Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Bellinger joins Rickey Smiley for an honest conversation about the realities of songwriting, balancing artistry with business, navigating grief, and building a career on his own terms. From writing chart-topping records for some of the biggest names in music to opening up about losing his mother and embracing a new chapter with a major label partnership, Eric shares the experiences that shaped both the artist and the man behind the hits.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) - Intro & Eric Bellinger Welcome

(00:00) - Intro & welcome to Grammy award-winning Eric Bellinger.

(02:40) - Eric’s Songwriting Catalog for icons like Brandy, Justin Bieber, and Chris Brown.

(05:31) - Musical beginnings in the church and early R&B influences.

(11:45) - Visiting the Jackson family home and its impact.

(20:09) - Working with Beyoncé and the lessons learned about being himself.

(24:28) - Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence in music.

(26:34) - Family life, fatherhood, marriage, and being present

(32:11) - Dealing with the loss of his mother and the therapeutic power of music.

(38:58) - Starting his own label, All Wins Entertainment, and finding new talent.

(43:15) - His upcoming self-titled album.

(44:54) - Fan pet peeves and wild experiences.

(47:55) - Rapid-fire questions: Tour riders, go-to vocal songs, and food preferences.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Rickey Smiley On The Spot is Rickey in his truest form — Authentic. Funny. Heartfelt. Honest. Each episode brings audiences up close with one of comedy’s most trusted voices as he dives into real conversations that mix humor with humanity. From laugh-out-loud stories to deeply personal moments, Rickey creates a space where guests can let their guard down, share their truth, and reflect on life, faith, family, and growth. Whether he’s trading jokes with celebrity friends, offering unexpected wisdom, or exploring the issues shaping our culture, Rickey reminds listeners why he’s been a voice they can laugh with — and learn from — for decades. Blending comedy, culture, and conversation, On The Spot delivers the authenticity and energy that only Rickey Smiley can bring.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary songwriter and producer Sean Garrett joins Rickey Smiley for an unforgettable conversation about creating some of the biggest hits in music history.

Known as "The Pen," Sean has written and produced chart-topping records for Beyoncé, Usher, Ciara, Chris Brown, Fergie, and countless others. From the making of "Yeah!," "Goodies," and "Run It!" to sharing his unique creative process, Sean gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to consistently create timeless music.

Sean opens up about earning his iconic nickname from Jay-Z, the responsibility that comes with shaping the sound of a generation, and the importance of collaboration in the music industry. In one of the episode's most memorable moments, he shares what it was like working with Michael Jackson during the final year of his life and reveals that the King of Pop called him every morning to talk about creating "the biggest song in the world."The two also discuss fatherhood, Atlanta's influence on music, vocal production, and why songwriters deserve more recognition.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) - Intro & Sean Garrett Welcome
(01:34) - Introducing the Legend: Sean "The Pen" Garrett
(03:26) - Do Songwriters Get Enough Recognition?
(04:02) - Sean's Early Career and Atlanta Roots, Military Upbringing
(05:32) - The Creative Process: Creating vs. Writing
(06:51) - Natural Gift: 56 Number Ones and "Super Friend" Status
(07:40) - Making a Name Before Social Media
(09:51) - The Story Behind Usher's "Yeah!"
(13:52) - Transition to Solo Artist: New Music "Girlfriend"
(14:26) - Cooking Memories with Plies and Pinto Beans
(15:44) - How Jay-Z Gave Him the Nickname "The Pen"
(16:57) - Working with Michael Jackson: The Final Year
(21:03) - Vocal Producing: Pushing Usher, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, and MORE
(24:02) - Atlanta's Impact on Hip-Hop & R&B
(24:56) - Dating in ATL and Finding "The One"
(25:56) - Free Time: Bowling, Top Golf, and Family
(28:40) - Game Time: "The Spot" Rapid Fire Questions

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Rickey Smiley On The Spot is Rickey in his truest form — Authentic. Funny. Heartfelt. Honest. Each episode brings audiences up close with one of comedy’s most trusted voices as he dives into real conversations that mix humor with humanity. From laugh-out-loud stories to deeply personal moments, Rickey creates a space where guests can let their guard down, share their truth, and reflect on life, faith, family, and growth. Whether he’s trading jokes with celebrity friends, offering unexpected wisdom, or exploring the issues shaping our culture, Rickey reminds listeners why he’s been a voice they can laugh with — and learn from — for decades. Blending comedy, culture, and conversation, On The Spot delivers the authenticity and energy that only Rickey Smiley can bring.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five-time Grammy Award-winning artist CeeLo Green joins Rickey Smiley On The Spot for one of the most entertaining and insightful conversations yet.

CeeLo opens up about losing his parents at a young age, how music became his therapy, and the gospel roots that shaped his legendary career. He also reveals the truth about nearly joining OutKast, reflects on Goodie Mob's final chapter, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with Kanye West on Bully.

The conversation dives into Atlanta's influence on music, the rise of Dungeon Family, AI's impact on creativity, his experience as an original coach on The Voice, and the lessons he's learned throughout his incredible journey.

From heartfelt moments to hilarious stories only Rickey and CeeLo can tell, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and unforgettable Atlanta history.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) - Intro & CeeLo Green Welcome

(02:50) - Church Roots & Gospel Background

(04:18) - New Gnarls Barkley Album "Atlanta"

(05:48) - Discovering His Unique Voice

(08:23) - Losing His Parents & Healing Through Music

(09:55) - Growing Up on Atlanta's Southside

(10:03) - The Formation of Goodie Mob

(13:31) - Why Goodie Mob Decided To End

(15:15) - CeeLo's Secret Love For Comedy

(17:12) - The Truth About Almost Joining OutKast

(19:21) - How Gnarls Barkley Was Created

(21:47) - Working With Kanye West On Bully

(26:54) - AI & The Future of Music

(29:20) - What He'd Do If He Wasn't A Musician

(30:00) - Fashion Influences & Style

(34:24) - The Voice & Becoming An Original Coach

(37:04) - Would He Return To The Voice?

(38:27) - Dream Verzuz Matchup

(40:40) - Quick Fire Questions

(46:45) - Final Thoughts & New Music

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Rickey Smiley On The Spot is Rickey in his truest form — Authentic. Funny. Heartfelt. Honest. Each episode brings audiences up close with one of comedy’s most trusted voices as he dives into real conversations that mix humor with humanity. From laugh-out-loud stories to deeply personal moments, Rickey creates a space where guests can let their guard down, share their truth, and reflect on life, faith, family, and growth. Whether he’s trading jokes with celebrity friends, offering unexpected wisdom, or exploring the issues shaping our culture, Rickey reminds listeners why he’s been a voice they can laugh with — and learn from — for decades. Blending comedy, culture, and conversation, On The Spot delivers the authenticity and energy that only Rickey Smiley can bring.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.