Charlamagne Tha God On Criticism: 'I Don't Mind Being Checked By My Community'

Charlamagne tha God has never been one to hold his tongue. 

It’s essentially what his entire radio career has been built upon. But Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club co-host revealed that over the past year, he’s grown and has become more cognizant of the controversial things he says on air.

“I don’t mind being checked by my community,” the 36-year-old said during an ESSENCE podcast taping. “I’m always receptive to growth.”

Charlamagne, born Lenard McKelvey, touches upon the same lesson in his new book Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It. Hailing from Charleston, SC, Charlamagne’s bold opinion has gotten him in headlines over the years from his candid 2013 interview with Kanye West to shake-down with Birdman. 

When sitting back and reflecting on his role in media over the years, he’s as honest with himself as others are with him.

“As long as you’re doing what you’re suppose to be doing, God has something for you,” he said. “I truly believe that.”

Listen to ESSENCE’s live Yes!Girl podcast with Charlamagne tha God on Thursday (Jun 1). 

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Charlamagne Tha God is ni the building. Good afternoon, everybody, how are you all the day? I'm never above being checked by my community. It is one of those things where you gotta step back and you be like, hold up, what did I do?Like if I did this wrong and my community didn't like it, by all means let me know. I mean I give the credit they deserve for being stupid everyday with, donkey of the day. So, my community can give me the credit. I deserve for being stupid in that moment. Peace to the planet, it's the Prime Minister of pissing people off, the ruler of rubbing you the wrong way, the architect of aggravation, Charlamain the god and I want you to subscribe to the Yes, Girl! podcast. [BLANK_AUDIO]