Reach Media’s syndicated host Tom Joyner announced his replacement will be comedian Rickey Smiley. He will take over in January and part of his cast will include the beautiful and witty Eva Marcille (yup, we love her a bit too much. Hope the new baby doesn't do too much damage on that shape) and Gary Wit Da Tea. Tom made his retirement known when he signed his last contract (NET NEWS 10/17/17).

Smiley says, “It’s an honor to continue the legacy of my boss and frat brother Tom Joyner. Not only has he been a friend to my family and me over the years, but we consider him family. Tom’s mentorship has instilled in me valuable wisdom that I will carry with me through this new morning show.” 
Reach Media/Urban One CEO David Kantor chimes on Tom Joyner replacement, “Tom changed urban radio. He entertained and educated multiple generations of listeners over the last 25 years. While there is and will always be only one Tom Joyner, we are excited that Rickey will be moving to Urban AC in January. Like Tom, Rickey's talent, community consciousness and commitment to his audience will serve his listeners well. Reach Media’s other current morning Urban AC program, The Russ Parr Morning Show, will also continue in syndication into 2020.”

Tom seems content, “I’m happy to see the landscape of Urban AC morning radio continue to expand with Rickey, and I’m proud of the doors the Tom Joyner Morning Show opened. Twenty-five years ago, there was no template for a syndicated Urban radio show and we worked hard to prove that we could successfully produce and market a national platform that would entertain, inform and empower African-American listeners. We broke some ground, raised the bar for what audiences expected from Black radio all while partying with a purpose. Yeah, we’ve done a lot but there’s still a lot left to be done. I’m confident that Rickey’s activism along with his love for radio, the community, and HBCUs, will pick up where we left off.”

Tom Joyner will air his final show at the end of this year. He’s currently touring with his "One More Time" show, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the TJMS. We're not sure what this means for the Fantastic Voyage, but we hope it continues with Eva Marcille aboard (damn she' fine!). Oh, and we hope Rickey continues his weekly Karaoke show at the Stardome Comedy Club in Birmingham. What would we do without that weekly treat of comedy and great entertainment? We have more questions

Still awaiting word on landing spots for Tom's cast, and where Rickey will broadcast. The Red Velvet Cake studios won't be the same without Joyner, and Atlanta won't be the same without Smiley, decisions, decisions, decision