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
The one and only Yandy Smith woke up extra early and sat in with us on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show (Jan 19th), where not only was she a special co-host for the morning, she opened up to the audience about her start in the industry, providing for her community, and managing the balance between family and entrepreneurship.
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From working behind the scenes with some of hip-hop’s biggest acts, Yandy details how she was able to leverage one missed opportunity into Love & Hip-Hop, and now after all of these years building up such a large platform, the need to use it for good amongst her community.
“I come from a family I grew up in the projects in New York.And there were so many people around me that were talented, that just needed a big break, or needed an opportunity, needed a job. So growing up I always felt like I just got that opportunity to help my people, I would.”
From entertainment to business, to activism, Yandy Smith continues to leave her mark in a variety of areas and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon! Listen to the full conversation with the Rickey Smiley Morning Show below.
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