The radio and podcast space has become one of the more lucrative subsections of digital media. Personalities can earn hundreds of millions of dollars depending on how much revenue they generate. Just ask Charlamagne the God or Stephen A. Smith. However, radio personality Ebro Darden recently opened up about the dark side of those lucrative deals.
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Ebro Takes Aim at Charlamagne & Stephen A. Smith
Ebro said that to get those kinds of deals, there are certain things that personalities have to subject themselves to. And he says that he is unwilling to “dance” even if it means missing out on a major payday.
“There were things that Charlamagne The God was willing to do that I would’ve NEVER done. It’s the same way with Stephen A Smith,” he said during a recent episode of his podcast. “When companies want to give you that amount of money, you have to dance, and I’m not willing to.”
Ebro takes a SHOT at Charlamagne:
— Caleb (@CalebFromX) December 22, 2025
“There were things that CTG was willing to do that I would’ve NEVER done.. it’s the same way W/ Stephen A Smith. When companies want to give you that amount of money, you have to do a dance and I’m not willing to”
The former Hot97 Employee… pic.twitter.com/31uvlC0EYg
However, users on social media believed that it was just a case of the former Hot 97 host sucking on sour grapes.
“One is an executive at a multimedia conglomerate, up $200 million; the other is broadcasting from his bedroom,” one person said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“This is why Ebro got fired, he’s a hater Charlamagne is doing big things out here, he’s remaining current and adjusting,” another user added.
Earlier this month, New York City radio station Hot 97 nixed its flagship morning show, Ebro in the Morning, from its programming. A move that left the rap industry shellshocked.
Charlamagne, on the other hand, is doing quite well. His new deal with iHeartMedia is reportedly in the neighborhood of $200 million. Stephen A. Smith also reportedly signed a $100 million extension with media giant ESPN earlier this year.
