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Over in New Orleans, the 2026 Essence Festival once again proved why it remains one of the most important cultural events in the country, drawing huge crowds and generating an estimated $300 million in economic activity for the city while featuring performances from stars including Cardi B, Brandy, Monica, Patti LaBelle, and more.
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Lil Wayne set the record straight on rumors that he was engaged, revealing that he and his girlfriend have gone their separate ways. He also opened up about his epilepsy, explaining that severe migraines—one of his seizure triggers—forced him to miss a recent tour stop, putting his health first before returning to the road.
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Former Love & Hip Hop star Tahiry Jose’s new mobile barber business, where clients are reportedly paying up to $500 for a haircut and luxury grooming experience.
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Beyoncé’s surprise Fourth of July release of “Morning Dew (Donk),” her first new song since Cowboy Carter. The track officially launches the countdown to the 20th anniversary reissue of her landmark B’Day album, giving the BeyHive a nostalgic celebration while reigniting speculation about what could be next in her musical evolution.
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The Rickey Smiley Morning Show delivered a mix of entertainment, nostalgia, and major headlines as the crew discussed the tragic news that NFL star Calais Campbell’s brother, Ciarre Campbell, has been charged in connection with the death of their mother, Nateal Campbell, in Atlanta. Authorities say the case remains under investigation, while the Campbell family has asked for privacy as they grieve. The show also highlighted exciting music news ahead of the ESSENCE Festival, where Missy Elliott is set to lead a special tribute celebrating the life and legacy of Aaliyah. The tribute coincides with the 30th anniversary of Aaliyah’s groundbreaking album One in a Million, a project that helped redefine modern R&B through her collaborations with Missy Elliott and Timbaland.
Live from the BET Awards, Gary With Da Tea caught up with B2K, who reflected on 25 years in the music industry and revealed plans for their upcoming album Eclipse along with a new single, “Mileage,” marking the group’s first new music in more than two decades. The morning also featured an in-depth conversation with R&B icon Keith Sweat, who discussed his legacy as a pioneer of New Jack Swing, the enduring appeal of classic love songs, and his upcoming performance on the One Voyage Cruise. Keith shared insights about working with Teddy Riley, his continued passion for creating music, and why love remains the driving force behind his career nearly four decades after his debut.
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The BET Awards takeover brought star power and big conversations to the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, led by Gary With Da Tea’s exclusive interviews with Johnny Gill and rising R&B star Tone Stith. Gill reflected on his legendary career while celebrating the release of his new single,“A Dance, A Kiss,” a collaboration produced by Snoop Dogg that he described as one of those rare records that instantly feels special. Recent reports note the song arrived following the success of his Billboard Adult R&B hit “One Night” and serves as a preview of more music and touring plans to come. Meanwhile, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Tone Stith discussed his journey from writing hits for artists like Chris Brown to stepping into the spotlight with his debut album The Edge, powered by his chart-topping single“Fly,” which recently reached No. 1 on the Adult R&B charts.
The show also sparked debate when DaBaby doubled down on his belief that he belongs in the same conversation as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, boldly declaring himself the best rapper alive while expressing interest in collaborating with hip-hop’s elite. Elsewhere, Dr. MJ Collier’s Wellness Wednesday segment delivered important health advice, urging listeners to prioritize comprehensive physical exams, cancer screenings, cholesterol and thyroid testing, quality sleep, and preventative care. The morning’s entertainment news also highlighted The New York Times’ newly released list of the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters, which included names such as Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Babyface, Lionel Richie, Kendrick Lamar, OutKast, and Taylor Swift, sparking conversation about who deserved a spot on the influential list. Packed with music industry insights, health guidance, celebrity interviews, and plenty of laughs, the episode blended entertainment and empowerment in true Rickey Smiley Morning Show fashion.
