Comedian. Television host. Movie Star. Top-rated syndicated Radio Personality. Father of 6. For over 20 years. Rickey Smiley is one of the most beloved performers in American media, earning a reputation for delivering boundless laughter on-air, on-stage, and on-screen. Every morning, millions of Americans in nearly 60 cities listen to Rickey Smiley and his 6 outrageous cast members on “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.” His interviews with major celebrities, social political awareness and trademark prank phone calls have made Smiley one of the most listened to radio personalities in history. Rickey Smiley’s down home southern humor, opting to use insight rather than vulgarity to get laughs, is at the core of his success. His audiences are treated to such original characters as “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins”, “Lil’ Darrl,” “Joe Willie” and “Beauford.” Smiley is known for his clean comedic style and his reputation to sell out venues across the country. To movie audiences, Smiley is best known for “All About The Benjamins” and “Friday After Next”. He’s recorded 8 best selling CDs including iTunes #1 Best Selling Comedy Album, “Rickey Smiley- Prank Calls Number 6”. On television he”s hosted BET’s “Open Casket Sharp” and “Comic View”, appeared on “Showtime At The Apollo,” “Uptown Comedy Club”, HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam”and “Snaps”. Smiley graduated from Alabama State University, became KBFB’s (Dallas) morning show personality in 2004, and soon moved his show to WHTA Atlanta. When not performing, Smiley is the ultimate devoted father, single-handedly raising 6 kids, the subject of a soon to be released parenting book. QUOTE: “Success is when preparation meets opportunity” @thersms
Erica Mena joined “Love & Hip Hop” literally swinging, so it’s hard to believe she quit and didn’t appear at the reunion because of the drama.
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A better reason for her departure is the fact she’s preparing to be Bow Wow‘s wife.
But is the reality star really in a better place, and ready to settle down? That’s what she told VIBE in a recent interview.
“It’s time to be a wife. It’s time to be the woman my man needs,” she tells Vibe. “My man don’t need a girl that’s on TV, my man needs a girl by his side.”
It sounds like Mena is officially done with reality TV. According to Madame Noire, she reportedly filmed a private interview with Mona Scott-Young, and celebrated her son’s birthday on the day the rest of the cast filmed the reunion.
Mena leaves behind one of her most drama filled seasons. Between Chrissy, her ex-girlfriend Cyn, and her on-again off-again relationship with Rich Dollaz, there were a lot of story-lines centered around her.
But the show must go on. In fact, Rickey Smiley says he “Love & Hip-Hop New York” is great with or without Erica Mena. Listen to the audio player below to hear why he loves the show so much, and who his favorite cast members are!
