Childish Gambino Page 2

Childish Gambino has always been a forward thinking artist, hopping between different styles and genres seemingly effortlessly. His latest project is a combined release, consisting of a mixtape entitled 'STN MTN' and this EP, entitled 'Kauai'. The EP leans stylistically towards the more Drake-esque side of Gambino's sound, and the chilled out vibe works well throughout. It's an undeniably cool outing from the 31-year-old artist.

The EP starts off with 'Sober', and as soon as the silky keys and tight drums combine with the various synth lines, the direction of the 'Kauai' EP becomes clear. Childish Gambino's vocals are smooth, reminding me of Frank Ocean, and they sit on the groovy instrumental with ease. At nearly three minutes into the track, it switches up into a hard-hitting, far harsher electronic section, as is somewhat common in Gambino's music, and it's definitely a solid opener. 'Retro' is one of the stand-outs on the EP for me, and the hypnotic instrumental backs his tight flow and convincing delivery. The track is well produced, with an interesting mix of synthesizers, and it definitely works with both Gambino's exquisite crooning and precise spitting.

'Poke' is another great track, with a dense and dreamy start, before groovy drums back Gambino as he shows his impressive range. He is joined here by his brother Steve G. Lover, who delivers a tight and relevant verse, making for a cohesive listen. The EP closes with '3005 (Beach Picnic Version)', and it's an alternative version of the track from his 2013 album, 'Because The Internet'. This rework takes us into some really exciting chillwave soundscapes, and the pitched up voice is a really effective addition, and adds to the mood and feel in a big way.

Continue reading: Childish Gambino - Kauai EP Review

Donald Glover - AKA Childish Gambino AKA Donglover - has returned with his most ambitious project yet and what is so much more than just another album release. 'Because the Internet' is Gambino's attempt at distancing himself from the rest of the rap pack and at making a statement with his rhymes, as well as entertaining the idea of a rap multi-concept with his accompanying screenplay on www.becausetheinter.net. Following the feature-heavy 'Royalty', Glover continues his quest for rap dominance, but before he gets there he still needs wider rap acceptance and appreciation. He probably won't get it with 'Because the Internet', but he does deserve what he craves as 'Bino has made one of 2013's most uncompromising and interesting albums.

Standing beside regular collaborator Ludwig Goransson in the production booth, the beats are largely their creations and the bars are all 'Bino, bar the occasional guest spot. This is in no way as packed together as 'Royalty' was and it is much more adventurous than where 'Camp' went, but, whilst its flaws are evident, 'Because the Internet' is still Glover's most accomplished musical venture to date.

In 'Royalty', Gambino was often out done both as a rapper and producer by the famous friends he enlisted for that release. Glover is very much at the centre of the stage here and, whilst 'Because the Internet' doesn't nearly have as many guest spots as 'Royalty' did, when he is joined on a track he still remains at the centre of the stage throughout. On 'I. The Worst Guys' with Chance The Rapper, Gambino raps alongside the young Chicago wunderkind as his equal, never falling when faced with the considerable talents of rap's next big thing. Jhene Aiko tends to take whatever rap song she appears on to the next level of ethereal chill and her vocals are at their delicately sweet best on 'I. Pink Toes', however her talents never eclipse what Glover lays down. 'Because the Internet' marks an improvement in Gambino's rapping skill and production, as well as his creative process on the whole with the complimentary screenplay and, when he is pitted alongside another act on the album, his confidence as a musician is clear.

Continue reading: Childish Gambino - Because The Internet Album Review

Childish Gambino - better known as Troy from Community, if you live in America - is the rapping alter ego of Donald Glover and it's all very serious business, being a comedy actor who does the occasional comedy rap, then dropping the act to talk about family problems and Facebook. If you're from outside of America, then I'm sorry about the shocking state of television you battle with every-day. You should probably stop listening to this fairly average rap record by Childish Gambino and watch him as a hilarious young man on your television; it won't make you anywhere near as likely to want to stab something during it. Plus, it's only half an hour in length so there are no issues if you don't like it. Camp is 13 songs long and one of those songs is over seven minutes, which is sort of nice, I guess; if you're into that.

Continue reading: Childish Gambino, Camp Album Review