Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2008 > October > 06 > Entry
10/6: Rickey Smiley debuts on Hot 107.9
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Comic Rickey Smiley debuted this morning on Hot 107.9, with his support team named Deez Nuts. He replaces the “A Team,” which lasted nearly four years with Rashan Ali moved to mid days and Emperor Searcy in afternoons.
With the success of Kiss 104.1’s Tom Joyner and Grown Folks’ Steve Harvey, syndicated morning hosts have taken urban radio stations by storm. This leaves Frank Ski and Wanda Smith as the only major R&B/hip-hop local morning show left in Atlanta (and even they attempted syndication a few years back but are now a purely local show.)
Smiley’s Web site immodestly describes it as the “funniest, most entertaining morning show in the country!” Here’s the selling point:
The surrounding cast of “Deez Nuts” all play their roles with perfect timing, knowing just when to jump into and out of the conversations that revolve around the hottest hip-hop and R&B on the air today. With established features such as “Paternity Test Tuesday”, “Wake Up Wednesday” (political talk), “Gary’s Tea”, “News You Can’t Use”, “Joke of the Day”, and others, the RSMS is a blend of laughter, serious discussion of social issues, political awareness, and community outreach.
Smiley has a fairly large support team. Here are the site’s descriptions of his buds:
Co-Host - Ebony Steele -Rickey’s friend from way back in Birmingham, Ebony is sexy, sassy, opinionated, and always willing to go toe-to-toe with Rickey on any topic of discussion. She can be counted on to be quick to jump in or get back with Rickey, callers, and the other “Nuts” at any time. Oh, yeah, and Ebony also gives the best advice on relationships, because Lord knows she has enough of them behind her…..” Can somebody PLEASE FIND ME A MAN!!”
HeadKrack - “Yo, What Up B!!” This native New Yorker, is fast-talking, aggressive, and the true “hip-hop head” of the RSMS. He not only runs the board for the show, but is always up on the latest in hip-hop happenings. Krack also is a rapper with a sick freestyle flow and the ability to rock the mic with no fear and no hesitation. Don’t challenge that boy…he’s nice wit it, “FOR REAL, SON!!”
Sista Sondra - The true Neo-Soul child of the show, Sis Sondra is the afrocentric, conscious sister that would probably be just as comfortable rocking a wrap dress on a Jamaican beach sipping on a nice island cocktail as she is hanging in the studio with rappers, singers, and other entertainment types. Don’t get it twisted, though. Sis Sondra loves doing what she does and can be counted on to jump into the mix with quick wit and hilariously dry sense of humor. BTW, her fellow “Nuts” dare not mispronounce a word with Sondra on the mic. She’ll be sure to correct you. On the air. And laugh about it……
Gary with the “Tea” - Just one listen to “Gary with the Tea” and you are HOOKED. Funny, Fabulous, Flamboyant, and Charismatic. Gary is everyone’s favorite diva, dishing the gossip on everybody who’s anybody in the world of entertainment, and always sending you off with a “Colour” of the day. Unlike R. Kelly, there is absolutely nothing “Trapped in the Closet” when it comes to “Gary with the Tea”…… (Hmmm…. Miss Sophia at V-103 has some competition now, eh?)
Rock T - The Sports Guy - Rock T played pro baseball and is the man with the info on all your sports stories every day. Rock is also a well-known DJ who is known for rocking parties as well as being a recently engaged father of two beautiful daughters….he’s still in pretty good shape from his playing days, so be careful who comes calling on Daddy’s girls!! And by the way, that uncontrollable, often inappropriate laughter you hear in the background on the air is usually Rock, as he thinks every d**n thing is FUNNY!!
Anyway, here’s a sample hour. I started listening at about 6:50 a.m. with Unk’s “Walk It Out.”
Ebony’s bit today at 6:55 a.m. was called “Why ain’t nobody sayin’ nothing?”
Ebony: “Why do we buy hotdogs in 10 and buns come in packages of 8? why is abbreviated such a long word? Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor. But dishwasher liquid made with real lemons? Why is time of the day with the slowest traffic called rush hour? How is Popeye a spinach expert. What does he know about chicken?”
“What have you been smoking to come up with this?” said Rickey, who doesn’t really add anything of value to her comments.
