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 world was anticipating the battle of two all-time greats: Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Teddy Riley. Over 400,000 people showed up on Instagram Live for this battle of the two musical giants. Some probably had on their best linen suit or Todd 1 velour jumpsuit ready to hear some of the greatest music from the 80s and 90s.
What we ended up getting was an extreme fail.
Riley showed up with his band, a DJ and a hype man while Babyface set the mood right in his studio. I’m not sure if Teddy Riley followed the social distancing rules but he didn’t seem to follow Verzuz founder, Producer Swizz Beatz instructions. While the sound from Babyface’s end was great, Riley’s was a complete fail and after over an hour and three songs played, Teddy’s team decided to it was best to try to fix the terrible sound. Afterward, Babyface sent a message to the fans on his Instagram page saying the battle would be postponed.
Riley followed behind him with a message of his own.
However, the real winner of this battle was Grammy-award winning singer Toni Braxton. Braxton, who got her start with Babyface and his legendary label LaFace Records held us down on Twitter. We know her allegiance may have been with Edmonds but the “Love Should’ve Brought You Home” singer tweeted out everything the world wanted to say at the time.
It remains to be seen if the Edmonds/Riley Battle will take place but you can check out Braxton’s hilarious commentary below.
