Rickey Smiley is reclaiming the highlight and reminding a multigenerational viewers precisely why he’s one of many greats.
Bounce and Hulu hosted an unique screening for Smiley’s new stand-up comedy particular, Silly, in Atlanta, the place media and visitors gathered to witness his long-anticipated return to the stage.
BOSSIP’s Lauryn Bass talked completely with the highlighted celebrities who walked the carpet, celebrating the launch of Smiley’s first stand-up particular in over a decade, which is ready to premiere Might 30.
Though Smiley is greatest identified in the present day because the voice behind The Rickey Smiley Morning Present, the veteran entertainer made it clear that stand-up has at all times been his basis.
“I really feel good in the present day. I’m actually excited. I’m nervous… I bought butterflies in my abdomen,” he informed BOSSIP on the carpet.
Smiley went on to explain the months of preparation that went into shaping Silly—from materials testing to tour dates.
“I had been on the street for months, months and months and months engaged on materials, doing the comedy golf equipment, doing the three exhibits… all of the stuff to make it occur and right here we’re!”
Smiley additionally acknowledged that whereas long-time followers know him for his characters and stage presence, the brand new technology may not be as acquainted with that aspect of him.
“Generally you get to doing radio a lot and doing radio so lengthy, like folks actually neglect that you just a performer… when that new technology got here in, you needed to form of present them that, hey—ain’t no chump on stage.”
He gave credit score the place it was due when reflecting on how the particular got here collectively behind the scenes.
“It was quite a lot of work that went into it. Months and months, hours and hours, lengthy nights on stage, figuring out the fabric and figuring out the kinks and ensuring it hit.” Smiley recollected. “My administration did a very good job negotiating… so actual huge shout out to them. It’s an thrilling time.”
it’s deep while you get to rejoice the accomplishment of a person who had you up early within the morning on the best way to work or faculty, cracking as much as The Rickey Smiley Morning Present.
“We Simply Gonna Snicker Some Extra” Says Da Brat About Her Day One
Rickey’s longtime co-host and shut collaborator Da Brat confirmed up with huge power and larger love.
“I really feel nice. I’m pleased to be right here for my huge brother, Rickey Smiley. I work with him day by day. He’s an incredible dude. He does all the pieces for everyone. I’m pleased to see this coming to fruition for him,” she informed BOSSIP.
Her expectations for the night matched the legacy of their shared historical past.
“We giggle each morning, and I get to work with him each single day, so we simply gonna giggle some extra.”
After all, Brat’s vogue needed to be talked about. She saved it true to her Atlanta roots with a few of her favourite hometown staples.
“The Ice Cream pants, the Dickies shirt, this little stone shirt underneath is from Pure—my favourite retailer in Atlanta.”
Along with the screening, Brat shared her pleasure about reentering the music house.
“It’s known as ‘Have You to Myself’ that includes Jessica Betts. Our wives are going to be within the video. We had a good time filming it. I hadn’t put out music in a very very long time, so I’m enthusiastic about that.”
From YouTube To TikTok: Black Comedy’s Digital Evolution Reveals Up
Whereas Smiley’s Silly honors his stand-up roots, the visitor record proved simply how far Black comedy has developed, particularly with digital creators who helped form and shift the tradition on-line.
Tre Melvin, a pioneer from YouTube’s golden period of Black sketch comedy, described the night time as a celebration of shared house and neighborhood.
“I’m simply excited to be round my neighborhood. That is my first time since I’ve been in Atlanta after being in LA for ten years, being on this setting right here that I’ve grow to be used to in Los Angeles. So I’m excited to be round Black folks on this house… not with those that don’t seem like us.”
He additionally mirrored on how the trade’s values are altering.
“We’re transferring into an period the place neighborhood comes first. It’s much less about movie star, followers and followers—and extra about stepping out and doing what you’re keen on. The remainder follows.”
TikTok and Instagram Reels are taking on, so it’s solely proper that social media influencers like Joseph Fogg got here out to be within the room with an icon like Rickey Smiley, who walked so they might run.
Including to the present wave of social media stars making folks giggle each day by way of short-form video content material, Joseph Fogg attended the screening representing the brand new faculty.
Identified for his viral dance strikes and on-line presence, Fogg got here by way of in a glance by Simply Trappin’ South and spoke on how consistency helped him stand out.
“You gotta keep down with what you’re doing. You gotta imagine in what you’re doing. No person else is gonna imagine in you in case you don’t. That’s while you begin to see your blossom bloom.”
Following the screening, attendees have been invited to a energetic Q&A hosted by Rickey Smiley Morning Present character Gary Wit Da Tea, who introduced his signature humor to the stage as he moderated dialog across the making of Silly and Smiley’s comedic legacy.
The night time didn’t finish there.
Simply steps throughout from the Regal, invited visitors made their method to Hobnob at Atlantic Station, the place an afterparty gave media, influencers, and stars alike the possibility to let unfastened, toast to Rickey, and dance the night time away. With good meals, excessive power, and loads of love within the room, the celebration mirrored all the pieces Silly represents—pleasure, legacy, and laughter throughout generations.
You would really feel the cultural timeline in that theater—from church skits and morning radio to meme-makers and micro-influencers. All people within the room performed a component.
Rickey Smiley’s Silly premieres Might 30 on Hulu.
