Siddiq's early life was marked by significant challenges, as he was born in Houston and later found himself living with his single mother and siblings in the projects, a stark reality that would shape his future. Despite the difficulties, Siddiq's family played a crucial role in his upbringing, with him and his siblings also residing with other relatives at various points.
As a teenager, Siddiq turned to selling drugs, a decision that would have far-reaching consequences. At the age of 19, he was imprisoned for trafficking in cocaine, serving a 15-year sentence at the Ruben M. Torres Unit in Hondo, Texas. It was during this period of incarceration that Siddiq discovered his talent for making people laugh, honing his comedic skills by telling jokes to his fellow inmates.
While working in the prison's laundromat, Siddiq's captive audience of workmates became an unwitting source of inspiration, as he crafted his stand-up routine. This innate ability to bring joy to others would eventually become a defining characteristic of his career.
After his release from prison in 1997, Siddiq began to pursue his passion for comedy, taking the stage at the Just Joking Comedy Cafe in Houston. His inaugural performance was a baptism by fire, as he was met with a chorus of boos during the comedy club's Apollo Night, an event that typically drew a college crowd. Undeterred, Siddiq decided to reassess his approach, waiting a couple of weeks before attempting to wow the audience once more, this time donning a more relaxed attire of jeans and a t-shirt.
The results were dramatic, as Siddiq's second attempt earned him a spot as the co-host of the Apollo Night show just a month later, a testament to his perseverance and dedication to his craft.
