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 | Fat Joe Justifies Using the N-Word; Chris Rock One Condition to Return to Oscars; DDG Talks Awkward Interaction with Sanaa Lathan; Trump Promises $5,000 if Republicans Win Midterm; and More

   From a fiery culture debate to an eyebrow-raising election promise, this episode of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show delivers the headlines everyone will be talking about. The crew weighs in after Fat Joe defended using the N-word by pointing to his Puerto Rican and Cuban roots, his upbringing in the South Bronx, and his lifelong connection to the birthplace of hip-hop—a claim that reignited debate about race, cultural belonging, and who has permission to use the term. Chris Rock also says he would return to the Oscars only as a nominee while promoting his new directorial effort, Misty Green, and reflecting on how the 2022 ceremony continues to overshadow his work. The celebrity conversation continues as DDG describes a brief encounter with Sanaa Lathan in which she took a photo but quickly turned away, leaving him feeling unacknowledged, while the cast wonders whether she was simply busy or unfamiliar with him. In politics, the team reacts to Donald Trump’s promise of a $5,000 “Trump dividend” for every adult citizen if Republicans retain both chambers of Congress; the proposal would require congressional approval and could cost more than $1 trillion. Family-law attorney Cynthia Halls rounds out the episode with practical guidance on child support, custody, court orders, co-parenting, and Georgia’s new mandatory parenting-time adjustments, which now connect scheduled overnights directly to support calculations. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   September 10, 2026·1h 3min
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   Number 3: RSOTS | Rita Brent on Writing For Cedric The Entertainer and MORE

   Rickey Smiley and comedian-writer Rita Brent get real about what happens before the laugh—why nerves never fully go away, the brutal pressure of following Darnell Rollins on the Martin Lawrence tour in Atlanta, and the very unglamorous ways anxiety shows up minutes before hitting the stage. Listen to the full interview on Apple Podcasts: Listen On Apple Podcasts Spotify: Listen On Spotify Learn more about the podcast: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-on-the-spot From playing basketball and getting into trouble during Sunday service to performing her very first 5-minute set for $25 with her mom in the front row, Rita breaks down her journey in comedy. Plus, Rickey and Rita discuss church etiquette, wild funeral requests, comedy grind stories in the hood, and how giving Cedric the Entertainer a few punch-up notes led to writing for the Emmys and Grammys! CHAPTERS 0:00 – School days, basketball, and being the class instigator 1:45 – Getting in trouble at church & the age limit on praise dancing 4:10 – Extravagant funerals and wild final wishes 5:36 – How Rita’s mom shaped her love for music and drums 6:42 – The pivotal moment Rita decided to pursue comedy 7:43 – Touring and learning comedy chops with Rickey Smiley 8:25 – Meeting Cedric The Entertainer & writing for major award shows 10:00 – Earning stripes performing in tough comedy clubs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   September 12, 2026·12min
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   Number 4: Full Show | Keefe D Found Guilty in Tupac Murder Trial; GMA Host Michael Strahan Welcomes New Child; Jermaine Dupri Drops Lawsuit with Sony Records; Lionel Richie Rushed to the Hospital; and More

   Thirty years after one of hip-hop’s biggest mysteries began, the story may finally be getting its closing chapter. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show covered the conviction of Duane “Keefe D” Davis in the murder of Tupac Shakur, making him the first person convicted in connection with the rapper’s 1996 killing. Prosecutors argued that Davis orchestrated the retaliatory attack, even though he was not accused of pulling the trigger himself, and he now faces a potential life sentence. Gary had the tea and reacted to reports that Michael Strahan quietly welcomed a baby girl with longtime partner Kayla Quick, expanding his blended family to five children. Elsewhere, Jermaine Dupri dropped his lawsuit against Sony Music after both sides reportedly resolved a royalty dispute involving So So Def artists including Xscape, Da Brat, Kris Kross, and Jagged Edge, ending a legal battle that had initially sought millions in unpaid royalties. The show also sent prayers to music legend Lionel Richie, who was reportedly hospitalized in St. Louis after a concert appearance. Sources indicated doctors were evaluating him for possible dehydration after fans noticed he appeared fatigued toward the end of the performance, though reports said he was stable and recovering. Beyond the headlines, the crew sparked lively conversation about online catfishing after stories surfaced about fraudsters posing as professional athletes and medical students to scam victims out of money. The discussion hit close to home as Rickey Smiley shared experiences involving fake social media accounts impersonating him and targeting fans. From long-awaited justice in the Tupac case to celebrity baby news, industry business moves, and cautionary tales about online deception, the show delivered a mix of entertainment, culture, and conversation that kept listeners talking. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   September 01, 2026·49min
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   Number 5: 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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