THE DUKE CITY COMEDY JAM SERIES #DCCJS2, in Albuquerque, New Mexico Featuring: “The Mayor” Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas: Stand-up comedian who performed on Def Comedy Jam.

Before comedy went viral online, some comedians built their names the real way – by standing on stage and making people laugh face-to-face. One of those comedians is Chris Thomas.

Many fans know him as “The Mayor.” He became popular because of his confidence, fast jokes, and strong energy on stage. Before social media and online clips were everywhere, Chris was already performing in busy comedy clubs and appearing on national TV.

He became well known as the first host of BET’s Rap City. He also performed on HBO’s hit show Def Comedy Jam, which helped many comedians grow their careers. His story is about hard work, big performances, and years of making people laugh. Now, let’s learn more about his journey and success in comedy.

Early Life and Comedy Journey

Chris Thomas is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and radio host based in Washington, D.C. He has spent many years in the comedy world, building his name step by step. Like many great comedians, he started by performing live and learning how to connect with the crowd.

Over time, people noticed his quick wit and strong personality. He did not just tell jokes. He entertained. His stage presence made people pay attention. That is how he slowly built a solid career in comedy.

Rising to Fame with Rap City

1. Chris Thomas became the first host of BET’s Rap City, and this changed his career in a big way.
2. He hosted the show from 1989 to 1991, when hip-hop was starting to grow and reach more people.
3. The show became very popular, and many viewers started to recognize him.
4. Chris did not just introduce music videos. He added jokes, personality, and fun to the show.
5. He had a natural way of mixing comedy with hip-hop, which made the program feel fresh and exciting.
6. Because of his funny impersonations and strong presence, people started calling him “The Mayor of Rap City.”
7. He made people laugh, but he also showed real respect for the culture.
8. This opportunity gave him national attention and helped him move forward in his comedy career.

 

Growing His Career with Def Comedy Jam

Chris Thomas took another big step in his career when he performed on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. The show was very popular and helped many African-American comedians get noticed. He, not only as a comedian but also as a writer, graced the show with both talents on the national stage. The show was a stepping stone in his career, helping him to become a well-known and respected figure in the comedy world.

• Chris brings his comedic flair to the stage of the very popular and well-known comedy show HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, which was produced by Russell Simmons.
• The show originally ran from 1992 to 1997 and came back in 2006.
• It was an important platform for African-American comedians to show their talent.
• Chris worked as both a performer and a writer on the show.
• At the end of 2008, in the finale of Season 8, he showed his powerful stage presence.
• His appearance on the show was a big stepping stone in his career development and helped him gain respect.
• Def Comedy Jam was a platform that launched the careers of a lot of comedians, including Chris.

 

Comedy Style and Major Performances

Chris Thomas is well-known for his highly energetic and daring comedic style. He gets along well with the audience using witty jokes, hilarious impersonations, and comedy performances on some of the largest stages in the country.

• High-energy, confident, and engaging stage presence.
• Bold and relatable humor that connects with audiences.
• Famous for impersonations of Barack Obama, Mike Tyson, Frank Sinatra, Denzel Washington, and Sugar Ray Leonard.
• Performed on shows like Comic View and Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza.
• Part of The Bad Boys of Comedy tours.
• Appeared at major venues like Madison Square Garden and the Apollo Theater.
• Shared stages with music legends such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Prince, and Luther Vandross.

Radio Career and Recent Work

Chris is not only a stand-up comedian. He is also a radio host. He hosts “The Chris Thomas Show” on Radio One (WOL 1450AM/95.9FM). Through radio, he continues to connect with his audience in a different way.

As of 2025, Chris is still active in live comedy. He performs in the DMV area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) and headlines different events. He has recently performed at places like Society Lounge in Silver Spring and headlined “All About the Laughs” at the Barking Legs Theater.

He also continues to tour and appear at comedy events, proving that his passion for comedy is still strong.

Awards and Recognition

Comedian Chris Thomas has won a number of awards. For a long time, he has been recognized for his contributions to stand-up, television, and radio.

Promoters and other comedians often refer to him as a hip-hop and comedy ‘living legend’.

His long-lasting career and unwavering performances prove that he is not just a TV personality. He is a genuine entertainer.

From Stage to Spotlight: Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas grew his career through a mixture of live performances, television achievements, and his persistent efforts throughout the years. He became a respected name in comedy, from hosting Rap City to performing on Def Comedy Jam.

His high energy, bold humor, and strong stage presence helped him stand out from the rest. Even now, he is performing and sharing great moments directly with the crowd. His journey tells us that genuine talent combined with hard work makes a impactful legacy.