Entertainers blend music, laughs

Comedian Mike Epps and R&B singer Myron Avant will come together Saturday for the same reason: “Love & Laughter.” We compared both entertainers to see why their fans would think the show was a great mash-up.

Mike Epps

Reppin’: Indianapolis, Ind.

Before stardom: He was a class clown.

Breakthrough: Epps was a troublemaker who admits to spending four months in a juvenile center after a prank involving super glue. In 1995, he was featured on the Def Comedy Jam tour and starred in two of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam broadcasts. He later landed roles such as goofball cousin Day-Day Jones in two of Ice Cube’s “Friday” film series. He played Baby Powder, a pimp who slapped people with hands full of baby powder, in the movie comedy “How High?” And there’s talk of him starring as Richard Pryor in a tribute film.

Myron Avant

Reppin’: Cleveland, Ohio

Before stardom: He was a warehouse worker.

Breakthrough: An uncle who sang in a vintage R&B group, similar to the Temptations, influenced his music career. The multiplatinum R&B singer has come a long way from packing boxes to singing jams with hip-hop’s best (Snoop Dogg to Lloyd Banks). Avant’s Billboard hits include “Separated,” “My First Love” and “Read Your Mind.” He’s so talented that people have asked Avant if he’s related to R&B great R. Kelly. He’s not. Avant recently performed in the play “Love of War,” with Karen Malina White of “The Cosby Show” and Carl Payne of “Martin.” He also had a cameo in Ice Cube’s “BarberShop 2: Back in Business” in 2004.

Contact the writer:

444-1075, j.loza@owh.com