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
Beyoncé’s back! Act I of her trilogy album Renaissance is out now. The world is streaming and tweeting their reactions since it debuted at midnight. Check out what fans are saying inside.
Renaissance is the seventh studio album by the beloved singer, released on July 29. It is her first solo project since Lemonade and serves as the first “act” of a trilogy project. The album is equipped for the dance floor. Fans and artists alike are impressed that Beyoncé included dance music and drag legends like Kevin Aviance, Big Freedia and more.
The only person who is not pleased by Beyoncé’s latest drop is artist Kelis, who claims that she was never contacted to clear a record included on the album. Kelis even accused Beyoncé and producer Pharrell Williams of theft.
The song she’s referring to is one of Kelis’ most popular records, “Milkshake,” which was interpolated on the bass-hitting fifth track “Energy,” featuring Jamaican-American rapper and producer BEAM. Interpolating is different from sampling. It involves tweaking a portion of an existing song for a fresh sound, while a sample takes directly from the track. Also, Kelis does not own her masters so Pharrell technically has the right to explore the record however he deems fit.
According to Kelis, “There are bullies and secrets and gangsters in this industry that smile and get away with it.” She’s not going for the antics and believes that she could have gotten a courtesy call to clear it. “I’m coming for what’s mine,” the frustrated singer continues. “I want reparations”
Yikes! Aside from a not-so-happy Kelis, most artists are sharing their excitement for Beyoncé’s newest project, Renaissance.
Check out a thread of our favorite reactions below: