Black Privilege – Charlamagne Tha God

I know I normally do reviews on movies or tv shows, but while driving down the back highways from Arkansas to Mississippi I decided to go to Audible and listen to a book that keeps crossing my eyes. Charlamagne’s Black Privilege. His subtitle was Opportunity Comes To Those Who Create It.

I have to admit with Charlamagne’s rep for having a smart mouth and always speaking the truth I had to see what he had to say. I mean usually when you see Privilege, Black is not what you see in front of it. The title helped but honestly it was all about him. I would of bought it even if it had the original title “I don’t give a fuck and neither should you.” I mean come on it’s Charlamagne. The one radio host who doesn’t give a fuck what he asks any artist. If its something in the media, he will address it. If he thinks your album is whack, no matter who you are, he will tell you. He has no problem speaking his mind and going after what he wants and I needed his words to interrupt my mind. To tell me the magic that made him who he is.

To my disappointment, there was no magic, but there was more than that, there was words that pushed me to do more, to stop doubting myself and become a better me. Live in your truth, thats his words but I have to admit the phrase that stood out to me was not even his own.

“You gotta put the weed in the bag” This quote was from Belly and he explained that its because most people know where they want to be and always dream of where they should be but don’t put the footwork in getting the job done. You gotta put the weed in the bag first and sell it before you make that money = you gotta put in the work to achieve greatness. Stop dreaming and start working. What did I hear? Start writing!!!

Charlamagnes story was dope. He explains the same thing I have always believed that making it doesn’t always put money in your pocket at first. You can’t be afraid to take that unpaid internship, or take a pay cut if it gets you closer to your dream. Money will come if you follow the steps that are meant for you. Don’t listen to the bullshit from others who tell you that you should chase the money. Naw, chase the dream!

Now I have to admit if you don’t like fowl language or if crude analogies make you squeamish or block the messages you hear, then don’t read it. Because he says whatever he has to say to get you to understand including telling you how you were once a sperm who beat the odds to fertilize the egg, you made it, don’t let that be your only shining moment. He addresses everything and points fingers where they need to go. He tells you to blame yourself for not making it and stop blaming others and situations for your failure.

This book, or audio book in this case, is worth the read. I listened to most of it the entire trip and was so into it that I was irritated when someone (mainly kids) called me from the backseat. This book made me wake up and realize that I have the same 168 hours a week as every one else. As Charlamagne pointed out he is up by 4:30 am and has done more work by 10 am that many have done all week. We can work a full-time job, do an internship and take care of ourselves and our families and MAKE IT!

I recommend this book to anyone trying to find themselves, redefine themselves or trying to go after your dreams. If you need a dose of tough love and not a sugar coating book like most self-help books then this one is for you. I hope that he continues to grow and writes more books, yes, he is a radio personality but I think this makes me want to listen more and follow him. His opinion is necessary, his words are necessary, his push is necessary.

Keep it up Charlamagne, you have a true new fan here!