The G-List is TheUrbandaily.com’s annual celebration of 40 influential men from various walks of life who define what it means to be a trendsetter with style in their field.
Name: Charlamagne Tha God
From: Moncks Corner, SC
Occupation: Radio Personality
Affiliations: Power 105.1/New York’s “The Breakfast Club” & MTV2
Some say honesty is the best policy. But according to radio personality Charlamagne Tha God, it’s the only one. CThaGod says he respects all of his interview subjects, but either way, he’s going to let you know how he feels. It’s that approach that has made for some of the most entertaining radio interviews in recent times.
Charlamagne From 105.1 Goes In On Diddy “You Got A Roster Full Of Garbage”
Born in a small town outside of Charlestown, South Carolina, Charlamagne’s life took a turn for the better when he decided he wasn’t going to end up like some of the other people he grew up around. After holding down a few jobs including one at Taco Bell and one as a telemarketer (“we had to sell like 10 CDs for a penny”), Charlamagne landed an internship with a local radio station that would later prove to be lucrative. Working his way up the ranks and building his own local following, the radio jock started to grab the attention of some of radio’s royalty, namely Wendy Williams who hired Charlemagne to work for her at WBLS in New York in 2006. Today, as part of NYC’s Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club, he is considered to be a part of one of the most powerful morning shows in radio. Add that to his upcoming MTV2 series (“The Guy Code”) and Charlamagne has turned into one popular guy. So much for Taco Bell.
Let’s talk about your interviews, some of which have been controversial. Do you always go in on people or just when the mood is right?
Well, you know, I’m an honesty enthusiast. That’s what I like to call myself and I’m a cultural critic. My mood is based on how I feel about that artist or that artist’s body of work. I try to show everybody respect. Ghostface is my favorite MC of all time. If he comes in the studio, that’s how I’m gonna interview him. I’m a big T.I. fan, same thing. But I’m also gonna treat him like a guy who can’t stay out of jail. We’re gonna address all of that. And if I think you’re wack, I’m gonna let you know. It’s how you respond that dictates how the rest of the interview is gonna go.
What are the best and worst interviews you’ve done?
I had an interview a couple of weeks ago, with The Breakfast Club and it was Paul Mooney. He was just like a racist asshole. It hurt my feelings ‘cause I’ve read his books and I’ve always been a fan of his, but I never realized how much of a disdain he has for White people. It’s worse now ‘cause he’s older and bitter. To the point where we said, we’re not gonna air this. We live in a different day and age. I don’t believe in prejudice, on any level. It’s wack. As far as the best, I always feel like our latest interviews are our best interviews. Wale, Noreaga. The best interviews are people who are honest and not afraid to be honest. Noreaga said it best, “Anyone who is honest really shouldn’t be afraid to come on The Breakfast Club.” The most impactful interview in my life, though, was with the honorable Louis Farrakhan, just to have a conversation with him.
How would you define your style?
I’m not that style dude, though. I’m a white-T shirt, thermal, Timberlands and Jordans type of guy. I’ve never gotten caught up in the whole clothes thing. [Breakfast Club co-hosts] DJ Envy and Angela Yee always clown me on that. When I see Jay-Z in Tims, jeans and a hat, or if I see Rick Ross in a nice black leather jacket, in jeans and nice sneakers, that’s me, all day. I’m not into fashion like that. I can’t do what Kanye [West] does, with the colorful sneakers and the leather pants. I like to keep it as simple as possible.
So no skinny jeans for you?
Nah, it’s definitely a generational thing. Those kids are like 19. I’m supposed to look at them weird. I’m definitely not supposed to keep up with them. If you grew up in the 80s, you shouldn’t be trying to follow those kids. We don’t wear skinny jeans.
What about your grooming? Do you go to a barbershop?
I definitely go to a barber, The Chop Shop in Teaneck. I’m big on the grooming. I definitely manscape. I like to smell good. I believe in colognes and things of that nature. I care about keeping your body right too. I hate to see these guys out there, worried about cars and clothes, but their stomach is hanging over their pants. Physical fitness is part of that also. I care about making sure I go to the doctor. I think all of that goes under the umbrella of grooming. All of that is a must.
The G-List is TheUrbandaily.com’s annual celebration of 40 influential men from various walks of life who define what it means to be a trendsetter with style in their field.
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