6.26.12
“Oh that Donald Glover, boy, he sure can rap.”
Writer, actor, comedian and yes — hip-hop artist. Real renaissance. Anyone who can successfully pull off these feats deserves respect right off the bat. But really, can the dude from Community really rap? Come on?! Well, the answer is definitively, yes.
Summer is in full swing here in New York, and with all the shows, events and parties going on — we ain’t getting any sleep. Starting off the hot night in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, Donald Glover took on his Childish Gambino moniker with energy and focus. And as “Outside” started, he got the young crowd hyped for an evening of high powered hip-hop. Accompanied with a full band, including a violinist (check the track LES), Mr. Gambino represented his version of the genre well. With clear lyrics, his style is emotional, raw and is the hip-hop of a new generation. Mixing in lyrics about the stereotypical girls, with words describing being inspired by Questlove of the Roots.
Performance wise Donny’s on point too. Smart, intellectual, with a slight gangster swag, he connects with an audience that’s all encompassing. Rapping about “baby (hipsters) you the baddest girl” one second, and good “career women” the next in “LES,” he’s solidly hitting on a decent size demographic that’s in tune with his message. Again the full band helps with the variety, along with his strong stage presence that we’re sure his years behind the entertainment scene have helped him develop; he also ties in cool video action to help him get his point across.
The crowd exploded when he went into “Heartbeat,” which is easily a favorite. Shortly there after he announced the upcoming release of his newest mix tape Royalty, which features collaborations with the RZA, Danny Brown and Beck. Options man. The RZA track is straight ridiculous and you can get it for free below. Overall, Childish Gambino delivers, with his neo-hip flow and a feeling of honesty that resonates with his listeners. Call it the truth.
Royalty Mixtape DOWNLOAD HERE
Writer + Photographer | Rene Ramirez
The Set list
1. Outside
2. Firefly
3. Freaks and Geeks
4. So Fly
5. Do Ya Like
6. Difference
7. Rolling In The Deep (Remix)
8. All The Shine
9. L.E.S.
10. Heartbeat
11. You See Me
12. Bonfire
13. Sunrise
Encore:
Lights Turned On
