How The Breakfast Club Inspires Millenials

If you have not heard of The Breakfast Club, The World’s Most Dangerous Morning Show, then you are not a true fan of Hip-Hop.  Formed in 2010 DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlagmagne The God voices flow through the airwaves every week day morning from 6-10am.  Although, they have secured a solid fan base, it seems they have not been given credit to how they inspire Millenials on a daily basis through their lives, actions, and entrepreneurial spirits. 

             

"we were fighting for our lives" 

          DJ Envy, Queens native, is the anchor of the show.  “Good Mawnin everybody it’s DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlagmagne Tha God, and we are The Breakfast Club” is a phrase that any fan of the show should be able to recite in their sleep.  DJ Envy has proven time and time again why he deserves The Spin Awards coveted title “DJ of The Year”.  Growing up in Queens he befriended DJ Clue who later became his mentor but DJ Envy brings something to the table that I find interesting.  After graduating with a Business Degree, from The Historically Black College Hampton University, he went back to New York to follow his passion of being a DJ.  I find this interesting because, as a graduate of a HBCU in my opinion they do not foster the entrepreneurial spirit.  It is better to them or more “safe” to start commence working on Wall Street or something more attainable than to start your career from college as a self-starter.  This is why DJ Envy is inspiring Millenials.  Every day you can see him via Instagram DJ-ing at a different club in a different city.  He shows Millenials who want to get into the music industry that even though you might have to knock on the same door over and over again eventually it will open and you will be able to showcase your talent to the world. 

            

                                                                            

"sometimes you're not automatically good at something, 

it takes a while to figure out that 

you can be great at it"

     Angela Yee ,Brooklyn native, is the voice of reason.  Born in Flatbush, Brooklyn to a Chinese father and West Indian Mother she is also inspiring but more so to the young women Millenials.  Angela Yee worked her way up from interning and working with the legendary Hip-Hop group Wu-Tang, R&B Singer D’angelo, Sirius Radio, Jay Electronica and iHeartMedia’s  The Breakfast Club, just to name a few.  She even created her own Podcast Lip Service which deals with taboo topics such as: sex, sexual orientation, and a lot more! She demonstrates that hard work and perseverance can take you a long way.  A graduate of Wesleyan College where she majored in English she had plans of becoming a writer or being in the marketing industry.  However, those plans changed when a job at Sirius Radio opened up and Paul Rosenberg, manager of Eminem, informed her.  Her only request to him was to help her get the interview and she would do the rest.  Ms. Yee not only got the job but soon took over after Cipha Sounds left and hosted her own morning show.  She is an example to young women because her story is a true testament that there is more ways of making it into the industry than being ratchet on television. 

           

    

"if you live your truth no one can use it against you" 

       Charlagmagne Tha God, born in Monucks Corner, South Carolina, is the loose cannon.  Born in a city near Charleston, South Carolina there really was no expectation for him to be much.  He was a high school drop out, who eventually got his degree, and was arrested many times.  However, an opportunity for him to be an intern at the local radio station came and he seized it.  Eventually he became the nighttime host on the 12-6am spot.  After a few years of working he got an opportunity to work with radio legend Wendy Williams, however, he would not be getting paid.  Now most people would have scoffed at the idea of doing free labor but he saw it as a way to hone his craft and work under one of the greatest women to ever do radio.  After a year of not getting paid he eventually got a contract and was her sidekick.  Charlagmagne is an example to Millenials, especially those like myself who come from South Carolina, that you can leave the confines of your comfort zone, and become someone great.  Also not every opportunity is going to pay you, but eventually it will.  Living your truth is also a special aspect about him.  One of his favorite lines is “live your truth and no one can use it against you” this is important for children in today’s society to hear.  If people are able to live their truth there is a certain element of freedom that follows.  Living you truth not only helps you, but it encourages others to live theirs. 

           

       Who knew that three radio personalities in 2010 would come together and rule urban radio?  The Breakfast Club has become much of what Soul Train, 106 and Park was to other generations.: new faces, new voices, and new talent.  Through their lives Millenials have learned entrepreneurship, professionalism, and the freedom to express oneself.  Whether 18 or 81 everyone can take note at The Breakfast Club and their accomplishments.