Skip to content
Brick Wall Comedy
Brick Wall Comedy

Son of Haiti

TJ

Comedy Dynamics · Album · 2020 · 57 min

A Haitian transplant looks at American dysfunction with deadpan calm.

Listen on Apple Music(opens in a new tab)

Released , on Comedy Dynamics.

TJ approaches American culture with the calm detachment of an outsider who learned English as a third language and refuses to be startled by New York City neuroses. He explains the odd logic of white people who consider themselves exempt from race, details a childhood under a strict Haitian household policy that banned fun, and methodically works through the mechanics of dodging syphilis.

Released in April 2020 by Comedy Dynamics as an audio special, the 57-minute set was recorded at Littlefield in Brooklyn, where TJ had been building an audience alongside regular spots at the Comedy Cellar. He touches on heavier ground without manufactured gravity—working through an eleven-minute stretch on the Me Too movement, a vegan partner, and the dread of fathering terrible children, treating America less like a promised land and more like an empire quietly in decline.

Notable bits & set list

6 bits

  1. Dodging syphilis in New York City

    Discusses health and dating challenges while living in NYC.

  2. Growing up with a strict 'no fun' policy

    Draws on his childhood upbringing and cultural differences.

  3. Evil kids at summer camp

    Humorous observations on children's behavior in camp environments.

  4. White people thinking they are 'race-less'

    Explores the intersection of racial identity and societal perceptions.

  5. The Me Too movement

    Navigates contemporary gender politics and sensitive cultural conversations.

  6. Suicide

    Touches on taboo and dark subjects with thoughtful humor.

How it plays

Tone
Insightful, witty, smart, engaging, and provocative.
On stage
Easy, conversational style offering witty and insightful perspectives.
About
Immigrant experience, Intersection of politics and race, Life in New York City and Brooklyn, Upbringing in Haiti, Cultural perceptions of race, Modern social movements

What the critics said

Ashley James of Stellar Underground praised T.J. for drawing the audience in with witty, insightful perspectives that make listeners nod in agreement before laughing, while Comedy Dynamics CEO Brian Volk-Weiss described it as a really fun, engaging set and truly funny album.

Summed up from reviews, articles and listings. Sources: comedydynamics.com, audiobooks.com, music.amazon.com.mx, orcd.co, fable.co.

Backstory

Originally from Haiti and based in New York, T.J. draws on dual experiences in Haiti and Brooklyn to give voice to the immigrant community and provide an immigrant's perspective on American culture.

Details

Released
Runtime
57 min
Where
Comedy Dynamics (album)
Topics
After
January 3rd (2020)

More from TJ

Similar specials