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"
Valedictorian isn’t just an album title for DDG who graduated at the top of his class during his time in school. His debut project signifies elevation and being the best at what you want to be in whatever area of your life you set a goal for. Successful people inspire him and he hopes his music will do the same for those who listen.
When you press play on Valedictorian, you won’t find any features. DDG’s intent is to draw in listeners organically without skipping tracks to familiar artists’ verses. It’s the perfect equation for building a solid fanbase for the smart guy’s whose favorite subject in school used to be math.
When he was younger, he wrote about the same things we writes about now, but it was “want” versus “have.” He’s obtained a bunch of things he used to dream about and it’s written all over his new work.
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In this episode of “When I Was Younger,” DDG runs down how he got his nickname, what parts of school he enjoyed most, what he was intrigued with back in the day and what to expect from Valedictorian.