BEFORE YOU WATCH CHILDISH GAMBINO's "THIS IS AMERICA" - WATCH THIS!!! This is america explained

Follow me on twitter: @daveozoalor - Twitter.com/daveozoalor Instagram : @daveozoalor - instagram.com/daveozoalor If you somehow haven’t seen Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” video yet, you’ve certainly read about it. Culture publications have dedicated tens of thousands of words to the video, which serves as a scathing indictment of America’s racism and obsession with — and subsequent desensitization to — gun violence, all to the tune of ebullient choir singing juxtaposed with booming trap beats. Writers on this site and others have discussed at length the symbolism in “This Is America” with more depth and authority than I ever could. But the song and video also deserve to be evaluated in the context of Childish Gambino’s entire discography. It’s a hard pivot away from the retro funk and soul of his last album, 2016’s “Awaken, My Love!”, but it’s also the most authentic musical evolution of his career. Childish Gambino wasn’t always a critical darling. The musical alter ego of former 30 Rock writer and Community actor Donald Glover made for an easy punching bag for critics when he released his debut full-length album, Camp, in late 2011. Hip-hop purists doubted the authenticity of a successful actor and writer rapping about his struggles. Glover acknowledged his outsider status on songs like “All the Shine,” rapping, “Pitchfork only likes rappers who crazy or hood, man.” Glover was neither. His music, a tender combination of rapping and singing over slick pop hooks, took cues from Kanye West and Drake. Rap labels wouldn’t touch him, so he signed with indie label Glassnote, which was better known for artists like Mumford & Sons and Two Door Cinema Club. And while Glover proved self-aware on Camp, his astute observations often landed alongside misogynistic boasts and gag-inducing punchlines, all delivered with a grating, nasally sneer. Glover was an underdog in the rap game, but he performed with an exaggerated chip on his shoulder that, coupled with his obvious creative versatility, made him sound precocious rather than genuine. Still, despite its obvious flaws, Camp had a lovable charm and several indelible pop-rap gems, including “Fire Fly,” “Bonfire” and “Heartbeat.” Glover upped the ante on his sophomore album, 2013’s Because the Internet, a sprawling, richly produced smorgasbord of rap, R&B, funk and ambient soundscapes. He also released a short film called Clapping for the Wrong Reasons and 72-page screenplay alongside the album, successfully wedding his talents for writing, acting, directing and making musicC Childish gambino's this is america explained