Rickey Smiley On The Spot

Rickey Smiley sits down with comedian, author, and actress Ms. Pat for an unforgettable conversation full of wild stories, nonstop laughs, and hard-earned wisdom. From getting roasted over his studio outfit right out of the gate to breaking down what it really takes to survive the streets of Atlanta, Ms. Pat holds nothing back. She opens up about growing up in a bootleg house, surviving multiple gunshot wounds, and the unforgettable story of how she used to take calls from her future husband on the corner payphone while hustling to feed her family.

Beyond the wild street stories and quick wit, Ms. Pat gets candid about the grit behind her rise in the entertainment industry. She shares how doing open mics across Atlanta turned into national podcast appearances, her hit sitcom The Ms. Pat Show, and an Emmy-nominated episode that helped her confront and heal from past trauma. Wrapping up with rapid-fire questions, thoughts on modern parenting, and her true definition of peace, this episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose and laughter.

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Rickey sits down with outspoken leader and activist Pastor Jamal Bryant, Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Together, they have an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation covering everything from stepping into the shoes of iconic church leaders to facing real-world threats on the front lines of faith and social justice. Pastor Bryant opens up about the intersection of the Black church, civil rights, and community leadership, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of brotherhood, resilience, and the true cost of speaking truth to power.

Beyond church walls, Rickey and Pastor Bryant tackle urgent issues affecting our communities today, including economic empowerment, voter turnout, emergency preparedness, and the power of HBCUs and trade education. Pastor Bryant highlights groundbreaking community initiatives—from feeding thousands through the King’s Table food drives to launching innovative affordable and senior housing developments in Atlanta. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews and authentic conversations on Rickey Smiley On The Spot!

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Undefeated boxing world champion, Hall of Famer, and entrepreneur Laila Ali pulls up to the studio to sit down with Rickey Smiley for an intimate, powerful conversation. In this episode of On the Spot, Laila reflects on carving out her own identity and legacy outside the shadow of her iconic father, Muhammad Ali, revealing his initial reaction when she stepped into the ring and what he was truly like at home. Rickey and Laila dive deep into the mindset of an elite athlete, overcoming childhood hardships, and the importance of instilling discipline and resilience in the next generation.

Beyond the boxing ring, the two bond over their shared passion for cooking—culminating in an impromptu taste test of Rickey's famous collard greens. Laila also opens up about her personal journey into wellness, her candid thoughts on current health trends, and the inspiration behind her new children's book, A Spark of Greatness. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive conversations and laughs on Rickey Smiley On The Spot!

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In this episode of On The Spot, Rickey Smiley sits down with the self-proclaimed King of R&B, Jacquees, for an honest, hilarious, and wide-ranging conversation. Looking back on their shared history from school tours to early television moments, Jacquees opens up about his journey from east Atlanta to the top of the charts. He reflects on his creative evolution—from dropping classic mixtapes in his early twenties to navigating fatherhood, maturity, and stepping into the studio with a completely new mindset.

The energy stays high as Jacquees shares unforgettable, untold stories—from wild dating escapades involving high-speed chases to touching memories of his bond with the late Rich Homie Quan. Rickey and Jacquees dive into Atlanta’s legendary music scene, church choir roots, and what it really takes to hold your own among the greats. Plus, hear Jacquees settle the debate on his personal R&B Mount Rushmore and what it truly means to turn big dreams into reality.

CHAPTERS
(00:00) - Intro
(01:41) - Rickey Smiley Welcomes Jacquees to On The Spot
(03:06) - 10-Year Anniversary of "Mood" & Re-Releasing Classic Mixtapes
(05:32) - The Creative Evolution Behind "Mood 2"
(06:22) - Growing Up in Atlanta & Early Musical Influences
(09:48) - Singing in Church, Dottie Peoples & First Studio Demo
(13:12) - Dating Realities & High School Popularity
(17:25) - Jeep Culture, Rubicon vs. Gladiator & Ducking Stories
(19:34) - Relationship Red Flags & Dating Standards
(22:00) - The Crazy Atlanta Car Chase & Stolen Car Escape Story
(30:08) - Performing Live: LA, Chicago & Favorite Tour Cities
(35:46) - Signing to Cash Money & Working with Birdman
(38:15) - Remembering Rich Homie Quan & Brotherhood
(44:31) - Addressing King of R&B & Naming R&B Mount Rushmore
(46:26) - Embracing Fatherhood & Co-Parenting His Son Snow

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Yandy Smith sits down with Rickey Smiley on Rickey Smiley On The Spot for an unfiltered, hilarious, and eye-opening conversation about her life, career, and rise in the entertainment industry. Yandy breaks down the true origins of the Love & Hip Hop franchise, revealing how managing Jim Jones and documenting his family dynamic led to a project that reshaped reality television. She gets candid about the high-stakes music business, sharing wild survival stories from her days at Violator Management—including narrowly missing an office shooting during the 50 Cent era and outsmarting a dangerous setup on tour.

Beyond the drama, Yandy shares invaluable business lessons on contracts, missed royalties, and why understanding entertainment ownership early on is vital for creators. Plus, the conversation takes a hilarious turn when family takes precedence over everything—watch Rickey pause the entire show to make sure Yandy’s son gets his lunch money and a popsicle. From reality TV triumphs to heartfelt life advice, this is a deep dive with Yandy Smith you don't want to miss!

CHAPTERS
(00:00) - Introduction & Welcome Yandy Smith
(04:02) - How Love & Hip Hop Really Started
(08:03) - Interning at Violator & Linking with Mona Scott-Young
(11:15) - Growing Up in Harlem & The Power of HBCUs
(16:19) - Advice for Women Executives in Entertainment
(17:34) - Reality TV vs. Real Life & Handling Online Hate
(21:14) - What Her Kids Really Think of Her Fame
(25:25) - Building YELLE Skincare & Bloomingdale's Success
(27:50) - Opening Novo Miami & Her Favorite Dishes
(32:00) - Saying Goodbye to Love & Hip Hop & Mama Dee Stories
(37:21) - The Harsh Business Lesson on Contracts & Ownership
(44:32) - Executive Producing Indie Bosses (Featuring Coach Trina)
(50:00) - Surviving the Violator Office Shooting
(52:45) - Uncle Rickey Pauses the Show for Lunch Money
(59:04) - Outsmarting a Hotel Setup & Managing Jim Jones on the Road

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Keri Hilson sits down with Rickey Smiley for an honest conversation about the highs, heartbreaks, and lessons behind her journey in music. She opens up about going from writing hits for some of the biggest names in the industry to becoming a star herself, the impact of “Pretty Girl Rock,” and why she ultimately stepped away from music at the height of her career.

Keri also gets personal about losing her father, navigating grief, and reaching a point where she felt “scorned” by the dream she once loved. Plus, she shares the unbelievable story of being scheduled to meet Michael Jackson the very day he passed away, the song she gave to Kehlani that she almost kept for herself, and what it took to finally rediscover her love for music.

Now, Keri Hilson is entering a new chapter with "We Need to Talk" and a renewed perspective on life, love, and the industry that shaped her.

CHAPTERS
(00:00) - Intro & Welcoming Keri Hilson
(04:44) - Writing Hits for Britney Spears, Ludacris & Mary J. Blige
(11:14) - Singing in Church & Early Roots
(17:50) - Creating the Anthem "Pretty Girl Rock"
(19:53) - Losing Her Father, Grief & The Healing Power of Therapy
(24:22) - Lessons in Tenacity from Competitive Sports
(29:21) - The $30,000 Late-Night Basketball Bet Story
(37:15) - Navigating Industry Pressure & Feeling Like a "Human Robot"
(40:37) - "If Music Can Heal, Music Can Harm": Art & Influence
(43:32) - Stepping Away & Falling Back in Love with the Craft
(48:04) - Advice for Rising Artists & Navigating the Business
(55:07) - Island Living in the Bahamas & Finding Peace
(1:04:18) - Lightning Round: Influences, André 3000 & Lauryn Hill
(1:12:30) - The Story of Almost Meeting Michael Jackson & Outro

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In this episode of Rickey Smiley On The Spot, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, entrepreneur, and entertainment powerhouse Kandi Burruss pulls up for an unfiltered, hilarious, and insightful conversation.

Kandi opens up about the real reason she walked away from Real Housewives of Atlanta, reality TV, and leaving a massive bag on the table. Plus, navigating single life and her dating non-negotiables after divorce, celebrating 15 years of Bedroom Candy, and what it takes to build lasting business longevity. Plus, she shares stories from her Xscape days, mentoring rising star Jada, breaking records on Broadway, and why protecting her peace comes first.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Welcome & Opening Banter
04:15 – Serial Entrepreneurship & Broadway Ambitions
07:00 – Building Bedroom Candy & 15 Years of Business Longevity
14:45 – Life After Divorce & Modern Co-Parenting
22:30 – Single Life & Dating Standards: Financial Stability vs. Communication
30:00 – Xscape History, Girl Group Lessons & Mentoring Jada
41:00 – Navigating Reality TV & The Real Reason Behind Walking Away
58:00 – Money Lessons, Splurges & Giving Flowers

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In this episode of On The Spot, Rickey Smiley sits down with two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, four-time Undisputed World Champion, and the self-proclaimed G.W.O.A.T, Claressa Shields. Claressa gets candid about her journey growing up in Flint, Michigan, overcoming childhood trauma, and rising to the top of the boxing world.

