The Construction of Ricanstruction
“How a Puerto Rican Comedian From Brooklyn Rebuilt His Story.”
How it all Began
The Construction of Ricanstruction
Ricanstruction didn’t just happen — it had to be built brick by brick. This special is more than a night of comedy; it’s my lifetime of resilience, laughter, and determination taking shape on stage.I named it Ricanstruction because that’s what my life has been — tearing down walls, rebuilding after setbacks, and constructing a dream with nothing but grit, faith, and heart. I wasn’t handed this stage. I fought for it. Every ticket sold, every donation, every bit of support has been a brick in the foundation of something bigger than myself.
This isn’t just about comedy. It’s about culture. It’s about showing the world that a Puerto Rican kid from Brooklyn can rise, rebuild, and stand tall with nothing but community and determination behind him.
On October 18, 2025, Comedy In Harlem will see the unveiling of what we’ve been building. Ricanstruction isn’t a comeback — it’s proof that when you rebuild with passion and purpose, you create something unshakable.
And this page will grow just like the project. In the weeks leading up to the show, you’ll find new interviews, behind-the-scenes photos, and video clips that reveal the journey — the grind, the laughs, the sacrifices, and the triumphs.
Because Ricanstruction isn’t just my story. It’s ours.
The Meaning Behind The Poster
When we created the Ricanstruction poster, it wasn’t about making just another flyer — it was about building an icon. Every detail tells part of my story, and the story of what Ricanstruction stands for.
The stance in the poster isn’t just me posing — it’s me standing firm after years of setbacks, showing that no matter how many times life tries to knock me down, I’m still here, stronger than before. It’s the posture of survival, of resilience, of a Boricua who refuses to be broken.
The colors weren’t chosen at random. They tie directly to the Puerto Rican flag — red, white, and blue running through the design as a constant reminder of my roots. It’s my way of carrying the island with me, even while standing on Brooklyn pavement. For me, the flag has always been more than fabric; it’s family, culture, pride, and proof that we endure.
The grit in the background, the raw textures, the shadows — they speak to where I come from. I wasn’t raised in shiny, polished spaces. I grew up in the tough corners of New York, where you had to fight for your space, your respect, your voice. That rawness in the poster represents those streets, those struggles, and the foundation I had to break through to get here.
Even the word Ricanstruction across the image is a message. It’s not just a title — it’s a blueprint. It means tearing down the old, the broken, and the doubted, and rebuilding it into something unshakable. It’s a declaration that my story isn’t over, that my people’s story is still being written, and that comedy is the tool I use to carve it into stone.
This poster isn’t just promotion. It’s a piece of the movement. When people see it, I don’t just want them to think “show” — I want them to feel the weight of a journey, the pride of a culture, and the power of standing tall after everything tries to hold you down.
That’s the meaning behind the poster. It’s not just an image of me. It’s an image of Ricanstruction.
The Perfect Host Eric Nieves
Every great show needs the right energy to set the stage, and for Ricanstruction I knew I couldn’t just pick anyone. The co-host wasn’t just about introducing me — it was about creating the perfect bridge between the audience and the story I was about to tell.
I needed someone who understood comedy, who understood New York, and who understood the culture. Someone who could command the room, get the crowd laughing, and then hand it off with momentum so that when I stepped on stage, the energy was already alive.
That’s why I chose Eric Nieves. Twenty-five years ago, Eric was the host who brought me up for the very first time when I stepped onto a comedy stage. Now, all these years later, we’re doing this together — brothers in comedy from way back, carrying on the same bond that started in the original Latino Laughter shows of the early 2000s, created by the late, great Ozzie Baez.
Eric isn’t just another comedian — he’s my brother and my friend in this game, and that’s something rare in comedy. His loyalty, his honesty, and his pride in being Boricua make him the perfect person to share this milestone with me.
The co-host sets the tone, and I wanted that tone to be authentic, powerful, and filled with love for the culture. Eric brings all of that and more. Together, we’re making sure this isn’t just a show — it’s an experience from the moment the lights come up.
This moment is also a tribute to Ozzie Baez, who created spaces like Latino Laughter that opened doors for Puerto Rican and Latino comedians to shine. His legacy lives on every time we step on stage, and Ricanstruction is proud to carry that torch forward.
The Sound Track To Ricanstruction
Every great comedy special needs more than just laughs — it needs rhythm, energy, and the heartbeat that keeps the night alive. For Ricanstruction, there was never a question of who that person would be: DJ Johnny D.
Johnny isn’t just a DJ — he’s family. I’ve known him for over 30 years, and he’s the godfather to my youngest daughter. That bond runs deeper than music, and it’s rare in this business to have someone who knows both your history and your heart.
From the first beat to the last, Johnny is the one setting the tone, keeping the energy flowing, and making sure the crowd feels every moment before I even step on stage. There’s no other DJ who could do what he’s doing for me on this journey. He’s not just spinning records — he’s a major player in making Ricanstruction the unforgettable experience it’s meant to be.
The Director: Flex of On the Flip Syde
When I thought about who could direct Ricanstruction, there was only one name that made sense — my childhood friend Flex, the owner of On the Flip Syde. Flex and I go back more than 30 years, running the same streets of East New York, Brooklyn. We’ve seen life from the bottom up, and we’ve always had that unshakable bond of brothers who made it through together.
Flex isn’t just directing this show — he’s helping me bring a lifetime to the stage. He knows where I came from, he knows the struggles, and he understands the importance of this moment in a way no outsider ever could. That’s why his vision matters. It’s not just about stage cues and lighting — it’s about capturing the soul of the journey.