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The crew kicked things off with a look at the political battle unfolding in Colorado, where progressive Democrats are once again challenging longtime party leaders in closely watched primary races that could signal where Democratic voters want the party to go next. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson reflected on the powerful prayer and list of non-negotiables that he says led him to meeting Ciara, sharing the now-famous story of how he wrote down the qualities he wanted in a wife and met her just days later. The show also touched on trending headlines, including reactions to Donald Trump’s latest social media post about Barack Obama and ongoing legal challenges to new Medicaid work requirements.
The entertainment side was just as packed, with Gary With Da Tea catching up with hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte at the BET Awards, where she discussed her longtime role as the voice of the awards show, mentoring young talent, and new music featuring an all-star lineup that includes Stevie Wonder, Common, Q-Tip, Toni Braxton, and Anthony Hamilton. Q Parker of 112 also stopped by to preview his appearance on the One Voyage Cruise, talk about his mission to bring romance back to R&B through his Evolution of Romance project, and introduce his latest single, “Put It On.” The episode also featured an inspiring conversation with former NBA player and Jordan Brand executive Howard White, who opened up about his battle with the rare heart condition ATTR-CM and urged listeners to pay attention to symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath. Between celebrity interviews, music talk, and the crew’s signature humor, the show delivered a mix of inspiration, entertainment, and unforgettable moments.
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From powerful conversations to unforgettable BET Awards moments, this episode of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show delivered a mix of news, inspiration, and entertainment. The crew discussed the growing controversy surrounding 16-year-old Jeremiah Spearman, a Black teenager from Battle Creek, Michigan, who was stopped and handcuffed by police twice within just ten days while walking home. According to reports, the incidents have sparked renewed debate about racial profiling and the treatment of Black teens by law enforcement, with Spearman’s family saying the encounters left him traumatized while police maintain their actions were justified. The show also covered developments surrounding the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a housing affordability measure intended to increase home construction and reduce barriers to housing, though its future remains tied to ongoing political disagreements in Washington. Meanwhile, Da Brat highlighted Mary J. Blige’s candid reflections on her early career, where the R&B icon admitted she once treated people poorly and later sought out those she had offended to personally apologize.
Live from the BET Awards, Gary With Da Tea brought listeners exclusive interviews and red-carpet moments, including conversations with Eric Benét, who discussed new music, a forthcoming young-adult fantasy book, and his outspoken views on social and political issues. The show also caught up with Muni Long, who shared an emotional update on her recovery following a lung transplant, urging people to reconsider organ donation while focusing on health, rest, and gratitude for a second chance at life. Later, Jeezy joined the crew for a thoughtful conversation about his upcoming documentary, personal growth, and his ongoing pursuit of peace and healing after reaching what he described as rock bottom. Jeezy reflected on learning that success and wealth alone do not guarantee fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional control, and passing hard-earned wisdom on to the next generation. Alongside the serious discussions, the crew kept things light with classic Rickey Smiley humor, cruise updates, and the fan-favorite “Gary’s Tea” segments celebrating Black excellence from one of culture’s biggest nights.
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The show kicks things off with fans reacting to the highly anticipated B2K vs. Pretty Ricky Verzuz, where social media lit up with opinions, viral moments, and heavy nostalgia from early 2000s R&B—ultimately with many fans declaring Pretty Ricky the clear winner while still celebrating both groups’ impact. The conversation then shifts to Oprah Winfrey facing backlash after sharing a story about Whitney Houston falling on stage during a past interview, with critics questioning why the story was told now and whether it unfairly revisits painful moments from the late singer’s life.
The show also features a standout interview with music legend Jermaine Dupri, who reflects on his journey from discovering Kris Kross to becoming one of the most influential producers in hip-hop and R&B, helping shape hits for artists like Usher and Mariah Carey while building his So So Def empire. Wrapping things up, the crew discusses Lionel Richie’s recent health scare after the icon was forced to cut a concert short due to dizziness, later postponing shows as he focuses on recovery—reminding fans of the physical demands that still come with performing at a high level.
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The crew discusses Lionel Richie’s recent health scare after the icon was forced to cut a concert short due to dizziness, later postponing shows as he focuses on recovery—reminding fans of the physical demands that still come with performing at a high level.
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