The Artistic Development of Childish Gambino

Jun 27

Whether it's acting, singing or rapping, Childish Gambino can do it all. We're examining how he's developed over the years.

Donald Glover / Childish Gambino is a jack of all trades. He started his career as a writer for the comedy show '30 Rock'.

Glover’s breakout role was that of Troy Barnes in the hit sitcom ‘Community’. After a slew of acting roles, stand-up comedy and the #GloverForSpiderman campaign, Childish Gambino was born.

Also, Glover's stage name originated from a Wu-Tang Clan name generator. In 2011, Gambino released his first album 'Camp’.

Camp was very much a product of its time. Glover adopted a ‘punchline rap’ style which alienated many. While Glover’s rapping and singing skills were praised, the album was met with lukewarm critical reception. Regardless, Camp still maintains a cult following and spawned the singles ‘Freaks & Geeks’ and ‘Bonfire’.

Arguably Glover’s best album to date ‘Because the Internet’ was released in 2013. Glover underwent an image and sonic overall on BTI. Glover abandoned his ‘frat-rap’ sound in favour of electronic and abstract production. Despite being more experimental, Because the Internet was a crossover hit with the singles; ‘3005’, ‘Sweatpants’, 'Crawl' and ‘Telegraph Ave’.

BTI was accompanied by a short movie called ‘Clapping for the Wrong Reasons’ starring himself.

The BTI album was meant to be followed up with a collab EP with Chance the Rapper. As of 2020, the project remains finished yet unreleased.

Glover also created a mixtape / EP project called ‘STN MTN / Kauai’ in 2014. The project followed was conceived as a concept album. Actor/musician Jaden Smith was at the core of the project, acting as the protagonist.

After a two-year hiatus, Glover returned with his third album ‘Awaken, My Love!’ in 2016, The project abandoned his rap music roots. In place of rapping, the album's sound borrowed from funk, soul and psychedelic rock of the 70s and 80s. The album was released in the wake of Prince’s death who influenced its direction.

In-between albums, Glover DJs, created the critically acclaimed FX comedy show ‘Atlanta’. Also, Glover played the young Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’.

In 2020, Glover returned with his (potentially) final album titled ‘3.15.20’. As expected with a CG album, it reinvents the wheel with elements of; new jack swing, R&B, funk and alternative hip hop.