MIKE EPPS | MEAGAN GOOD | KEVIN HART | TAMALA JONES | LUENELL | DARIUS MCCRARY | NICOLE PARKER | RUSS PARR | CLIFTON POWELL | KEITH ROBINSON | WENDY RAQUEL ROBINSON | KYM WHITLEY

A true Renaissance man, Russ Parr’s career has evolved from a stand-up comic and recording artist to a top-rated, nationally-syndicated radio host heard weekdays by 3.2 million listeners in 45 cities across America. And you can add the title of filmmaker to his ever-growing resume.

He’s opened for the legendary comedienne Joan Rivers, and avoided bombing on stage, thanks to the laughter of friends and family. Parr credits his work as a comedian for developing his comedic timing as well as the many character voices that has led to his success on the radio.

He gives a special thanks to Jack Patterson, former program director and morning show host for 1580 KDAY in Los Angeles, for giving him his big break. Russ landed his own morning show on 1580 KDAY, the first 24-hour, all hip hop station in the country. He used his platform on the airwaves to address gang violence, and provided gang intervention in the studios and on the air. Parr realized that urban radio not only needed to be funny and uplifting, but it also had a responsibility to the black community to be informative.

While at KDAY, Parr launched his own independent record label, Rapsur Record – that is, Russ Parr spelled backwards -- recorded a parody song, called “We Like Ugly Women,” as one of his popular characters, Bobby Jimmy. It was a hit record.

Other hit parodies followed, and he later signed with ganster rapper Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records label, and recorded several EPs, produced by Dr. Dre and DJ Pooh. Parr recorded the hit singles “Big Butt,” “Roaches” and “Hair or Weave.” Interestingly, he performed his parodies in live shows alongside his label-mates Ice Cube, DJ Yella, MC Ren, World Class Wreckin’ Cru, Michel’le and Yo-Yo.

Eventually, Parr left Los Angeles for Dallas – accepting a gig with 100.3 Jamz/ KJMZ-FM. While in Dallas, he created, wrote, and produced FLAVA TV, and starred in the show alongside his morning show sidekick, Afredas. He later sold the show, which still airs today.

Another opportunity knocked, and Russ landed at 93.9 WKYS in Washington, DC, and the nationally-syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show was born.

Other forays into television include the dating/game show “Get The Hook Up,” which aired on TV One.

Russ Parr | the independent filmmaker
And when he’s not on the air, he’s an independent filmmaker too. With Up to Parr Productions in conjunction with Swirl Films, Parr has written, produced and directed four films – that is, “The Last Stand,” “Something Like a Business,” and “Love For Sale.” Currently, all titles are available on DVD.

His latest offering, “35 & Ticking,” stars an all-star ensemble cast with Nicole Ari Parker, Tamala Jones, Kevin Hart, Keith Robinson, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Meagan Good, Mike Epps, Clifton Powell, Jill Marie Jones, Kym Whitley, Luenell, Dondre Whitfield and Aaron D. Spears. Written and directed by Parr, “35 & Ticking” centers around the lives of Victoria, Zenobia , Clevon, and Phil -- all friends, approaching the age of 35 and struggling to build the families they've always dreamed of.

After successful screenings in Washington, DC, and a West Coast, red-carpet premiere at Pan African Film Festival, Image Entertainment in conjunction with Swirl Films and Up To Parr Productions is set to release “35 & Ticking” in theatres on Friday, May 20, 2011 in Atlanta, Washington, DC, and Baltimore.

“As a filmmaker, it is very gratifying to have an idea in your head, and watch it unfold in front of the camera with a talented cast and crew,” said Parr. “I’m really excited to see this project on the big screen, especially when so few Black films are being made in Hollywood.” Parr added, “It’s so important that the community support not only my film, but all the independent Black filmmakers who are trying to tell great stories, which truly reflect our slice of life as African American people.”

He is currently writing the script for the sequel “Something Like a Business 2,” and preparing to shoot “The Under Shepherd” in 2011.

Russ Parr | the author
Having tackled every aspect of the entertainment industry, Parr certainly has some stories to tell. He chronicles his experiences in the industry in a new self-help book titled “The Game Behind The Game: Mastering the Art of Bullshit,” (Farrah Gray Publishing, Inc.; on sale April 1, 2011; ISBN-10: 0982702752; ISBN-13: 978-0982702758; $14.95 US; 264 pages) set to hit bookstores on April 1, 2011. It’s already one of the most anticipated books of the year.