On July 6, Childish Gambino (AKA Donald Glover) put on a show at New York’s The Amph At Little Island. Per setlist.fm, Gambino’s set featured a bunch of unreleased songs, presumably from the upcoming Bando Stone And The New World soundtrack. One of them was a tune called “In The Night,” and now Gambino has shared the studio version of the song.
The track runs for about four minutes and features Jorja Smith and Amaarae. The tune gradually builds on itself, starting with a backing vocal melody and simple percussion as Gambino sings over it. Some synths and additional percussion work their way into the mix as the song continues to evolve into euphoria.
Smith and Amaarae presumably won’t be the only collaborators on the album, as Steve Lacy and Fousheé joined Gambino at the aforementioned concert.
Back in April, Glover revealed his upcoming plans. One of them is a soundtrack album for the Bando Stone movie, which he called the “final” Childish Gambino album. At the time, he also announced Atavista, an album that ended up getting released in May and is a reworked version of his 2020 album 3.15.20.
Listen to “In The Night” above.
Bando Stone And The New World is out 7/19 via RCA Records. Find more information here.
With each episode of Hot Ones, a new knee-slapping viral moment is birthed. The last episode starring Sabrina Carpenter spawned several memes.
Based on the new promotional image of Childish Gambino’s forthcoming appearance, there are plenty more to come. The “Lithonia” musician can dish the heat (hello, 2024 BET Awards), but from the photo it is clear you might have a hard time handle spicy meals.
“This week on @HotOnes, we got @donaldglover vs. The Wings of Death. Tune in Thursday @ 11AM ET ,” read the caption.
Supporters of the series immediately began to call out Childish Gambino’s look of concern.
“Bro looking happy,” joked one user.
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“It’s the face and the frames,” penned another.
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“His expression is already killing me,” chimed another.
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Sandwiched between the flood of “Grownish Gambino” jokes in reference to influencer Jordan Howlett (aka “Jordan The Stallion), fans shared their excitement for the forthcoming episode.
“Every time I watch ‘Hot Ones’ I search his name. Just in case I missed it… [I] manifested this,” declared one fan.
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The latest Hot Ones episode featuring Donald Glover is scheduled to premiere on July 18 via First We Feast’s official YouTube channel. Find more information here.
The Bando Stone And The New World soundtrack is out on 7/19 via RCA. Find more information here.
If you recognize the above bit, you probably know of Jordan Howlett, aka “Jordan The Stallion,” the 27-year-old TikTok star best known for his “fast food secrets club” posts, where he dishes on the ingredients and recipes used by corporate food giants like Olive Garden or KFC.
Lately, though, Jordan has become known for something else, though: His uncanny resemblance to not just one, but TWO of hip-hop’s favorite artists. Fans noticed he looks just like both Method Man and Childish Gambino, despite generational differences, and both artists have appeared in comedic vignettes with Jordan riffing on his “old man” clothes and reading from his notebook of “secret recipes.” Check out some videos and photos below.
Jordan being the visual bridge between Meth and Donald is something that needs to be studied. Because Clifford and Donald look NOTHING alike, but somehow they BOTH look like Jordan. https://t.co/FbrSreRXIL
So, who is Jordan, and how does he know so much? Well, according to San Diego Magazine, he’s a native of Southern California who was born near LA and grew up in nearby Victorville before moving with his family to San Diego-adjacent Oceanside. Per the New York Times, he originally had dreams of baseball stardom — however, due to his awkward nature, he never received any college offers, so after community college, he transferred to UC Riverside, hoping to make its team as a walk-on. He earned a scholarship (which was a good thing, because he only had enough money for one partial tuition payment and slept in his car for a while), but the pandemic derailed his hopes.
After working a string of fast food jobs, he took a swing at building a TikTok following after his older brother saw some viral success. His content consisted — at least at first — of what the Times describes as “uncontroversial — or playfully controversial — topics,” while talking into his phone, pointed at a mirror, zooming in and out to emphasize his points. The notebook made an appearance a couple of years ago, and has become a staple of his content profile since. And as he grows in stature, so too do the guest cameos; in one video, Kevin Hart pops in unannounced to have a jovial argument with the content creator.
