @mspperson

    @mspperson

    24 күн бұрын

    @TwistedLyfofTV I feel the same way. I have so many things that I still want to do!

  • @consuelocousin3289
    @consuelocousin3289Ай бұрын

    I THOROUGHLY enjoy listening to Ali!! He is hilarious! I had to turn my dad on to him. A couple of my friends turned me on to him a few years ago and I've been hooked ever since. Thanks Don!!❤😊

  • @TrangPakbaby
    @TrangPakbabyАй бұрын

    Love this. Ali is one of my favorite comedians and he’s just an overall good guy

  • @matguillaume2324

    @matguillaume2324

    Ай бұрын

    He’s one of my favorites. Well said.

  • @shaimesh1
    @shaimesh1Ай бұрын

    Love Domino Effect comedy series ! Thx for shining light on this amazing comedian

  • @tiffineyo2575
    @tiffineyo2575Ай бұрын

    I LOVE Ali Siddiq. Thank You so much for this interview

  • @2bleavin
    @2bleavinАй бұрын

    RoyWoods has outstanding taste in comics, Ali is most def 1 of the current goats. I've been blessed to see DickGregory live on stage, he wouldn't allow alcohol to be served only a juice bar & was FUNNY as hell, Ali reminds me of him, looking forward to his next special.

  • @StacyJackson-cn1fo
    @StacyJackson-cn1foАй бұрын

    Ali I didn’t know he did this. This is so good to hear. I’m so proud of him. I’m glad he’s not in prison anymore and I’m glad he’s able to live a great life.

  • @PamelaTurner-vu8ve
    @PamelaTurner-vu8veАй бұрын

    Thank you, Mr. Lemon & Mr. Siddiq 🌹

  • @TAZMIN4848
    @TAZMIN4848Ай бұрын

    This is an interview that all people need to hear💯‼️👏🏽👑BRAVO👑👏🏽

  • @annharrington2533
    @annharrington2533Ай бұрын

    Hello Don. Ali Siddiq has won a new fan from the Dick Gregory generation. Ali makes sense. One to point out, we live in a world where we rather hear salacious facts than actual facts. (not an exact quote, but representative of what he said.) How true is that? People just won’t listen at what they don’t want to hear. Keep on telling your stories young man. You get your point across.

  • @lucipearl12345
    @lucipearl12345Ай бұрын

    Ali Siddiq is the all-time Real Deal!!!! I can’t wait until you come to Montgomery Alabama the Heart of the Civil Rights Moment. Mannn I want to shake your hand!!!!🤗

  • @bmoney6939
    @bmoney6939Ай бұрын

    Keep feeding the ppl knowledge Mr. Alisiddiq there's those who will listen n I'm one of them.

  • @LordMerlic
    @LordMerlicАй бұрын

    Ali is a brilliant mind, exceptional comedian and storyteller.

  • @user-rq4sl1nt6l
    @user-rq4sl1nt6lАй бұрын

    Don I have enjoyed this segment.

  • @ATLGlamazon
    @ATLGlamazonАй бұрын

    Two of my favorite folks. I hope Ali is around to tell his stories for a good long time.

  • @mconnor131
    @mconnor131Ай бұрын

    I loved this interview Don! Good job. Please bring Mr Siddiq back when you all are able. Thank you

  • @sheilarollins1947
    @sheilarollins1947Ай бұрын

    In a nutshell, Survival is a struggle, and this was an in-depth knowledge of boundaries with respect. The best is when Ali said he would run for politics ✊🏽🗣️🔊 Don, thank you for being a trailblazer to an elevated twist on a genuine dilemma in America. VOTE VOTE 🗳️ 🗳️🗳️💙💙

  • @lindathornton6607
    @lindathornton6607Ай бұрын

    I love Brother Ali he is so funny. Getting tickets for his show in Philly in November.

  • @valerieperry3131
    @valerieperry3131Ай бұрын

    Glad you love Chicago ! I was at that sold out show ! Keep up the good work !!!!!!

