FULL SHOW | “Brown Sugar” Neo-Soul Singer D’Angelo Passes Away Due to Cancer; Donald Trump Closing Democrat Programs In lieu of Shutdown; Solange Knowles Becomes Residency Professor at USC; and MORE

15/10/2025 1h 6min
FULL SHOW | “Brown Sugar” Neo-Soul Singer D’Angelo Passes Away Due to Cancer; Donald Trump Closing Democrat Programs In lieu of Shutdown; Solange Knowles Becomes Residency Professor at USC; and MORE

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Episode Synopsis

Here’s a look at the top conversations making noise today: President Trump is pushing to shut down what he dubs “Democrat programs” amid the ongoing government funding standoff, setting the stage for potential permanent cuts and further political gridlock. Meanwhile, award-winning artist Solange Knowles has landed a three-year residency appointment at USC’s Thornton School of Music, where she’s expected to help shape new courses in music curation and cultural practice. In entertainment estate news, Paris Jackson is locked in a legal battle with Michael Jackson’s estate’s executors over millions in alleged unapproved legal payouts, even as the estate continues to grow in value. And in a somber turn, the neo-soul world is mourning the passing of D’Angelo, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at age 51, leaving behind a celebrated musical legacy and a mourning community of fans and fellow artists.  Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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