As the founder of On the Flip Syde, Flex has built a reputation for creativity, hustle, and producing work that speaks to the culture. Bringing him into Ricanstruction means this project isn’t just directed — it’s guided by someone who’s been walking this road with me since day one.
This show is bigger than comedy — it’s about rebuilding, reclaiming, and rewriting my story. And there’s nobody I’d rather have directing it than Flex, a brother who’s been there since the beginning.
Capturing The Vision a Diamond in the Rough
Every project needs people who not only have the skills but also share the vision. For me, that’s Rich — better known as Diamond Cash. We’ve been friends for over 10 years, and our story started at a movie theater, working side by side. Back then, we used to talk about the future, about how one day we’d shine and make our mark in the movie world.
Now here we are — living out that dream with Ricanstruction. Rich isn’t just another camera guy on this project; he’s a brother who believed in the vision from the start. He brings passion, creativity, and the hunger to make every frame count.
What makes Rich special is that he knows this isn’t just about pointing a camera. He understands that every angle, every shot is about capturing the heart of the story and the energy of the room. Having him behind the camera isn’t just about professionalism — it’s about bringing a decade-long dream full circle.
Together, we once spoke about the day we’d be part of something bigger. With Ricanstruction, that day has come. And Rich is right there with me, helping turn those old conversations into a reality the world will see.
Cheers 2 The Assistant
In a project as big as Ricanstruction, you need someone who can handle the pressure, manage the details, and keep everything moving. For me, that person is Arlene Rivera. We first crossed paths in the comedy world, and right away I saw her gift for promotion and production. Coming from another promotion company, Arlene has the experience to fill up a room and knows exactly what it takes to make a show come alive.
But what truly sets Arlene apart is her toughness — forged not just in the entertainment business, but in life. She’s a cancer survivor, and that battle has made her one of the strongest women I know. Her strength, resilience, and no-nonsense drive are exactly what this project needed.
From day one, Arlene believed in Ricanstruction. She didn’t hesitate, didn’t second-guess — she jumped on board because she understood the vision and wanted to help make it real. Having her as my assistant isn’t just about logistics; it’s about having someone by my side who brings heart, grit, and an unshakable belief in what we’re building.
With Arlene on the team, I know every detail will be handled, and every room we step into will feel the full force of her energy. She’s more than an assistant — she’s part of the backbone of Ricanstruction.
The Manager: Domingo Padilla of Media Famous
Every fighter needs a coach in their corner, and for me, that’s Domingo Padilla — my manager, my brother, and one of my closest supporters. Domingo, Flex, and I go back over 30 years, growing up together in the streets of East New York, Brooklyn. From day one, he believed in me, believed in my work, and took the chance to guide me toward this journey.
Domingo has built his name as a powerhouse in the hip hop world, producing for legends like Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Big Pun, Shaq, and so many others. He’s proven his ear for talent and his gift for building careers. So when he chose to step in and manage me, it meant more than business — it was brotherhood coming full circle.
He was the one who sent me out to Los Angeles, pushing me to take bigger steps and opening doors I never thought I’d walk through. That move didn’t just change my career; it reminded me that with the right people in your corner, anything is possible.
Now, with his company Media Famous, Domingo is leading the charge on how Ricanstruction will live beyond the stage. From the YouTube premiere to the rollout of clips and promotions, he’s making sure this special gets the exposure it deserves. At the same time, Media Famous is protecting the project — handling copyrights, branding, and sponsorships — so I can focus on the art while knowing the business side is secure.
Domingo is more than a manager — he’s the Mickey to my Rocky. He pushes me, he believes in me, and he makes sure that when I step into this fight called Ricanstruction, I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.
And the best part is this: after three decades of friendship, Domingo, Flex, and I are finally bringing it all full circle — three brothers from East New York making the dream real together.
The Photographers: Sonar — Dare to Dream
When it came to finding the right photographers for Ricanstruction, I was blessed to connect with Sonar. In Spanish, soñar means to dream — and that’s exactly what their work represents. Their images don’t just capture moments; they capture dreams coming to life.
Sonar has been incredible in helping bring this project forward. With every shot, they’re not only documenting the show, but also helping to tell the story behind it — the culture, the passion, and the journey that led to this night. Their photographs will make Ricanstruction live far beyond the stage, allowing people to see and feel the energy of this moment over and over again.
But their work doesn’t stop there. The images Sonar creates will also carry this project into the world — through the press kit, promotional materials, and future opportunities that will open because of this night. They’re not just capturing history; they’re helping to shape how it’s shared and remembered.
For me, Sonar is more than just a photography team. They’ve stood beside me, believed in the vision, and used their art to help shape the way this special will be remembered. Sonar — Dare to Dream. With their images, the dream of Ricanstruction becomes something the world can see.
The Backbone: My Wife, Mariel
Every big moment in life needs someone who stands by you no matter what — and for me, that’s my wife, Mariel. She’s more than just my partner in life; she’s become an essential part of this production, making sure Ricanstruction runs smoothly behind the scenes.
On show day, Mariel will be the point of contact for guests and sponsors, making sure everyone feels welcome and taken care of. She’s handling the details so I can stay focused on the stage, and she’s making sure that when I walk out, the spotlight is on the performance — not the chaos that can come with production.
But beyond the logistics, Mariel is my anchor. Through every late night, every stress-filled planning session, and every moment of doubt, she’s been the one reminding me why this matters. Her belief in me is unwavering, and her support makes this project possible.
Behind every strong man, there’s an even stronger woman. Mariel is that for me. She’s not just helping with the show — she’s part of the foundation of Ricanstruction. Without her strength, love, and dedication, this journey wouldn’t be complete.