At 6:57 a.m., Paula Phillips does the news.
Then ads from Le Cordon Bleu culinary program, a movie called “Express,” Safe Auto, Club H20 and Lasik Plus Vision Center.
At 7:02 a.m., Dr. Phil does an early morning music mix, kind of like V-103 called the “monkey bath mix.”
At 7:11 a.m., Ebony says new poll shows Obama leads 61 to 32 under age of 30. McCain leads him with people over age 65. There’s a 30 point swing between youngest and oldest voters. So they encourage the listeners to register.
HeadKrack then gives some entertainment/hip-hop news. he says Hoopz won “I Love Money.” Then Rock T hits the sports.
“Bad week for black folks,” Rock T says, after noting O.J. being guilty, Kimbo Slice getting knocked out in 14 seconds and the Lions losing again.
At 7:15 a.m., Wal-Mart ad, followed quickly by traffic from Paula Phillips. Then it’s ajn ad for Velvet Room (Diddy at a party), McDonald’s, Battle of the bands, another ad for Velvet Room.
At 7:22 a.m. The Game “My Life.”
At 7:26 a.m., it’s gossip with Gary. Oprah cried, he led, at the Tyler Perry studio opening. He mentions Howard Stern got married. Then Janet Jackson begin sick, perhaps pregnant?
At 7:31 a.m., more ads: Evercleanse weight loss, sandwiched by traffic, that Velvet Room ad again, Kit Kat, Lasik Plus, Ten Pan Alley, MyNetwork TV, a promo for Rickey Smiley live on stage at Rialto Theater at October 17.
7:38 a.m.: A call from someone congratulating Smiley for making it to Atlanta, then into Bun B’s “Damn I’m Cold.”
7:43 a.m. Some ghetto character named Kiki who complains that two dudes are sharing an umbrella and calls them “scrangers” for “strangers.”
7:45 a.m. Geico, the another ad. Paula does traffic (sponsored by Scana and Havelin). Le Cordon Bleu, Club H20, Safe Auto, McDonald’s into 7:50 a.m
One thing’s for sure. Rickey runs a lot of ads.
That was about 22 minutes of ads over one hour, even if you block out Paula’s traffic. I need to inventory some other morning shows to see if that’s unusually high for a morning show but it seems to be awfully high. That seems to be along the lines of what news/talk stations would air.
Any early impressions?
Comments
By diddy
October 6, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
“Deez Nuts”? Easy pass for me. Thank God for satellite radio.
By Nita
October 6, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
I will continue to listen to Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner. Rickey Smiley is funny but it sounds as if the show is ………………………………………………………………………………………………Sorry fell asleep on my keyboard.
By Nita
October 6, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I will continue to listen to Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner. Rickey Smiley is funny but his show sounds ……………………………….sorry, fell asleep on my keyboard.
By Nita
October 6, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
I will continue to listen to Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner. Rickey Smiley is funny but his show sounds ……………………………….sorry, fell asleep on my keyboard.
By michele
October 6, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Rickey Smiley is refreshing! He reminds me of the Ryan Cameron morning show. Thank God he is here so the 18-34 crowd can have something to listen to in the morning. Frank and Wanda reminds me of my mom and dad.
By SharonH
October 6, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Paternity test Tuesday? Thanks for the heads up, I’ll pass.
By Hype Man
October 6, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Ricky Smiley morning show is worst than the A-team. I would rather hear the A-team morning show,which was pretty bad in itself. Pay Ryan Cameron whatever he wants and bring him back in the and then keep like three of the other personalities on the radio station. The powers that be at Radio One are slowly killing this radio station
By Hype Man
October 6, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Ricky Smiley morning show is worst than the A-team. I would rather hear the A-team morning show,which was pretty bad in itself. Pay Ryan Cameron whatever he wants and bring him back in the and then keep like three of the other personalities on the radio station. The powers that be at Radio One are slowly killing this radio station
By B. Mazone
October 6, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Represent bitches!! Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!
By No Thanks
October 6, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I heard a little of it around the 7 o clock hour and was not impressed. Its Steve Harvey and Q100 for me. Frank and Wanda cant stand them.
