When I’m not devouring fiction, I’m more than likely reading an autobiography or a self-help book. Black Privilege by The Breakfast Club host, Charlamagne Tha God, serves both purposes. Not only do you get a walkthrough of some of his most important life experiences, but he also teaches valuable life lessons based on them.
Most know Charlamagne as being the outspoken host on The Breakfast Club, that features Charlamagne, DJ Envy and Angela Yee interviewing a vast number of celebrities and public figures. He’s ruffled more than a few feathers on-air during his years on the show. Most notably Birdman, the owner of Cash Money Records.
To those not familiar with Charlamagne (real name Lenard), he may come across as an obnoxious asshole. This book is great because it shows you the method to his madness. Charlamagne breaks down his philosophy on speaking the truth and being a man or woman of your word. He manages to put it in a way that makes sense, and it will have you thinking about how you address people.
In one portion of the book, Charlamagne breaks down why it’s important to always offer up your true opinions to someone. Because even if you end up falling out with that person, the criticism you leave them with might actually help them change and become a better person. Later on down the line, once that person changes, they will value you for keeping it real with them. On the other hand, a “yes man” will lead give you a false sense of security that will leave you ignorant to your biggest faults. In fact, these yes men are likely to stand by the sidelines and watch as you self-destruct before their eyes.
The way in which Charlamagne explained all of this gave me a new found respect for him. This is a man who’s been physically attacked on camera for his opinion, but even that didn’t stop him from keeping it real with people.
Beyond keeping it real, Black Privilege also has many important life lessons about making the right career moves. He speaks on being fired from a number of different radio stations, but never losing enthusiasm for it. He also describes the importance of interning for little or no money if you want to break into your dream career. Never feel entitled to your dream job position. Put the work in and climb your way up the ladder.
Another thing that resonated with me on a personal level, is that Charlamagne was raised in a small town called Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Much like where I live, there wasn’t much happening in this small town. But Charlamagne didn’t let the limitations of his surroundings stop him from shooting for the stars. The New York radio scene isn’t the easiest market to break into, but he was able to make a name for himself in his hometown and use his connections to find himself on Wendy William’s radio show. From there, the sky was the limit for him.
Black Privilege is full of substantial life advice. And it’s advice that appeals to every type of person in some way. The title may throw people off, but this is an easily relatable book for people from all walks of life.
