Derrick House, a Bronx-born comedian, has tapped into New York’s vibrant pop-culture scene to turn his comedic aspirations into a thriving career. 

With nearly 100,000 followers engaged by his stand-up clips and imaginative skits, Derrick’s journey in the comedy world is as dynamic as the city that inspires him. 

In this candid feature, he shares the story of his rise from humble beginnings to his dreams of starring in major comedy specials. 

Who is Derrick Off Camera?

“Off social media, I’m someone who loves to sit back, chill, and enjoy life,” Derrick shares. 

“I’m all about family; I love spending time with them and seeing people smile,” he adds.. “There’s a difference between Derrick and the comedian, but at the same time, there really isn’t.”

While everyone who knows him recognizes his witty, energetic side, Derrick’s laid-back aspectthere’s also a laid-back aspect to Derrick that balances his life. Whether  he’s sharing quiet moments with family or lighting up the stage, his ultimate goal remains the same: to bring joy and laughter to those around him.

How It Started vs. How It’s Going

Derrick’s journey into comedy began early.at an early age, as he told us, “I think I got into comedy as a kid,” he revealed.. “The first movie I remember watching was Friday, and I was only four years old.” 

I don’t know why my mom let me watch that, but shout out to her because that movie had a big impact on me,.” Derrick added.

Growing up, Derrick was the class clown, always finding ways to make his peers laugh. 

“In high school, I played basketball, but I always thought about acting and doing comedy,” he revealed. “After college, I really started taking it seriously. I changed all my social media to ‘the comedian’ and began to focus on content creation.”

Derrick’s Comedy Career Today

Today, Derrick has built a sizable following that resonates with his message and connects with the New York culture he showcases in his skits.

His online presence has earned him spots on many local stages and given him a deeper understanding of the creative process. 

He tellstold us, “Now with over 100k followers, 1 million becomes much more attainable. At first, creators will deal with some level of imposter syndrome, but now I have all the proof I need that makes me see this as possible.”

What Inspires Your Comedy? Inspiration Behind His Comedy

Much of Derrick’s content draws inspiration from his community, common stereotypes, and the experiences of those around him. He enjoys expanding on what people think they know about New York and its culture taking what people think they know about New York and its culture and expanding on that with humorous scenarios.

“My ideas come from everyday life experiences,” he notes.. “I try to make fun of how we act as people—our culture, gender, and different groups.” 

“It could be something I’m going through or something a friend or family member is experiencing,” Derrick adds.. “I like to put a twist on it, imagining how things would be different if something else happened.”

Derrick also finds inspiration in his favorite comedians, movies, and stand-up shows. 

“Watching other comedians fuels my creative mind,” he states.. “It helps me think differently, like figuring out how to make a serious situation funny.”

The Influence of New York

Derrick is well aware that creators and pop culture alike look up to New York and its creatives for inspiration, whether from an artistic, stylish, or linguistic perspective.

Derrick explained, “New York is setting trends right now. Everyone knows about chopped cheese, a bacon egg and cheese, ‘word to my mother’ — it’s all mainstream. People from outside the U.S. even come here to experience it.”

Despite his pride in representing New York, Derrick is careful not to limit himself. 

“I didn’t want to be known for just New York jokes, so I sprinkled in other content,” he says.. “But being from the Bronx, that’s what comes out naturally. I also want to create content that everyone can relate to, even if they’re not from New York.”

Tell Us About Your Experience With Stand-up Comedy

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Beyond social media, Derrick is also making a name for himself on stage. 

“I host a show called Poetry Me Please and another one called Sampling Friends. With Poetry Me Please, I do a little five-minute set before the show starts, so I get my stand-up fix there.”

Recognizing the significant differences between stand-up and online comedy, Derrick’s exploration of the stand-up scene has opened new avenues for him to pursue.

He explainsed, “I’ve done three stand-up shows so far, but I want to do more. Stand-up is completely different from content creation or hosting. It’s a whole different beast, but I love the challenge and see it as another exciting opportunity to grow.”

Long-Term Goals and Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Derrick’s goals are both ambitious and inspiring. 

“Long-term, I want to create and star in my own show,” Derrick tells us.. “I’ve always admired people like Issa Rae, Donald Glover, and Quinta Brunson, who created something and became the stars of their own shows. That’s a long-term goal for me.”

Derrick also sees YouTube as a potential platform for more long-form content. 

“I want to create cinematic content on YouTube and eventually pitch it to networks,” he reveals/. “Social media is just a stepping stone to get to the next stage.”

Brand Deals and Business Ventures

Derrick is still in the early stages of his journey with sponsored content, and he acknowledges that making content creation a full-time profession comes with its challenges.

He sharesd, “I’ve seen some decent deals, but my goal is to have multimillion-dollar companies backing my creative efforts.” Derrick admires comedians like Kevin Hart, who have secured partnerships with major brands like Nike and Chase.

“On the social media side, people like Juicy have gotten endorsements from Target and Beats. The possibilities are endless,” he addsed.

Derrick is determined to land  the kind of deals that can truly transform his career. 

“I’ve had a few brand deals, but I’m aiming for those life-changing ones — the kind that allows you to do something big,.” he says.

Advice for Comedians: Be Persistent and Authentic

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For those looking to break into comedy, Derrick’s advice is simple but powerful: “Consistency is key. Stay patient and don’t get discouraged. Focus on how you can outdo yourself every day. It’s a slow grind, but as long as you keep going, you’ll be great.”

He also emphasizes the importance of passion. 

“Social media isn’t easy. It looks fun, but it’s hard work,” he says. “Passion is what gets you through the tough times.” 

“If you’re doing it just for the money, you might not last,” Derrick adds.. “But if you love it, you’ll find a way to keep going.”