Lenard Larry McKelvey, professionally known as Charlamagne tha God, is a prominent American radio host, television personality, and comedian. He is best known as the co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club, alongside DJ Envy. The duo's work on the show earned them an induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020. Charlamagne has also expanded his presence on television, hosting the late-night talk show Hell of a Week with Charlamagne tha God on Comedy Central. Known for his candid and often provocative interviewing style, Charlamagne has become a significant figure in the media landscape, influencing discussions on hip-hop culture and social issues.
Lenard Larry McKelvey, known professionally as Charlamagne tha God, was born on June 29, 1978.
In 2001, McKelvey faced a sexual assault accusation after a party. He denied the allegations, cooperated with authorities, and provided DNA evidence. The charges were eventually dropped, but he pled guilty to contributing to the delinquency of a minor, resulting in three years of probation.
McKelvey left South Carolina in 2006 to become the second mic to radio host Wendy Williams.
In 2008, "The Wendy Williams Experience", on which McKelvey served as second mic, was taken off the air.
In 2008, McKelvey began hosting the morning show for 100.3 The Beat in Philadelphia.
In 2009, 100.3 The Beat fired McKelvey a few days after he aired an interview with Beanie Sigel.
In 2010, McKelvey joined WWPR-FM in New York City as a co-host of "The Breakfast Club" alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee.
In 2011, McKelvey became a cast member of the MTV2 comedy television show "Guy Code".
McKelvey co-hosted MTV New Year's live from Times Square in 2013.
McKelvey co-hosted MTV New Year's live from Times Square in 2014.
In 2014, Rolling Stone magazine dubbed McKelvey "hip-hop's Howard Stern".
In March 2015, the MTV2 comedy television show, "Guy Code", ended.
McKelvey's book "Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It" was ranked sixth on the May 7, 2017, New York Times list of best-selling hardback non-fiction.
McKelvey's second book, "Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me", was released on October 23, 2018.
In 2019, McKelvey became the host of "Emerging Hollywood", a YouTube series from The Hollywood Reporter.
In August 2020, Charlamagne tha God, alongside his co-hosts Angela Yee and DJ Envy, were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
In 2020, Charlamagne tha God and his "The Breakfast Club" co-host, DJ Envy, were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame for their work on the show.
In 2021, McKelvey publicly acknowledged the support of his wife, Jessica Gadsden, particularly during the times when he struggled to maintain a job in radio.
McKelvey became the host of the late-night talk show "Tha God's Honest Truth" in 2021.
McKelvey released the book, "Get Honest or Die Lying: Why Small Talk Sucks", in 2024.