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
CultureCon is creating an epic nostalgia moment soon.
With its fourth annual convention on the horizon, the folks behind the gathering are paying homage to romantic flick Love Jones on its 25th anniversary.
Starring Nia Long and Larenz Tate, the 90s classic followed Tate’s character Darius Lovehall on his journey as a young black poet in Chicago, where he falls in love with Nia Long’s Nina Mosley character, a photographer. The two bond over their creative careers and fall in love despite a bunch of start-and-stop moments and missteps.
To celebrate the movie, Long and Tate will be headlining a Creative Genius conversation at Culture Con that aims to “learn more about their impressive careers, and the undeniable impact their work has had on culture.”
Since its inception in the 2010s, the convention has aimed to highlight all facets of the culture– entertainment, sports, and beyond.
“The Creative Collective, we are a community and a creative agency, and we’re dedicated to curating brave spaces for creatives of color. We use “brave” instead of “safe” because we really do want individuals and young professionals and creatives to show up as their full, unapologetic self,” founder Imani Ellis told us in 2019. “And it really stems out of just wanting to create these really meaningful relationships. It was meant to be a small kind of almost “book club,” if you will, and instead of talking about your favorite authors, really talking about how we can all lift each other up.”
If you’re interested in a look back on 25 years since Love Jones’ release, you can see the talk for yourself come Culture Con on October 8, as well as other events for CultureCon week, October 2 to October 7.
