Document: WM-011                                                 P. Webb
Category: Review                                              2017.05.06

                         Black Privilege review

Abstract

   Charlamagne Tha God can write a good book. Who knew?

Body

   Charlamagne Tha God is a radio personality of a nationally syndicated
   show called "The Breakfast Club" on Power 105.1. He’s not well-liked
   by most people, especially the people he’s interviewed and has
   disagreements with — this is because he speaks his mind. He doesn’t
   like your latest album? He’ll tell you. Are you embroiled in
   controversy? He’ll ask about it. Basically, he asks the questions or
   says the things many listeners want to ask or are thinking. I count
   myself as one of his fans.

   When Charlamagne mentioned he was writing a book, I knew I had to
   check it because…who the hell would give this man a book deal
   (Touchstone Books[1], apparently)?

   While reading, I found myself nodding in agreement when he arrived at
   the conclusion of a life lesson or when he realized he had to change
   his thought process. I also couldn’t help noticing similarities in
   our lives. We loved getting those Pizza Hut coupons for free personal
   pizzas when we read lots of books in elementary school. Music was a
   means of both inspiration and escape in our teens. We never finished
   college. Despite that, we’ve been able to succeed.

   I was reminded that I used to live out my "hood dreams" vicariously
   through artists like Clipse[2]. While glamorizing the gangsta life,
   they also rapped about the obvious downsides. This was at a time when
   my peers listened to Jay Z[3], The Lox[4], Dipset[5], &c. I was
   almost exclusively Neptunes[6] and Will Smith. Yes, I know. I was
   clowned for liking Big Willie’s music throughout all of middle and
   high school.

   Anyhoo, if you’re an aspiring radio host or anyone aspiring to do
   anything really, I highly recommend this book. The full title is
   "Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It[7]". 🕸