He naturally plays coy about just where all those recipes come from, but it’s probably safe to assume he took a few things home from those jobs. Now, if only he can get people to stop asking him to rap.
Yesterday (July 6), Gambino held a pop-up concert at Little Island NYC to treat fans to what he has up his musical sleeve. During the performance, Gambino was joined by Steve Lacy and Fousheé, who are both reportedly slated to appear on the album.
“Sounds like a heater,” wrote one user about the trio’s unreleased track.
Again, at this point, nothing has been confirmed. But clips shared from attendees seem to confirm a few of the names listed above, including Jorja Smith and Amaarae (Gambino’s upcoming tour opener).
Actor Donald Glover — aka musician Childish Gambino — shared a glimpse of his uber-exclusive Close Friends list on Instagram, and in so doing, may have given fans a clue about his next creative endeavors. The main thing he’s got in the works right now is a film, Bando Stone & The New World, along with its soundtrack, from which he’s dropped one single, “Lithonia.” Perhaps the four names included on his Close Friends are collaborators on one or the other.
The only four people in Donald’s Close Friends are: composer Ludwig Göransson, who has collaborated with Glover extensively in the past between gigs scoring films like Black Panther and its sequel, Wakanda Forever, Creed I and II, and Turning Red, and shows like The Mandalorian; record producer Michael Uzowuru, who’s written and produced for Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, SZA, and Vince Staples, among others (including Gambino); and singers and former Uproxx cover stars Chlöe and Foushée. Glover worked with the former on his show Swarm, while Foushée would be a new collaborator, although her first brush with fame came from a rendition of Glover’s song “Redbone” on The Voice. Just what each of these folks will be doing with Gloverbino remains to be seen, but it’s probably a safe bet they contributed in some way to the Bando Stone soundtrack.
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After releasing Bando Stone — the film and the album — on July 19, Glover’s hitting the road for his New World Tour.
Childish Gambino, the musical alter ego of Donald Glover, has made a significant impact on the music and entertainment industry. Known for seamlessly blending genres and addressing complex themes, Gambino’s work transcends conventional hip-hop and R&B. His music often explores identity, race, and societal issues, echoing deeply with a diverse audience.
By delving into five of his essential tracks, we gain a comprehensive understanding of his evolution as an artist and the unique contributions he has made to contemporary music. Each song highlights different facets of his talent. This ranges from his innovative production choices to his thought-provoking lyrics. This exploration celebrates Gambino’s musical achievements and offers insight into the artistic vision that continues to shape his influential career.
1. “This Is America” (2018)
Released in 2018, “This Is America” became an immediate cultural phenomenon. The song addresses themes of gun violence, racism, and the African American experience in the United States. It was all encapsulated within a haunting and powerful musical arrangement. Produced by Ludwig Göransson, the track incorporates elements of trap music with traditional African rhythms. It further creates a dynamic and unsettling soundscape that complements its stark message.
The music video, directed by Hiro Murai, amplifies the song’s impact. It featured shocking visuals and symbolic imagery. Gambino’s performance, juxtaposed with scenes of chaos and violence, underscores the song’s critique of American society. “This Is America” not only garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Grammy for Record of the Year but also sparked widespread discussion and analysis.
2. “Redbone” (2016)
“Redbone,” a standout track from Childish Gambino’s 2016 album Awaken, My Love!, showcases his versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles. Departing from his earlier rap-centric works, this song embraces a retro funk and soul sound. It was also heavily influenced by the psychedelic funk of the 1970s. The track’s lush instrumentation, featuring prominent bass lines and atmospheric keyboards, creates a warm, immersive listening experience.
Gambino’s vocal performance on “Redbone” is equally striking. Using a high-pitched, almost falsetto voice, he delivers a haunting and emotive melody that perfectly complements the song’s lyrical themes of infidelity and paranoia. With its memorable refrain “Stay woke,” the chorus has resonated widely, becoming a cultural catchphrase. “Redbone” received critical acclaim, earning a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance and cementing Gambino’s status as a multifaceted artist capable of transcending genre boundaries.
