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
Nicki Minaj has long been associated with the iconic Mattel toy Barbie. However, the company is pushing back against the use of their trademark for a new snack named after the doll.
TMZ reports that Mattel has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court against Rap Snacks claiming that the company “made the deliberate and calculated choice to launch a new product line using Mattel’s famous BARBIE trademark.”
Nicki is not named in the suit.
The chips are Barbie-Que Honey Truffle and come in a bright pink bag and feature an image of Minaj on the front.
Mattel says that Rap Snacks did not approach them before the release of the flavor and TMZ notes that the company tried to reach out to Rap Snacks to strike an agreement.
However, they say Rap Snacks “refused to cease use of the BARBIE trademark and issued no corrective advertising, thereby forcing Mattel to bring this lawsuit as a last resort to protect its rights and prevent further consumer confusion.”
The toy maker is petitioning for Rap Snacks to stop using its trademark and to pay damages.
Minaj has long been associated with the classic toy. She often refers to herself as a “Barbie” in music and other imagery and her dedicated fans are known as “The Barbz.”
