Hughley, the second of four children, was born into a family with a working father, an airlinemaintenance worker, and a mother who dedicated her life to homemaking.
Growing up in Los Angeles' South Central neighborhood, Hughley's early years were marked by a tumultuous experience as a member of the Bloods gang, a path he embarked upon after being expelled from high school.
However, a transformative event in his life occurred when a close cousin was shot, prompting Hughley to re-evaluate his priorities and turn his life around. He left the gang and ventured into the workforce, initially securing a job as a telemarketer for the Los Angeles Times.
As Hughley's professional career progressed, he moved into management and crossed paths with his future wife-to-be. Her encouragement played a significant role in his decision to pursue a career in comedy, initially taking the stage for club dates.
Eventually, Hughley's talent and dedication earned him the distinction of becoming the first host of BET's "Comic View," followed by the release of two adult-oriented HBO specials, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled comedian.