3. “3005” (2013)
“3005” is from Childish Gambino’s 2013 album Because the Internet. It also stands out as one of his most commercially successful tracks. The song features a polished production style, combining pop and hip-hop elements. Its upbeat tempo and contagious melody mask the underlying themes of loneliness and existential angst. This further created a juxtaposition that adds depth to the track.
In “3005,” Gambino explores his fears about the future and the uncertainties of life, wrapped in a facade of romantic commitment. The accompanying music video, featuring a carousel ride with a teddy bear, further emphasizes the song’s blend of whimsy and melancholy. “3005” is a testament to Gambino’s ability to craft sonically appealing and emotionally resonant songs, highlighting his growth as an artist.
4. “Sober” (2014)
“Sober,” featured on Childish Gambino’s 2014 Kauai EP, also demonstrates his ability to integrate reflective lyrics with melodies. The song’s production, illustrated by its smooth synths and laid-back groove, creates an atmospheric backdrop for Gambino’s vocal performance. In “Sober,” he explores themes of unrequited love and personal struggle, presenting a vulnerable side that contrasts with the upbeat instrumental.
Moreover, the music video for “Sober” enhances the track’s impact. In the video, he performs an elaborate dance routine in a diner, trying to win over a disinterested love interest. This blend of humor and pathos highlights his multifaceted artistry. “Sober” stands out for its catchy sound and emotional depth, further firming Gambino’s reputation as a versatile and innovative musician.
5. “Heartbeat” (2011)
“Heartbeat,” from Childish Gambino’s 2011 album Camp, captures the intensity and emotion that marked his early work. The song features a driving electronic beat and pulsating synths, creating a sense of urgency that mirrors the turmoil in the lyrics. Gambino’s vocal delivery oscillates between rapped verses and a passionately sung chorus, showcasing his versatility as a rapper and singer.
Lyrically, “Heartbeat” delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of romantic relationships. Gambino’s often confessional lyrics also reveal his struggles with vulnerability and trust. The song’s powerful production established “Heartbeat” as a standout track in his discography. It is a poignant example of his ability to fuse personal storytelling with compelling musical arrangements.
Childish Gambino, the musical alter ego of Donald Glover, has made a significant impact on the music and entertainment industry. Known for seamlessly blending genres and addressing complex themes, Gambino’s work transcends conventional hip-hop and R&B. His music often explores identity, race, and societal issues, echoing deeply with a diverse audience.
By delving into five of his essential tracks, we gain a comprehensive understanding of his evolution as an artist and the unique contributions he has made to contemporary music. Each song highlights different facets of his talent. This ranges from his innovative production choices to his thought-provoking lyrics. This exploration celebrates Gambino’s musical achievements and offers insight into the artistic vision that continues to shape his influential career.
1. “This Is America” (2018)
Released in 2018, “This Is America” became an immediate cultural phenomenon. The song addresses themes of gun violence, racism, and the African American experience in the United States. It was all encapsulated within a haunting and powerful musical arrangement. Produced by Ludwig Göransson, the track incorporates elements of trap music with traditional African rhythms. It further creates a dynamic and unsettling soundscape that complements its stark message.
The music video, directed by Hiro Murai, amplifies the song’s impact. It featured shocking visuals and symbolic imagery. Gambino’s performance, juxtaposed with scenes of chaos and violence, underscores the song’s critique of American society. “This Is America” not only garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Grammy for Record of the Year but also sparked widespread discussion and analysis.
2. “Redbone” (2016)
“Redbone,” a standout track from Childish Gambino’s 2016 album Awaken, My Love!, showcases his versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles. Departing from his earlier rap-centric works, this song embraces a retro funk and soul sound. It was also heavily influenced by the psychedelic funk of the 1970s. The track’s lush instrumentation, featuring prominent bass lines and atmospheric keyboards, creates a warm, immersive listening experience.
Gambino’s vocal performance on “Redbone” is equally striking. Using a high-pitched, almost falsetto voice, he delivers a haunting and emotive melody that perfectly complements the song’s lyrical themes of infidelity and paranoia. With its memorable refrain “Stay woke,” the chorus has resonated widely, becoming a cultural catchphrase. “Redbone” received critical acclaim, earning a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance and cementing Gambino’s status as a multifaceted artist capable of transcending genre boundaries.