  • @user-ce4fc4du3w
    @user-ce4fc4du3w28 күн бұрын

    OMG! Since Pryor and Dick Gregory have passed, I m going to have to move Ali in their place in stand up!...The best storyteller out here!.. GOD IS SO GOOD! Thanks Son for giving him this exposure!

  • @user-ce4fc4du3w

    @user-ce4fc4du3w

    28 күн бұрын

    Thanks Don Lemon.. I HATE PREDICTING TEXT

  • @StacyJackson-cn1fo
    @StacyJackson-cn1foАй бұрын

    Hello hello hello I’m just tuning in. Hi Don lemon how are you? We miss Dick Gregory. He was one of my mother’s favorites. She loved him and I loved him.

  • @CarrettaRoberts
    @CarrettaRobertsАй бұрын

    He is my number one I watched him every day I love silver back and cobra Mexican got on boots I laughed every time I see scoop cereal so many stories I love it

  • @vhartman66
    @vhartman66Ай бұрын

    Great interview!

  • @CanePollFishermon
    @CanePollFishermonАй бұрын

    Another great interview. Mr. Ali is a very smart man and he's a great thinker.

  • @katherinea.rodgers8366
    @katherinea.rodgers8366Ай бұрын

    Thanks Don. Great conversation!

  • @tashauh05
    @tashauh05Ай бұрын

    Been a fan of Ali from the beginning! So happy he is getting the recognition he so rightfully deserves! Yawl be sure to o check out his comdey albums! They are all hilarious and available on all music platforms and Sirius XM radio. Trust me his story telling has been exceptional for years and is not limited to just prison stories. I mention all that to say Ali we love you! Proud member of the constituency ❤

  • @Tracy1729
    @Tracy1729Ай бұрын

    Another Great Show, Don 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

  • @dannakiel2650
    @dannakiel2650Ай бұрын

    Ali is my favorite comedian and seeing Don Lemon do this interview on his new platform is dope! #TwoGreatMinds 🎤🎥🎭

  • @MrsNewland318
    @MrsNewland318Ай бұрын

    So thankful for this interview!! It was a lovely surprise!!!! #mygriot #alisiddiq

  • @hanoverconcierge3067
    @hanoverconcierge3067Ай бұрын

    Hopefully Don can be the true 'journalist' guy on the internet . . . who gets REAL people - REAL stories . . . in a principled format.

  • @sheshe4460
    @sheshe4460Ай бұрын

    Great interview and you always have the best guest.

  • @BlountedReality
    @BlountedRealityАй бұрын

    Happy to see Ali's star rising❤

  • @mrsplanetmaster9
    @mrsplanetmaster9Ай бұрын

    🍋heads.. Good morning from Hollywood ☕🌞

  • @katrinabowers8505
    @katrinabowers8505Ай бұрын

    Love Ali. He is an amazing human being

  • @building_a_better_me
    @building_a_better_meАй бұрын

    🍋🍋Don I loved this interview. I can listen to Ali stories all day.🍋🍋 chefs👩🏾‍🍳 kiss

  • @santaclaus4327
    @santaclaus4327Ай бұрын

    What a show 👍🍋❤️🙏!!

  • @NappyChile
    @NappyChileАй бұрын

    🍋 👏🏾 Don Lemon 👏🏾 🍋 Great Live!

  • @Auraseven415
    @Auraseven415Ай бұрын

    "Mitchell" 🤣😂Can't wait for the Play🥰

  • @NelsTheArtist
    @NelsTheArtistАй бұрын

    Only here for Ali. WE LOVE YOU ALI!!! 💪🏾

  • @user-qd8qm3md6n
    @user-qd8qm3md6nАй бұрын

    DC is watching. Great conversation. Salute 👏

  • @territaylor6619
    @territaylor6619Ай бұрын

    Ali is the greatest storytellers of all times. Got turned on to him through Godfrey Hilariously when he was on Club Shay Shay.

  • @BlindMellowJellyInc
    @BlindMellowJellyIncАй бұрын

    Great guest choice. Bravo to Lemon for noticing a brilliant talent. Don should take a tip from Ali, take a pic of your loyal following and the guests that we have seen and send it to CNN telling them "Im cool, its all good" Those of us who have something to say will indeed say it. Yet another solid episode with more to come Im sure.

