#91 – Sultan Salahuddin – Can Comedy from the South Side Redefine Black TV?
Tune in and be inspired by 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by the engaging Rob Lee. Together with our guest today, Sultan A. Salahuddin II, hailing from the vibrant South Side of Chicago, is a multifaceted talent known for his creative prowess. He embraced his roots as a member of the renowned Jackie Robinson West baseball team during his Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences days. Sultan's journey encompasses childhood memories of candy lady visits for now-and-laters and baseball games, eventually leading to his role as Simon James, the charismatic series lead of the HBO Max hit "Southside." As a passionate advocate for Chicago's splendor, Sultan is an esteemed member of the Los Angeles Writers Guild Association and the Screen Actors Guild. His artistic range extends to stand-up comedy performances across the Midwest and his membership in the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, CA. As the co-creator and star of the critically acclaimed HBO Max series, Sultan Salahuddin remains devoted to authentically reflecting the humor and essence of his beloved hometown through his creative endeavors.
About South Side
SOUTH SIDE follows two friends, Simon and Kareme, who just graduated from community college and are ready to take over the world. But until they do, they’re stuck working at Rent-T-Own. Shot on location in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, season two reintroduces the hilarious exploits of these adventure capitalists while authentically showcasing the vibrant city life and dynamic cast of characters of the titular neighborhood.
In this broadcast, we dive deep into:
- Salahuddin's formative years in Chicago, exploring the fusion of street wisdom and community spirit that shaped his perspective.
- The world of TV writing as Salahuddin unravels the intricacies of transitioning from stand-up comedy and creative writing to mastering the unique structure and rhythm of television scripts.
- The fascinating layers of crafting a show that authentically captures Chicago's essence, as Salahuddin delves into the profound significance of understanding the city's culture and quirks.
- Join us behind the scenes as Salahuddin and his creative team share their quest for excellence, striving to bridge the gap between reality and humor by crafting truly original content grounded in Chicago's vibrancy.
- Explore Salahuddin's wellspring of regenerative practices, from the tranquil embrace of nature through hiking and biking, to the invigorating realms of comedy shows and the philosophical echoes of Stoic wisdom that fuel his creative well-being.
Sultan discusses his experience growing up in Chicago and the memorable moments that shaped him. He talks about the importance of strong parents and the street intelligence he gained from living in a big city. Salahuddin also shares his experience writing for television and the challenges and rewards of creating a show that reflects the unique culture of Chicago. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to the funny and originality of the show while also being mindful of the city and its people. Salahuddin also discusses the regenerative practices he engages in, such as hiking, biking, and listening to Stoic quotes, to maintain balance and creativity in his life.
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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:
- Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
- Edited by Daniel Alexis
- Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor
Photos:
- Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
- Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.
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