Rickey Smiley is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program, "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" and CEO of Breakwind Entertainment.
He is known for having made millions laugh for over 27 years. As a celebrated comedian, television host and top-rated nationally-syndicated radio personality, Rickey has earned a reputation for delivering to audiences both on and off stage. With the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold, Rickey is one of the few “clean” comics amongst the upper echelon of contemporary comedians.
At any given performance, audiences are treated to such original characters as Bernice Jenkins, Lil’ Daryl, Joe Willie and Beauford. In addition, his comedy shows often include a live band, which he often accompanies (he is an accomplished pianist and organist).
Rickey has recorded eight best-selling albums, including iTunes #1 best-selling comedy album, “Rickey Smiley: Prank Calls Number 6.” Smiley has hosted BET’s “Open Casket Sharp” and “Comic View,” and has appeared on “Showtime At The Apollo,” “Uptown Comedy Club,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and “Snaps.” In addition to being featured on "Dish Nation," his nationally syndicated morning radio show can be heard in over 50 markets.
Rickey hails from Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Woodlawn High School and went on to attend college at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama.
Rickey joined forces with Radio One-owned television network, TV One as the star, executive producer and namesake of his own top rated docu-series, “Rickey Smiley For Real.” In its fifth season now, the amusing series features the balancing act of a working radio host, comedian, business mogul, and philanthropist with the joys and pains of being a single father.
Continuing to grow his fan base Rickey’s arresting natural talent is best demonstrated in his major feature film roles in urban classics including “All About The Benjamins” and “Friday After Next,” along with his most recent starring turn in the hit romantic comedy “Baggage Claim.”
Life off-stage, Rickey is dedicated to empowering and enriching the communities in which he serves daily. This performer has a heart of gold reflected in his burning commitment and ongoing desire to champion underserved communities through The Rickey Smiley Foundation. A non-profit organization founded to help serve underserved communities.
Rickey also is an esteemed and honored member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Band fraternity. He is the proud father of six children. Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, will publish Smiley's first book in the fall of 2017 entitled "STAND BY YOUR TRUTH: And Then Run for Your Life," which is already expected to be a best seller. @rickeysmiley
Dave Chappelle is far from cancelled at Netflix. Not only will the 48-year-old performer be one of the major headlining acts in the company’s upcoming comedy festival Netflix Is A Joke, Chappelle also confirmed his new four-part series, Chappelle’s Home Team, will air on the streaming service at the end of the month.
And the first comedian to kick off the show will be Chappelle’s fellow funnyman from the nation’s capital: Nathaniel Martin Stroman a.k.a. Earthquake.
“I’m very excited to announce, February 28th, I drop the first of the Home Team specials with my man from Washington D.C., Earthquake, in his first Netflix special, Legendary,” Chappelle said from his home in Ohio and alongside Stroman. “Please tune in [on] the last day of Black History Month so we can make one more day of history.”
The second entry in the series will be led by another DMV native, comedian Donnell Rawlings. Rawlings is best known by fans of Comedy Central’s Chappelle Show for his portrayal of Ashy Larry, and he posted news of Home Team on his Instagram page as well.
“I‘ve been doing this a long time and comedians like Quake and Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career,” Chappelle also said in a separate press statement. “Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.”
In July 2021, Earthquake spoke to hip-hop celebrity interviewer DJ Vlad about the opportunity to work with Chappelle. According to Vlad, had Comedy Central not agreed to doing Chappelle’s eponymous program, then he wouldn’t have the Netflix deals he has today. In fact, Vlad added that he felt Earthquake and Chappelle would be in the same spot were it not for luck.
But Earthquake wouldn’t let Vlad speak down on Chappelle’s success. “Let’s put a button on this right now,” Earthquake firmly told Vlad. “Comedy Central was lucky to have Dave Chappelle. Dave Chappelle could have [taken] that show to anywhere in the world. Dave Chappelle was never in Earthquake’s position… Dave Chappelle was the LeBron James of comedy!”