  • @chriskeepit100
    @chriskeepit100Ай бұрын

    The combo we never knew we needed

  • @CaptMoo
    @CaptMoo27 күн бұрын

    Ali is the best storyteller out there... Will make you laugh with just his experience. Love him.

  • @MsKclark2
    @MsKclark2Ай бұрын

    Good morning lemon 🍋 heads !

  • @gilbertmoreno3621
    @gilbertmoreno3621Ай бұрын

    Like his voice

  • @sabrarichardson9105
    @sabrarichardson9105Ай бұрын

    Don, this interview is awesome! I always watched him, and now realize that he is similar to Dick Gregory.

  • @evelenebarnett9362
    @evelenebarnett9362Ай бұрын

    H-town babee! Ali one of the BEST story tellers ever!

  • @maryshawn905
    @maryshawn905Ай бұрын

    My guy Ali,.😊😊😊

  • @user-is8bv3kb9k
    @user-is8bv3kb9k8 күн бұрын

    I love Ali, he says things the way I think. And how my family go about talks about things. He is so REAL

  • @InSaiyan0ne
    @InSaiyan0neАй бұрын

    We got you Ali! ✊🏾

  • @ss065n
    @ss065nАй бұрын

    Blessed to witness his gift

  • @stephaniepeterkin150
    @stephaniepeterkin150Ай бұрын

    Blessings to you 🙏

  • @ayannawashington1938
    @ayannawashington1938Ай бұрын

    Great interview!!..This was great to see the evolution of two men...Ali, you make people stop and pay attention!

  • @mssimone2631
    @mssimone263120 күн бұрын

    The Chicago Theater? Ali, when were you in Chicago? I missed you. Will catch you next time. I discovered Ali recently on the Breakfast Club. Have been following him ever since!!

  • @luvthe80s
    @luvthe80sАй бұрын

    I can listen to Ali all day! He’s the best!

  • @kee3000
    @kee3000Ай бұрын

    Love you, Liiii! #SWAT #PaulRevere ❤

  • @Honey-qj9yz
    @Honey-qj9yzАй бұрын

    Good show. I've watched is comedy on KZread and he's fantastic

  • @Venus-er9ng
    @Venus-er9ngАй бұрын

    I had to watch this one 🎉 ALI, I'm still waiting for you in ALBANY, NY. 🤷🏿‍♀️

  • @yvettethomas4329
    @yvettethomas4329Ай бұрын

    Love Ali Siddiq ❤❤❤❤

  • @wolfchief7952
    @wolfchief7952Ай бұрын

    Ali Siddiq has a very unique voice👍

  • @DrBongiPhD
    @DrBongiPhD21 күн бұрын

    I love Ali Siddiq’s comedy and commentary. I started following his Instagram and enjoy his specials.

  • @Rebeca-sd1md
    @Rebeca-sd1mdАй бұрын

    Yes, Don, bring Ali back! He's great! Thank you for these awesome interviews 🙌 👏 🎉 I love how you just ask a question here and there and then just sit and let these great people talk. Love this! ❤🍋🍋🍋❤

  • @pollywilliams6623
    @pollywilliams6623Ай бұрын

    My Favorite Comedian!!❤❤❤

  • @bassmorpheus
    @bassmorpheusАй бұрын

    Great conversation!!

  • @waliasad5475
    @waliasad5475Ай бұрын

    Great show peace and blessings Greater things are ahead for both of you gentlemen 🤲🏾✊🏾

  • @Freemason2020
    @Freemason2020Ай бұрын

    I see Ali I click and like it even before I see the interview

  • @eclarkcomedy
    @eclarkcomedy26 күн бұрын

    Ali skillfully answered those political questions

  • @christinespiers-wy9kr
    @christinespiers-wy9kr3 күн бұрын

    I’m definitely going to watch his special!

  • @chantellebranch
    @chantellebranch23 күн бұрын

    The Chicago Theater Show was an all time great night. I was in Stitches, found a great park downtown, and the night was lit 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @nunyabusiness3516
    @nunyabusiness3516Ай бұрын

    I love Ali Siddiq!!!!!!!

