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, LL Cool J, and Jack Harlow have been chosen to host the VMAs on August 28th at the New Jersey Prudential Center.
MTV has switched up their usual hosting tradition for something funkier with three generations of Hip Hop. Last year, MTV chose Doja Cat to host the award show. And the “Get Into It” rapper left a stylish impression on the show by showcasing five different unorthodox outfits throughout the night.
This year, along with hosting the VMAs, Minaj will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the annual ceremony. Fans are also excited to see Minaj take the stage to perform for the first time at the VMAs since 2018.
LL Cool J, who represents the throwback rap era, made history 25 years ago as the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award. Since then, only a few other hip-hop icons, such as Kanye West, Missy Elliot, and the Beastie Boys, have won this honor.
Other stars like Lizzo and Khalid will perform that night. Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, and Doja Cat lead the Hip Hop category in nominations. Latto and Baby Keem will compete for Best New Artist.
We are excited to see what Nicki Minaj and LL Cool J will bring to the VMAs as both music icons and hosts. We will definitely be tuning in!