By Kenyatta
October 6, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I don’t like the show. And “deez nuts” is sooo inappropriate. My kids listen to the radio in the morning too. I used to listen to the A Team EVERY morning and I miss the birthday songs, and teen talk Thursday. I am soo upset. I wish the A Team were back.
By Kenyatta
October 6, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
I don’t like the show. And “deez nuts” is sooo inappropriate. My kids listen to the radio in the morning too. I used to listen to the A Team EVERY morning and I miss the birthday songs, and teen talk Thursday. I am soo upset. I wish the A Team were back.
By Kenyatta
October 6, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Not a good move ATL.
By Jacqui
October 6, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
I listened to just a little of the show as i was driving my daughter to school. I was shocked to hear Rickey Smiley talking about sex at 8:15in the morning, and quickly turned to the “People Station-V103”. He keep saying “Deez Nuts” which may be a reference to other members of his show; but “Deez Nuts” sounds inappropriate and reminds me of the phrase that a man says to other men. This is just crap on the radio and i will not be listening to Rickey Smiley’s ignorant, and tasteless jokes. Bad move Radio One.
By Adgurl
October 6, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
At least Paula is still working in the morning. LOL
By Black
October 6, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
The show is boring. Bring back Ryan!!!!!!
By latoya
October 6, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
bad move
By ATL hip hopper
October 6, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
That was a Hot mess!
By latoya
October 6, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
bad move
By latoya
October 6, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
bad move
By latoya
October 6, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
bad move
By latoya
October 6, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
bad move why?
By Mo's Mom
October 6, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I’ll stick with Steve Harvey & Tom Joyner.
Hopefully, Reggie Rouse over at V-103 will soon come to his senses & retire gay a** Frank Ski & put Ryan on in the mornings.
By me
October 6, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
where is akini and beyonce? where did grif annoying voice azz go?
By Lisa
October 6, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
I was excited to hear that Rickey Smiley would be replacing the A-Team but after listening from 6:15 to 7:45a (a long communte), I will be changing to Q100 fulltime! I love Rickey Smiley as Bernice Jenkins but thats the only thing that makes me laugh. How much Bernice Jenkins can he do? And as far as “Deez Nuts”… I had to explain that to a 9 year old this a.m. Bad move ATL.
By AllCNi
October 6, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Well well well…a big letdown…I wanted Ricky to come slamm’in but they fell flat…The A Team will be missed…Radio One…you know you’re about to lose a lot of folks,oh well My wife said she’s going to Joyner…I think I’ll just keep flipping my stations, 103, AOK, 95.5 for some good talk radio…Waking up in the morning is just not the same! Good Luck to All!!!
By AllCNi
October 6, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Ryan Cameron…you really need to bring Deez Nuttas back in the a.m. Yeah I remember you started that phrase Deez Nuttas…and Ricky go and use for the name of his Morning crew wow! Ryan you and Rashan really had it going on…I know, money money money…well too late for that one 103 has ya’now…hang in there Rashan at least you don’t have to get up so early now :-)Ricky your crank calls are getting lame, drag on and seem too fake now…but we still love you my brotha and wish you the best…good luck & make that syndication money$ Maaaaaaannnnnnnnn!
By Sookie Jones
October 6, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Mama said that this show blows.
By TruthHurts
October 6, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
I would rather listen to the ghetto coonfest known as WAOK…. NOT!
By Lee
October 6, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
I really miss Rashan & the A-team at least they had some style. Ricky and the lame prank calls get real old real fast and Special K is NOT funny. Radio one, you sold your soul for syndication money and it will cost
listeners, at least this one.
By Chelle
October 6, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
I listened for about 20 minutes…and that was too long…
By SCRP205
October 6, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
WOW!!!!! I was listening to Rickey’s show several months before it aired in ATL. I actually think the show is quite funny. They discuss real issues and they have a good time. I’m really shocked that people would be offended by the term “deez nuts” when radio and tv are bombarded w/ curse words and vulgarity of much larger magnitudes. Some people will have a problem with change no matter what. Everyone is entitled to their opinions I guess.
By MsC
October 6, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
I have been listening to RSMS since July 08 and I enjoy the show!!! Rickey is funny and his co-hosts add to his comical genius. Atlanta was in need of somthing new and refreshing. So Im glad that RSMS is on 107.9 now and plus 107.9 in the morning hasn’t been good since Ryan Cameron. Thanks Radio One for allowing this change to occur!!! Big ups to Rickey and Deez Nuts and the RSMS chat fam!!! :)
By MISS THICK THANG
October 6, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
I LOVE THE RICKEY AND THESE NUTS. HE STARTS THE MORNING OFF WITH THANKS TO GOD. YES THEY DO PLAY AROUND BUT TRUST ME HE STICKS WITH THE ISSUES AT HAND IN THE WORLD TODAY. KEEP DOING YA THANG NUTS WE LOVE YOU DOWN IN DALLAS TEXAS. WITH THAT SAID I’M LEAVING RIGHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT NOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!
By MISSPROFIT
October 6, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
GO RICKEY!!!!!! I’VE BEEN ENJOYING THE SHOW FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW AND I REALLYYYY ENJOY IT…..I REALLY APPRECIATE THE TIME HE TAKES OUT TO GIVE PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD EVERY MORNING TO START THE SHOW OFF!!!!! AND THA CHAT RM FAMILY IS OFF THA CHAIN!!! SHAKE THA HATERS OFF AND CONTINUE TO DO WHAT GOD BLESSED YOU TO DO BEST! WE LOVE THA RSMS AND DEEZZ NUTS FROM YOUR HOME TOWN ALABAMA VIA INTERNET….
By JTD
October 7, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
To MISSPROFIT…
How can you commend someone for giving praise to God every morning, and yet he has his support team named: “Deez Nuts”???
seems like a contradiction to me…
By JOHNNY CUMMINGS
October 7, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
HE IS FUNNY - MUCH MORE AS A STAND UP PERSON. THE RADIO BIT IS NOT FORHIM IN MY OPINION; AND “DEEZ NUTS” NOT AN APPROPRIATE NAME FOR A MORNING SHOW THAT CHILDREN CAN LISTEN TO; ESPECIALLY IN THIS DAY AND AGE WHER CHILDREN TO KNOW WHAT IT MEANS. RYAN CAMERON NEEDS TO CAPTURE THE MORNING AUDIENCE- BE IT V-103 OR 107.9- GOD HELP MORNING RADIO
By JA
October 14, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
It’s apparent that people in Atlanta is used to wackness. To think that the A-Team is better than Rickey Smiley is completely out of bounds. The A-Team epitomized Atlanta, fakeness and pretension. RSMS is refreshing and funny. Face it, Ryan isn’t coming back to Hot 107.9. Get with the program. Instead of supporting your own you rather listen to Q100. Way to go Black people!
By chris
October 14, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
The show is terrible, I travel back and forth between atlanta and dallas(where ricky and “deez nuts” is broadcast from) and in the local market, it is second or third in ratings. It’s not funny at all, just crude humor.
By the professor
October 15, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
I listed to Ebony when she was in Bham and thought she really added to the show. Ricky’s voice is not strong enough. I can barely tell whom he is among the other host. I haven’t been able to listen to the show for more than 15 minutes. Let us know when these Nuts are replaced.
By makeeazymoneytoday.com
October 15, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
although i hate to see the A-team leave. i would say that adding Ricky will improve the ATL standing in syndication radio
i am makeeazymoneytoday.com and i approved this message
By Lisa
October 16, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Ricky Smiley morning show is the worst! I take my daughter to school in the morning and do not need to hear someone yelling about “Deez Nuts” all the time. The A-Team wasn’t great, but this is just bad, I don’t even listen to that station anymore. Bad move 107.9
By KYM
October 16, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
WHAT TO HAPPEND TO THE A-TEAM ANYWAY???
By KYM
October 16, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
WHAT TO HAPPEND TO THE A-TEAM ANYWAY???
By KYM
October 16, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
WHAT TO HAPPEND TO THE A-TEAM ANYWAY???
By kristen
October 22, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
GOD i miss my girl Rashan Ali and my boi Grif they put these dumb asses who talk all morning play maybe one song the whole frekkin hour DEEZ NUTS?? WTF and then wats up with Rickey lovin Gorilla Zoe thats like Gay how much he talk about dis man BRING BACK DA A -TEAM Radio one you lost a listner I just turn to 95.5 every morning now..
