Siddiq's early life was marked by tumult, as he was born in Houston and later found himself raised by a single mother following his parents' separation. This challenging backdrop was further complicated by the fact that Siddiq and his siblings were forced to navigate living arrangements with various family members, a circumstance that likely had a profound impact on his formative years.
As he entered his teenage years, Siddiq became entangled in the world of drug trafficking, a path that ultimately led to his imprisonment at the age of 19 for trafficking in cocaine. He served a six-year sentence at the Ruben M. Torres Unit in Hondo, Texas, a period that would later prove to be a transformative experience.
While incarcerated, Siddiq discovered his ability to make people laugh, initially honing his comedic skills by telling jokes to his fellow inmates. His work in the prison's laundromat provided a captive audience, allowing him to refine his craft and develop a sense of confidence that would serve him well in the years to come.
After his release from prison in 1997, Siddiq began to pursue a career in stand-up comedy, making his debut at the Just Joking Comedy Cafe in Houston. His first appearance on stage was during the comedy club's Apollo Night, an event that typically drew a college crowd. However, Siddiq's inaugural performance was met with a less-than-thrilled reception, as he was booed off the stage due to his decision to wear a suit.
Undeterred, Siddiq waited a couple of weeks before attempting to redeem himself on stage, this time donning a more casual outfit of jeans and a t-shirt. His perseverance paid off, as he was soon named the co-host of the Apollo Night show just a month later.