  • @karikasumi888
    @karikasumi88828 күн бұрын

    Love Ali💜

  • @kadywilliams8109
    @kadywilliams8109Ай бұрын

    Congratulations on your new show. You are in your zone and it shows! I just wish I could hear you a little better. The volume seems to be much lower when I tap into your program. Maybe it's on my end. Anyway, keep doing what you're doing.

  • @Liy___444
    @Liy___444Ай бұрын

    Great interview ❤️

  • @user-li2vl4yd1x
    @user-li2vl4yd1x21 күн бұрын

    The comment he made on what D. Gregory said is amazing. 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

  • @lindablake8040
    @lindablake8040Ай бұрын

    Ali Saddiq is a great intellectual storyteller and comedian.

  • @karikasumi888
    @karikasumi88828 күн бұрын

    Ali for president. 🎉

  • @heatherro9989
    @heatherro9989Ай бұрын

    Great interview.

  • @Gingerlymelyfe
    @GingerlymelyfeАй бұрын

    I love Ali Siddiq 💚. Glad to see him on here

  • @queenishutchins5348
    @queenishutchins534823 күн бұрын

    Great interview ❤❤❤

  • @vialouis3083
    @vialouis308325 күн бұрын

    Preach, Ali🙌🏼. That orderly & neat game has always been my ideal. Convincingly other was relatively easy. When it wasn’t, I worked hard to move to a community where pride of place did matter. Shout out those speaking to youth Before they’re considered at-risk kids. The streets won’t raise ur kids in a useful way-that’s hands-on parent stuff. Stop having them if u don’t have time to put the work in.

  • @MsKclark2
    @MsKclark2Ай бұрын

    Good morning Don!!!❤❤

  • @yolandasmith2153
    @yolandasmith2153Ай бұрын

    Fantastic interview

  • @NoEl-en3uc
    @NoEl-en3ucАй бұрын

    I’m not trying to have a “Shay Shay” moment but I commented on one of Ali’s FB posts about the idea of him doing a Broadway show several months ago.. my idea was for him to do a one man show but this idea he’s come up with for a play is alright too😁!

  • @ayporter1
    @ayporter1Ай бұрын

    Love Mr. Dick Gregory RIP

  • @bodaciousandunapologetic6209
    @bodaciousandunapologetic6209Ай бұрын

    Don looks great 😊.

  • @infojunkie5329
    @infojunkie5329Ай бұрын

    I love how Ali focused on Cassie as the victim and not Diddy's sick azz.

  • @Reg44T
    @Reg44T22 күн бұрын

    Change that title. A young person may see that and think he want to be free! You helping the man!

  • @godsgirl121293
    @godsgirl12129329 күн бұрын

    I vote for Domino Effect limited series!

  • @Chereese0808
    @Chereese0808Ай бұрын

    Good Comedians are always very intelligent. He's good!! ✌️💞

  • @shaidkhan5557
    @shaidkhan5557Ай бұрын

    Masha Allah and I have to say that I have only just got to watch Brother Ali Sidiq perform and listen to his story . What can I say 🤷 the man is a very likeable person . For some reason, I don't feel like he is boasting with the social circumstances he has been involved with. I also believe everything he talks about. In fact, he plays a lot of the situations down. 💯 😂🎉. He seems well rounded and educated whether he was educated on the road ,prison, and his journey or university? I don't know , but he's definitely well articulated in getting his points across, and he's hilarious. His name means The lion of Allah and the honest one. He is literally so

  • @CHEQQUEENSNBROOKLYNMF
    @CHEQQUEENSNBROOKLYNMFАй бұрын

    TEXAS STAND UP ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @Dannydudelido
    @DannydudelidoАй бұрын

    As a Dane, I've missed Don since the CNN days. Always watched his shows although in the middle of the night/early morning. Then the show changed hours but still watched it. Best show on CNN. After he was fired, I never watched CNN again. Too bad CNN.

  • @marstha1
    @marstha1Ай бұрын

    anything with Ali,I'm watching

  • @BlackValyria
    @BlackValyriaАй бұрын

    Ok Don #CheatCode‼️💯💃🏾💜

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