By Raymond Ward, Chicago Crusader
OH GOD!: Lenard McKelvey was born in South Carolina and is probably better known as, CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD, the self-proclaimed “Prince of Pissing People Off,” co-host of the nation’s Number #1 nationally syndicated hip-hop radio program, The Breakfast Club, a featured television personality on MTV and MTV 2, and the most important voice in hip-hop. In addition, he is also a social media influencer; an executive producer with his own production company, CThaGod World LLC; co-host of the popular podcast Brilliant Ideas; and author of his own marvel comic. His point of view and provocative celebrity interviews help drive the daily national conversation about issues related to hip-hop, race, society and politics.
Now, Charlamagne is a best-selling author due to the release of his book, Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It. (Simon and Schuster; $25.99)
“Charlamagne is a great friend…after you threaten to punch him in the face a few times.”
….La La Anthony
In Black Privilege, Charlamagne presents his often controversial and always brutally honest insights on how living an authentic life is the quickest path to success. This journey to truth begins in the small town of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, and leads to New York and headline-grabbing interviews and insights from celebrities like Kanye West, Kevin Hart, Malcolm Gladwell, Lena Dunham, Jay Z, and Hillary Clinton.
“South Carolina has produced some really beautiful, talented, smart, upstanding citizens…and Charlamagne!”
….Stephen Colbert
Black Privilege lays out all the great wisdom Charlamagne’s been given from many mentors, and tells the uncensored story of how he turned around his troubled early life by owning his (many) mistakes and refusing to give up on his dreams, even after his controversial opinions got him fired from several on-air jobs.
These life-learned principles include:
* There are no losses in life, only lessons
* Give people the credit they deserve for being stupid – starting with yourself
* It’s not the size of the pond but the hustle of the fish
* When you live your truth, no one can use it against you
* We all have privilege, we just need to access it
By combining his own story with bold advice and his signature commitment to honesty no matter the cost, Charlamagne hopes Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It will empower you to live your own truth.
“Charlamagne is a f. . .ing a . . hole, but he’s my favorite one.”
….Issa Rae