3. “3005” (2013)
“3005” is from Childish Gambino’s 2013 album Because the Internet. It also stands out as one of his most commercially successful tracks. The song features a polished production style, combining pop and hip-hop elements. Its upbeat tempo and contagious melody mask the underlying themes of loneliness and existential angst. This further created a juxtaposition that adds depth to the track.
In “3005,” Gambino explores his fears about the future and the uncertainties of life, wrapped in a facade of romantic commitment. The accompanying music video, featuring a carousel ride with a teddy bear, further emphasizes the song’s blend of whimsy and melancholy. “3005” is a testament to Gambino’s ability to craft sonically appealing and emotionally resonant songs, highlighting his growth as an artist.
4. “Sober” (2014)
“Sober,” featured on Childish Gambino’s 2014 Kauai EP, also demonstrates his ability to integrate reflective lyrics with melodies. The song’s production, illustrated by its smooth synths and laid-back groove, creates an atmospheric backdrop for Gambino’s vocal performance. In “Sober,” he explores themes of unrequited love and personal struggle, presenting a vulnerable side that contrasts with the upbeat instrumental.
Moreover, the music video for “Sober” enhances the track’s impact. In the video, he performs an elaborate dance routine in a diner, trying to win over a disinterested love interest. This blend of humor and pathos highlights his multifaceted artistry. “Sober” stands out for its catchy sound and emotional depth, further firming Gambino’s reputation as a versatile and innovative musician.
5. “Heartbeat” (2011)
“Heartbeat,” from Childish Gambino’s 2011 album Camp, captures the intensity and emotion that marked his early work. The song features a driving electronic beat and pulsating synths, creating a sense of urgency that mirrors the turmoil in the lyrics. Gambino’s vocal delivery oscillates between rapped verses and a passionately sung chorus, showcasing his versatility as a rapper and singer.
Lyrically, “Heartbeat” delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of romantic relationships. Gambino’s often confessional lyrics also reveal his struggles with vulnerability and trust. The song’s powerful production established “Heartbeat” as a standout track in his discography. It is a poignant example of his ability to fuse personal storytelling with compelling musical arrangements.
After the song’s existence was inadvertently revealed by an overly enthusiastic fan, Gambino officially released it with no further hiccups. The track opens with a somber organ, suggesting something in the vein of his moodier psych-funk tracks from Awaken, My Love! — but then, it becomes a full-on, operatic rock anthem. It looks like Glover’s next musical evolution may end up being closer to Queen than Parliament. No, I’m not retracting that incredible wordplay.
Bando Stone & The New World appears from its trailer to be a bit of a comedic take on monster horror like A Quiet Place, with the titular singer emerging from his self-imposed isolation to discover an abandoned world that is now populated mostly by aggressive creatures. He quickly learns that he has none of the survival skills necessary to last more than a day in this new world; fortunately, he learns this from a competent survivor, who teams up with him despite his uselessness. Fans have already begun trying to decode the meaning of “Lithonia” and how it relates to this character, drawing parallels between “Bando Stone”‘s obviously fabricated moniker and the “Cody LaRae” whose name is repeated throughout the “Lithonia” chorus.
In case you missed it, Donald Glover made waves at the 2024 BET Awards this weekend when he took the stage to lament his lack of historical success at the awards. He joked, “It doesn’t really make sense: I have more Grammys than Will Smith, which makes no sense, but I have the same amount of BET Awards as Sam Smith. Does that make sense to you guys? Me and Sam Smith are neck-in-neck at the Black Entertainment Television…”
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) July 1, 2024
Will Smith, it turns out, is a fan of the bit.
On Instagram yesterday (July 1), Smith shared a video of himself in what looks like a hair and makeup room, watching the aforementioned part of Glover’s speech on a TV. He laughed after he was mentioned, then let out a bigger laugh at the Sam Smith punchline.
Glover was up for Best Actor at this weekend’s show, ultimately coming up short as the honor went to Denzel Washington. Glover was also part of the massive Usher tribute performance, opening the multi-artist medley by singing Usher’s “U Don’t Have To Call.”
