Donald Glover has finally released an official video for his rapping alias Childish Gambino, and he did not disappoint. Lyrically I think he can go toe to toe with anyone, his style is reminiscent of Pharoahe Monch, the way he plays with tempo, and can infuse genuinely funny lines without making it parody. That last trait is an amazing feat given the fact that Donald is best known as a comedy writer and actor. This cat is a septuple threat. Donald Glover is a genuine prodigy. He got a job writing for 30 Rock straight out of college based on a Simpsons spec script. After a few years on that show, in a move that took massive swagger, he left to pursue his career as a standup. Based on his stage persona, Dan Harmon offered him the role of Troy on Community without an audition. That's two massively sought after jobs handed to the dude based solely on his talents. What I love about this video, is that it is beautifully shot, and the song is a cut above the majority of hip hop on the radio today, but the energy is that of someone at home in front of their mirror, just enjoying themselves. I recommend watching the larger version here: Freaks and Geeks
Childish Gambino represents the next step in Glover's career, as well as the next step in the music industry. Making music yourself, it's so inexpensive now, and building your fanbase from the ground up. Producing his tracks independently and releasing them for free online is building him an underground fan-base that is swelling, and I believe, on the precipice of erupting. His songs are almost always fluctuating between genuine humility and insecurity, and a complete confidence in his obvious talents. He is an icon of the new wave of nerd cool culture. I personally will be attending his tour this year, I recommend you do the same.
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