By kristen
October 22, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
GOD i miss my girl Rashan Ali and my boi Grif they put these dumb asses who talk all morning play maybe one song the whole frekkin hour DEEZ NUTS?? WTF and then wats up with Rickey lovin Gorilla Zoe thats like Gay how much he talk about dis man BRING BACK DA A -TEAM Radio one you lost a listner I just turn to 95.5 every morning now..
By Gabriyelle
October 27, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
I think the Rickey Smiley morning sow is HORRIBLE! How many times can you do prank phone calls before it gets annoying?!?!?!? How old are they? Half of the time I can’t understand what they say because they don’t talk in complete sentences or English for that matter. Then, to make matters worse, their jokes aren’t funny. I don’t like V-103, so I’ve been forced to “flip-flop” between them and the Tom Joyner morning show. They need to bring the A-Team back - otherwise HOT 107.9 is going to become NOT 107.9
By Bill
November 3, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I was thinking there would be more comments. I agree that “DEEZ NUTS” is quite inappropriate at that time of the morning. I want Ryan Cameron, Akini the Black Mack, Griffy 2 TRILLION and Rashan Ali back on SOMEBODY’S morning show, preferably V103 — kick Wanda and Frank Ski old cheatin azz OUT!!! They ain’t been cool since Bill Campbell was in office!!!!!
By corey
February 3, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this
I totally agree. Ricky Smiley is extremely corny and needs to stick to stand up. I miss the old morning show and “DEEZ NUTS” is wayyy too much in the morning, when the majority of your audience is under age. I don’t listen anymore since and won’t until they change the line up.
By Lithonia Larry
February 3, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
OMG. The Rickey Smiley radio show is as lame, corny, and GAY as his standup. How much money is he raping Radio One for? When is the last time they talked about anything of substance on that stupid show? Deez Nuts? That’s HILARIOUS. If you’re 12, and if it was still 1994. And what’s up with the cackling hyena in the background laughing hysterically about things that arent even MILDLY amusing? I tried to listen to Atlanta radio. I’m done. Prank calls? Yeah, that’s original. Only problem is every radio show since 1977 has been doing them. And that illiterate sissy doing the entertainment report? Maybe it would have been funnier if, a)You could understand what he/she is saying, b) It wasnt a blatant rip-off of Miss Sophia (who is equally demented and annoying) And can somebody please tell Rickey to invest in a “Hooked on Phonics” course, and some sinus medicine? And when you’re done, please go ahead and come out the closet. Getting Barack Obama as President is a good start to raising the image of black men in America. Getting rid of Steppin’ Fetchit buffoons like 1)Rickey Smiley 2)Tyler Perry 3)Katt Williams 4)Tracy Morgan….would be a nice way to end 2009. And BTW, Frank and Wanda? You suck a** too. Thank God for Sirius Satellite and the King of All Media, HOWARD STERN.
By Lithonia Larry
February 3, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
OMG. The Rickey Smiley radio show is as lame, corny, and GAY as his standup. How much money is he raping Radio One for? When is the last time they talked about anything of substance on that stupid show? Deez Nuts? That’s HILARIOUS. If you’re 12, and if it was still 1994. And what’s up with the cackling hyena in the background laughing hysterically about things that arent even MILDLY amusing? I tried to listen to Atlanta radio. I’m done. Prank calls? Yeah, that’s original. Only problem is every radio show since 1977 has been doing them. And that illiterate sissy doing the entertainment report? Maybe it would have been funnier if, a)You could understand what he/she is saying, b) It wasnt a blatant rip-off of Miss Sophia (who is equally demented and annoying) And can somebody please tell Rickey to invest in a “Hooked on Phonics” course, and some sinus medicine? And when you’re done, please go ahead and come out the closet. Getting Barack Obama as President is a good start to raising the image of black men in America. Getting rid of Steppin’ Fetchit buffoons like 1)Rickey Smiley 2)Tyler Perry 3)Katt Williams 4)Tracy Morgan….would be a nice way to end 2009. And BTW, Frank and Wanda? You suck a** too. Thank God for Sirius Satellite and the King of All Media, HOWARD STERN.