People like hip hop because it is full of energy; it is exciting and pumps listeners up. People also like hip hop because it’s honest. Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, The Creator are praised for rapping about the world around them and the true nature of things from their perspective. People would not think hip hop is known for being nerdy, and rappers would probably shun the term if it was ever applied to them. However, one rapper embraces the term and is a self proclaimed “blerd,” otherwise known as a black nerd.
Childish Gambino is the stage name of musician and actor Donald Glover. Glover chose the name Childish Gambino after putting his name into an online Wu-Tang Clan name generator. Glover has been involved with music since 2008 when he released his first mixtape “Sick Boi.” Since then, Glover has released three full length albums: “Camp” (2011), “Because The Internet” (2013) and his latest record “Awaken, My Love!” (2016). Glover is a man of many talents. Outside of music, he has an impressive resume, having co-written on the television show “30 Rock” as well as writing and acting on “Community.” Glover was also one of the key members of the comedy troupe Derrick Comedy.
I cannot honestly say that I am much of a hip hop head, but I can say that Childish Gambino is one of the best rappers that I have ever heard, having learned about him in high school. His music is honest and self-reflective while being catchy and powerful. In tracks like “3005” or “Sweatpants,” from 2013’s “Because The Internet,” Glover shows off his incredible flow and well crafted lyrics. He talks about what it is like to be a “blerd” in the modern world. In 2013’s “Because The Internet,” Glover comments on how the internet has changed our lives and how it has affected him.
As Childish Gambino, Glover is known primarily as a rapper, but he has since progressed to tackling R&B, Funk and Soul. Glover has a great set of pipes. His 2014 EP “Kauai” featured him showing off his vocal prowess rather than his thoughtful rhymes. On “Sober” from 2014’s “Kauai,” Glover sings with attitude comparable to Michael Jackson. Glover is also influenced by bands like Parliament and Funkadelic, with Glover doing some of his best impressions of George Clinton on 2016’s “Awaken, My Love!”
Childish Gambino is not your typical musician. His wide range of skills help him craft top notch songs that are highly danceable and as bombastic as hip hop can get