The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Full Show | Family of Iconic R&B Star Aaliyah Fight Over Royalties; Carmelo Anthony Goes All Out with New Woman; Floyd Mayweather is Now Selling Legal Services; Comedian Earthquake Catches Up with Rickey Smiley; and More

   The Rickey Smiley Morning Show covered some of the biggest conversations in entertainment, sports, and culture, starting with a shocking legal battle within the family of late R&B icon Aaliyah. Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager Barry Hankerson is being sued by his son Jomo Hankerson over music rights and royalties connected to artists including Aaliyah, Timbaland, DMX, and Toni Braxton. The dispute has turned personal, with allegations tied to Aaliyah’s 2001 Bahamas trip resurfacing as the family fights over ownership and financial interests tied to her catalog. The show also discussed Carmelo Anthony’s highly publicized romance with Racquel “Rockie” Smith, the widow of former NFL star Will Smith. The couple, who recently made their relationship public after being spotted together in Saint-Tropez earlier this year, continued to make headlines after Anthony reportedly went all out for Smith’s birthday celebration, signaling that the relationship is still going strong. Elsewhere, Floyd Mayweather is expanding his business empire beyond boxing with the launch of The Money Team Legal Network, a nationwide attorney referral service aimed at connecting clients with lawyers for personal injury and other legal matters. The venture leans heavily into Mayweather’s famous undefeated 50-0 brand, though the company itself is not a law firm. The show also welcomed comedy legend Earthquake, who joined Rickey Smiley for laughs, stories from the road, and a conversation about his Netflix special Joke Telling Business, where he tackles celebrity culture, relationships, and current events with his trademark unfiltered humor. The crew also highlighted Wellness Wednesday with Dr. MJ Collier, who urged listeners to get ahead of flu season as a highly contagious new flu strain spreads, while sharing tips on reducing inflammation and protecting long-term health. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   September 02, 2026·1h 2min
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   Number 2: Full Show | Fans Concerned About Gladys Knight Performing; NBA Star Jimmy Butler Settles Child Support Case; Kirk Franklin Joins RSMS Crew; Trump Signs Executive Order to Change Lake Ontario Name; and More

   Listeners were treated to a jam-packed show as the crew weighed in on growing concerns surrounding legendary singer Gladys Knight after recent performances sparked debate about her well-being. The conversation comes as Knight announced she is scaling back her live appearances and focusing more on family and personal projects after fans expressed concern over several recent onstage moments. The show also dug into NBA star Jimmy Butler’s ongoing child support case, with reports revealing that Butler and the mother of his three children, Kaitlin Nowak, have reached a comprehensive parenting agreement and are reportedly living together while finalizing remaining legal matters. Court records previously established Butler as the father of the children and included child support payments of $55,000 per month. Meanwhile, Keke Palmer made headlines after clarifying earlier comments about being “asexual,” explaining that she simply does not feel as sexual as society expects and that attraction for her is rooted more in mental and emotional connection than physical appearance. The show also welcomed gospel icon Kirk Franklin, who reflected on his decades-long career, discussed hosting the upcoming Stellar Gospel Music Awards, and introduced his new single, "Thank You for Everything,” featuring Karen Clark Sheard, which serves as the lead release from an upcoming project that blends traditional church music with contemporary gospel sounds. Other notable topics included discussion of President Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” for U.S. government use amid ongoing trade tensions with Canada, along with the show’s signature humor, entertainment news, and lively listener interaction. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   August 28, 2026·58min
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   Number 3: Full Show | Lauren London Will Play Snoop Dogg’s Mother; Busta Rhymes Settles Lawsuit with Former Employee; Beyoncé Talks Importance of Natural Beauty; Janet Jackson’s Absence from ‘Michael’ Explained; and More

   Today’s show started with the big announcement that Lauren London has been cast to play Snoop Dogg’s late mother, Beverly Tate, in the upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic. The role is especially meaningful because Tate is credited with giving Snoop his famous nickname, and recent reports reveal the film will also feature actors portraying Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre as it chronicles the rap icon’s rise to fame. The show also discussed Busta Rhymes’ settlement with a former assistant, ending a legal battle that began with allegations of unpaid wages and workplace misconduct. According to recent court filings, the dispute was settled for $25,000, a dramatic reduction from the nearly $6 million originally sought by the former employee. The conversation continued with Beyoncé’s remarks about natural beauty, authenticity, and self-confidence, as the superstar encouraged people to embrace individuality rather than chase perfection, a message that has resonated widely amid ongoing debates about beauty standards and social media pressure. The crew also unpacked the buzz surrounding Janet Jackson’s absence from the blockbuster Michael Jackson biopic, with new comments from nephew Jaafar Jackson suggesting Janet may have declined to be portrayed because she has considered telling her own story through a separate film project. Elsewhere, the show weighed in on a headline-making surrogacy dispute involving a critically ill newborn and debated who should have the final say when a surrogate and biological parents disagree about a child’s medical future. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   August 28, 2026·59min
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   Number 4: What’s Trending | Surrogate Mother Has No Rights

   During What’s Trending, Rickey Smiley and the crew weighed in on a headline-making surrogacy dispute involving a critically ill newborn and debated who should have the final say when a surrogate and biological parents disagree about a child’s medical future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   August 27, 2026·8min
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   Number 5: Full Show | Ciara and Russell Wilson Expecting Fifth Child; Beyoncé Releases Bey Keeper Collection Box; Jay-Z Release Listening Party App with No New Songs; Don Lemon Starts 24/7 Network; and More

   The Rickey Smiley Morning Show tackled some of the biggest entertainment stories making headlines right now, starting with Ciara and Russell Wilson’s announcement that they’re expecting their fifth child, continuing the NFL star’s long-running “Baby Cinco” campaign and bringing even more excitement to their growing blended family. The crew also weighed in on the online debate surrounding Beyoncé’s new limited-edition “Bey Keeper” collector’s box, a luxury vinyl storage crate priced at $948.01 and released as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of B’Day, while fans questioned whether the high-priced collectible was worth the cost. The conversation continued with Jay-Z facing criticism after a highly anticipated virtual listening party left some fans disappointed when no new music was unveiled, despite speculation fueled by his ongoing JAŸ-Z30 anniversary campaign. The show also highlighted Don Lemon’s latest career move after CNN, with the veteran journalist launching a free 24/7 streaming network, The Don Lemon Channel, featuring news, commentary, and independent voices. Beyond the celebrity headlines, the cast had a passionate discussion about whether successful people are obligated to financially support family and friends, sparked by NBA star Jaylen Brown’s comments about how fame and wealth can complicate personal relationships and make “every conversation feel like an invoice.” Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   September 08, 2026·56min
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