Preview: Childish Gambino, aka 'Community' Star Donald Glover, Raps His Ish Off on 'Camp'
by Elizabeth Sexton
Rapper Childish Gambino, also known as Donald McKinley Glover, aka Troy Barnes on NBC’s “Community,” will debut his first commercial music release on Nov. 15.
The album is titled "Camp," and it follows three albums and two mixtapes that have been available online for free. NPR is giving listeners a full taste of the album in their segment: First Listen, and after checking it out, without a doubt, Childish Gambino will have no issues making the sell. Seriously, go check the whole thing out now, but beware, you're gonna wanna hold onto your ears, because it’s that haawttt.
With "Camp," Childish Gambino is making steps towards hip hop royalty right behind Lil' Wayne and Drake, and of course bowing down to the kings of hi-hop, Jay-Z and Kanye.
The album is vulnerable, raw, retro, and fascintatingly futuristic, with lyrics that will take you back to your favorite Saturday morning childhood routines and move you forward with lyrics laced in honesty and social issues. At the same time, Glover manages to be hi-larious.
Glover, who mixes in stand-up with his live performances, says he got his stage name from a virtual “Wu-Tang Clan name generator” that you can also give a whirl. After which, you can swagger your aspiring rapper-wanna-be self to the First Listen and make sure to check out my (Wu-Tang name: Quiet Swami) favorite track, Heartbeat!
Listen to it here: