Artist of The Week: Childish Gambino
Climbing aboard our artist of the week ship this time, is none other than Childish Gambino. Over the past few years he’s created quite a ripple on the music landscape. And a large part of this points to his brilliant songwriting.
The artist is known for his uniquely crafted verses, flowing into one another, much like a stream of consciousness monologue. Childish Gambino is known to tackle a spectrum of gritty issues. From politics to racism to toxic love affairs and the economic crunch – he has a way of weaving social issues into his music. Each line arrives like a stab, opening your eyes to the harsh reality. It’s uncomfortable. But that’s what makes him stand apart.
And so, to celebrate his ascension to the artist of the week throne, we’re taking a deep dive into some of his most politically ripe masterpieces.
Photo Credits: Childish Gambino Official Facebook
1. ‘Yeah, they say they want the realness, rap about my real life
Told me I should just quit “first of all, you talk white!
Second off, you talk like you haven’t given up yet”
Rap’s stepfather, yeah, you hate me but you will respect
I put in work, ask Ludwig’
– “Bonfire”
2. ‘Yeah, you got some silverware, but really are you eating though?
Are you eating though? Nigga, are you eating though?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner’s for beginners, you ain’t even know’
– “Sweatpants”
3. ‘To be beautiful is to be hunted
I can’t change the truth, I can’t get you used to this’
– “19.10”
4. ‘How this used to feel so far and free
Now these broken souls are all I see
Fists have fallen to our side’
– “Stand Tall”
5. ‘When you looking at the devil
But you lookin’ in the mirror
What you gon’ say? (Wait a minute)
Uh, uh, when your money getting long
But you know you’re doin’ wrong
What you gon’ say? (Wait a minute)’
– “53.49”
6. ‘We are the dreams of our parents lost in the future
Who hide the deepest desires and wear a mask like a lucha-‘
“Life: The Biggest Troll”
7. ‘I used to care what people thought
But now I care more
Man nobody out here’s got it figured out
So therefore, I’ve lost all hope of a happy ending’
– “3005”
8. ‘They was in school, I was stirrin’ that pot
Daddy couldn’t come, home I was taking that spot
Life move fast, like a movie, so quick’
– “35.31”
9. ‘Men who made machines that want what they decide
Parents tryna tell their children please slow down
Slow down’
– “42.26”
10. ‘You just a black man in this world
You just a barcode, ayy
You just a big dawg, yeah
I kenneled him in the backyard
No proper life to a dog
For a big dog’
– “This Is America“
By: Nina Karun
