History of Charlamagne tha God in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2025

Charlamagne tha God, born Lenard Larry McKelvey, is a prominent American radio host, television personality, and comedian. He's best known as co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, The Breakfast Club, alongside DJ Envy. Their work on the show led to their induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020. Beyond radio, Charlamagne hosted the late-night talk show Hell of a Week with Charlamagne tha God on Comedy Central, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 29, 1978: Lenard Larry McKelvey Birth

On June 29, 1978, Lenard Larry McKelvey, known professionally as Charlamagne tha God, was born. He later became a prominent American radio host, television personality, and comedian.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Sexual Assault Accusation and Misdemeanor Plea

In 2001, McKelvey was accused of sexual assault, which he denied. The charges were later dropped, and he pled guilty to a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, receiving three years probation.

2006: Joins Wendy Williams

In 2006, Charlamagne left South Carolina to become second mic to Wendy Williams, and devised his stage name, drawing inspiration from "Charles" (his street name) and Charlemagne, adding "Tha God" for effect.

2008: Hosts Morning Show in Philadelphia

In 2008, Charlamagne began hosting the morning show for 100.3 The Beat in Philadelphia.

2008: Show Taken off the Air

In 2008, his show was taken off the air and he was laid off after forward questioning and interviews of hip hop and R&B artists on radio raised his public profile.

2009: Fired from 100.3 The Beat

In 2009, he was fired by 100.3 The Beat, a few days after airing an interview with Beanie Sigel about Jay-Z. Speculation was that Jay-Z was behind the firing.

2010: Co-hosts The Breakfast Club

In 2010, McKelvey became a co-host on The Breakfast Club alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee on WWPR-FM in New York City, and was later simulcast on Revolt.

2011: Joins Guy Code

In 2011, McKelvey became a cast member of Guy Code, a comedy television show on MTV2.

2013: Co-hosted MTV New Year's Live

In 2013, Charlamagne co-hosted MTV New Year's live from Times Square.

2014: Co-hosted MTV New Year's Live

In 2014, Charlamagne co-hosted MTV New Year's live from Times Square for the second year.

2014: "Hip-Hop's Howard Stern"

In 2014, Charlamagne tha God was dubbed "hip-hop's Howard Stern" by Rolling Stone magazine.

March 2015: Guy Code Ends

In March 2015, the MTV2 show Guy Code, featuring McKelvey, ended.

2015: Uncommon Sense Host

In 2015, McKelvey began hosting the MTV2 show Uncommon Sense, adding to his television career.

May 7, 2017: Black Privilege on NY Times Best Seller List

On May 7, 2017, Charlamagne's book "Black Privilege" was ranked sixth on The New York Times list of best-selling hardback non-fiction.

October 23, 2018: Shook One Release

On October 23, 2018, McKelvey's second book, Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me was released.

2019: Emerging Hollywood Host

In 2019, Charlamagne became the host of Emerging Hollywood, a YouTube series from The Hollywood Reporter.

August 2020: Radio Hall of Fame Induction

In August 2020, Charlamagne tha God, along with Angela Yee and DJ Envy, were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

2020: Radio Hall of Fame Induction

In 2020, Charlamagne tha God and DJ Envy were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame for their work on The Breakfast Club, a nationally syndicated radio show.