Actor Donald Glover can be seen in shows such as Atlanta, Community, and Mr & Mrs. Smith. However, he can also be in albums such as Because the Internet and Atavista, which he produced as his alter ego – Childish Gambino.
Glover initially stepped into the spotlight as an actor and comedian, after being hired by Tina Fey. However, Glover decided to dive into his musical talent by introducing the character “Childish Gambino”, under which he released his albums Camp (2011), Because the Internet (2013), STN MTN/Kauai (2014), “Awaken, My Love!” (2016), Atavista (2024), and Bando Stone & the New World (2024).
While he received mixed reviews about his first album, his second album introduced the single “3005”, which would become his first Billboard Hot 100 entry. His 2016 album debuted the single “Redbone”, which earned Glover his first Grammy Since then, Childish Gambino has continued to revolutionize soul and revive the appreciation for traditional R&B.
His earlier albums are more rap centered and feature more explicit lyrics, which fit with the “tough front” Childish Gambino is aiming to give the album. However, his later albums moved more towards neo-soul, psychedelic funk, and R&B an feature cleaner lyrics. When asked about this, Childish Gambino said that becoming a father inspired him to make his music less explicit. Personally, I prefer his later albums because I love the twist he puts on R&B. He layers traditional rap tracks over fun sound effects, which allows him to give interesting depth to soul and funk music.
Bando Stone and the New World will be Glover’s last album, after which he is retiring the character of Childish Gambino. Music has been a fun hobby for Glover, but it isn’t something he will keep going forever. However, Childish Gambino’s albums are definitely worth listening to again and again, regardless of if Childish Gambino still exists.
My Top Ten:
- “Zombies” (“Awaken, My Love!’)
- “Little Foot Big Foot” feat. Young Nudy (Atavista)
- “Riot” (“Awaken, My Love!”)
- “Redbone” (“Awaken, My Love!”)
- “Steps Beach” (Bando Stone and the New World)
- “Cruisin’” feat. Yeat (Bando Stone and the New World)
- “Outside” (Camp)
- “3005” (Because the Internet)
- “Letter Home” (Camp)
- “Sober” (Kauai)
For fans of Steve Lacy, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA.
