California-born rapper Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover, released his newest project “Awaken, My Love!” on Dec. 2. The album takes a hauntingly different spin than any of Gambino’s previous work. Gambino is known for his witty, complex lyrics, which he abandons for falsetto and funk in his latest offering.
Tracks like “Redbone” and “Terrified” are deeply synthesized and abstract in contrast to Gambino’s trademark bass and big sound. The closest we have experienced this artistic side of Gambino is in “Telegraph Ave” from “Because the Internet” or “3005” from “Camp.” The entire album pays dues to 1970’s inspiration with elements like the xylophone and gossip bridges.
“Awaken, My Love!” debuted at number five on the Billboard 100 list- higher than any of his previous albums. It has been streamed over 42 million times since its release earlier this month.
by Alexis Melendez
