I became inspired to highlight Donald Glover after being able to get through the entirety of “Because the Internet,” “STN MTN,” and “Kauai,” on my way to school this morning (my commute is that long).
With the stage name Childish Gambino, Glover creates an ambivalent and endearing atmosphere within his work. Most recently, he released a single called “Me and Your Mama” which begins almost like a lullaby. The intro is a repetition of eight lines which abruptly changes into a psychedelic rock-themed hook, which is said to mirror Outkast’s “Miss Jackson.” The song encapsulates a vast variety of emotions that the artist himself really dives into when singing.
Without realizing it, Childish Gambino creates anthems for change. “Hold You Down” from Childish Gambino’s first studio album “Camp,” is a song in which he professes his desire for change in the way people see each other. He does so by highlighting his own experiences and how systemic racism has impacted his early life into his adult life. Specifically where he raps, “Subtle racism / It’s hard to pin it cause you'd only understand / If you were me for just a minute,” the listener can really sense the need for empathy, which he is craving.
In another light there is also one of Gambino’s most popular songs “Sweatpants.” The song accentuates his lavish Hollywood lifestyle through earned success. At the same time, the song also mirrors a parody of a rich boy’s point of view. Glover’s self-earned riches are compared to those of entitled rich kids with the bridge of the song: “Rich-kid, asshole, paint me as a villain.” He also gives a not-so-subtle shout-out to his critics in the hook when his friend Problem raps, “Don’t be mad cause I’m doing me better than you doing you.”
Above all, there is my favorite song from Childish Gambino, “Sober.” "Sober" is said to be Childish Gambino’s hypothetical loss of his girl, combined with his past of never being sober. The song to me takes on a new meaning in that when the hook goes, “I couldn’t believe, and now I’m so high,” I think of how metaphorically high I am whenever I’m with my friends. The song captures a good time with a message of ambiguity in that its interpretations are endless. The part of the song with the lyrics, “Cause I know one day you’ll see / All the things that we can be,” really stands out to me because I find it to be an empowering chant for future generations. All the things we can be are seen through the chances we are given.
Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover, has proven to be timeless through his music. His messages are never meaningless and always stand for something greater. His new album, “Awaken, My Love!” is set to be released on December 2nd, which I am definitely looking forward to. So, if you have an upcoming commute, or you are looking for a true artist, listen to Childish Gambino’s studio albums, EPs, and mixtapes.