She dives into her high-profile relationship with Papoose, shares her honest perspective on transgender athletes in women's sports, and reflects on celebrity boxing matchups. Plus, she discusses the making of her biopic The Fire Inside, her deep-rooted faith, pre-fight rituals, and what continues to fuel her greatness both inside and outside the ring.

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Preview & Welcome to On The Spot
02:00 - Claressa Shields Joins Rickey Smiley
04:15 - 19 World Titles & 4-Time Undisputed Champion
05:37 - How Her Dad Inspired Her to Start Boxing
08:10 - Learning From Her First Loss & Olympic Gold
11:32 - Flint Roots, Childhood Hardships & Family Drive
14:07 - In the Ring: Fighting Danielle Perkins
17:32 - What Fighters Actually Look At During a Bout
18:40 - Corner Realities & Hilarious Pre-Fight Rituals
21:38 - Trash Talk, Savannah Marshall & Ring Beef
24:15 - Are a Boxer’s Hands Really "Lethal Weapons"?
27:03 - Work Ethic, Camp Diet & Soul Food Cravings
29:32 - Rickey & Claressa Plan a Home-Cooked Meal
32:40 - Dealing with Trolls & Being the "Beyoncé of Sports"
36:30 - Overcoming Insecurities & Creating Her Own Blueprint
39:50 - Meeting Papoose & Keeping the Romance Secret
43:20 - Who Made the First Move?
47:05 - Claressa on Writing Her Song "Faithful" for Papoose
54:25 - How Papoose Brings Out Her Soft Side & Future Plans
55:55 - The Rise of Celebrity & Influencer Boxing
59:15 - Perspective on Transgender Athletes in Combat Sports
01:01:18 - Making Her Biopic The Fire Inside
01:06:30 - Rapid Fire Questions, Oxtail Recipe & Gospel Favorites

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Master P sits down with Rickey Smiley for a conversation about ownership, legacy, music and the mindset that helped him turn No Limit into an empire.

From opening his first record store at 19 and selling CDs out of his trunk to negotiating the groundbreaking 85/15 distribution deal, Master P breaks down why ownership has always mattered more than looking successful. He also talks about investing in the next generation, why artists need to learn the business before it’s too late and bringing No Limit and Cash Money together for a tour rooted in peace, mental health and celebrating their legacy while they’re still here.

This is Master P beyond the music! The businessman, mentor and one of hip-hop’s original architects of independence.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Highlights & Teaser
01:28 – Welcome Master P to On The Spot
03:12 – Selling Music Out the Trunk & The Historic 85/15 Deal
07:34 – No Limit & Cash Money Tour & Uniting for Mental Health
10:43 – Why "The Turtle Always Wins" in Business
12:20 – Faith, Family & The Power of Grandparents' Love
15:35 – Lessons in Ownership & Making Tough Boss Decisions
17:01 – Financial Literacy & Common Mistakes Entertainers Make
20:30 – Building New Empires: Footwear, Foods & Rap Snacks
21:28 – Update on C-Murder & Family Resilience
23:08 – Fatherhood, Discipline & Raising Student-Athletes
29:38 – Overcoming Grief, Loss & Protecting Mental Strength
35:51 – The Truth Behind "How Ya Do Dat" & The Bass Player
41:33 – Only God Can Judge Me Movie & Life Journey
45:49 – Rapid Fire Questions & Consistency Advice

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Comedian, writer, musician and radio personality Rita Brent sits down with Rickey Smiley for a conversation filled with laughs, honesty and a few stories only these two could tell.

Rita opens up about growing up in Mississippi, her journey from Army musician to stand-up comedian, coming out and navigating her relationship with the church. She also talks about learning from Rickey Smiley and Cedric the Entertainer, writing for major award shows and turning rejection from opportunities like Saturday Night Live and Netflix into motivation to create her own late-night show.

From cancel culture and the state of comedy to divorce, faith, HBCU pride and betting on yourself, Rita proves there’s a lot more behind the laughs.

CHAPTERS
(00:00) - Welcome to Rickey Smiley On The Spot
(02:34) - Raised by Three Generations of Women in "Jacktown" (Jackson, MS)
(04:51) - Music & Serving in the Army Band
(06:33) - From Basketball "Sharpshooter" to Class Laugher
(08:40) - Church Antics & The "Jesus Calling" Prank
(13:13) - Getting Started in Stand-up
(14:58) - Learning from Cedric the Entertainer
(17:37) - Coming Out On Stage
(24:21) - Jackson State University & The Sonic Boom of the South
(28:33) - Pledging Delta Sigma Theta
(31:10) - Rickey and Rita's First Meeting
(33:55) - The Magic of "Fix It Jesus"
(35:32) - Cancel Culture & Policing Comedy
(37:24) - Mental Health & Finding Grace in the Industry
(39:31) - Late Night with Rita Brent: Choosing Yourself
(44:50) - Lightning Round

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