During last night’s BET Awards ceremony, Donald Glover — who was there to present the award for Album Of The Year — took a bit of a digression during his time onstage to call out the show for never nominating him. Indeed, it’s one of the first times the network has even acknowledged Glover’s existence, and the fact he was also allowed to plug his quirky new film Bando Stone And The New World is probably a testament to the concessions BET’s programmers had to make to soothe his bruised ego over the years of neglect.
“This isn’t personal, but I just feel like I should have more BET awards,” Glover said. “I’m serious. It’s the Black Entertainment Television Awards. How much more entertaining do I have to do? Because it’s just the math of the fact. It doesn’t really make sense. I have more Grammys than Will Smith, which makes no sense, but I have the same amount of BET awards as Sam Smith.” Smith and Glover both have one BET Award each; Glover won Best Music Video in 2019 for “This is America”, while Smith won the 2015 award for Best New Artist. I don’t know if you noticed, but Sam Smith… also isn’t Black.
Glover joked that he’d be willing to remake BET Saturday afternoon mainstay Baby Boy if it would get him more recognition from the network. “I’ll have Jonathan Majors put me in a headlock, shave my head, I’ll do it,” he said, referring to a scene in which Ving Rhames puts Tyrese Gibson in a headlock during a heated domestic dispute in the film.
— Well guess what, I’m CP (@TopherPatt) July 1, 2024
Social media users on Twitter noted that Glover has kind of a point — he should not have the same number of BET Awards nominations as Sam Smith, regardless of whether he and Will Smith have the same amount of Grammys — and drew parallels to another recent addition to the BET canon, Tyler The Creator. The Hawthorne, California native also went unacknowledged by the network until 2021, when he was honored with a (the admittedly vaguely titled) Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award. During an interview about the award, he, too, acknowledged that he felt he “wasn’t accepted by that audience,” but that he held a deep reverence for the network growing up.
“I was so hype to perform at the BET Awards,” Tyler admitted. “I just never felt like my style of music would ever have been, not even appreciated, but allowed on there. And because of that, I would mock it. It was like a defense mechanism because I felt like I wasn’t accepted by that audience. But when they asked me this year, man, I was enthralled. I was so happy.” At first glance, it does appear that artists like Glover and Tyler contrast starkly from the usual BET fare. When they were both in the target demographic for BET’s old video countdown show, 106 & Park, they likely didn’t see themselves reflected in the usual rotation of artists like Soulja Boy, 50 Cent, or Hurricane Chris.
The way BET has left him and Tyler out of most of the convos for such a long time is crazy. https://t.co/319hUs11UC
— Well guess what, I’m CP (@TopherPatt) July 1, 2024
But over the years, they’ve each garnered mainstream acclaim for their creative works, which have always celebrated their Blackness and drawn extensively from deep cultural roots — even if they didn’t reflect the stereotypical looks and concerns promoted by not just BET, but mainstream depictions of Blackness in media in general.
Glover’s groundbreaking work in music and television includes the funk-soul revival album Awaken, My Love! and his paradigm-shifting dramedy Atlanta, which often addressed ongoing current events and made references to Black lifestyle deep cuts like the “haunted” Lake Rainier in his native Georgia. Meanwhile, Tyler’s multihyphenate takeover of hip-hop, fashion, and animation with albums like Igor, shows like The Jellies!, and his history-making collaboration with Pharrell Williams and Louis Vuitton, centered Blackness and posited a broader spectrum of possibilities for it. You can’t tell me you couldn’t see Carlton Banks decked out in Tyler’s preppy Louis pieces. There are all kinds of alternative expressions of Blackness, and neither artist allowed the fact they didn’t see those expressions on TV stop them from expressing themselves in full.
While it’s clear that BET’s definition of notable Black art is expanding — a net good for a network whose narrow typecasting of Black art has been criticized in the past — neither Glover nor Tyler should ever have fretted. They’ve been two of the most important Black artists of their generation all along. From the beginning, both artists have presented a dazzling, wide-ranging perspective of what Black art can be. Beyond BET, we would all benefit from recognizing those talents — and the talents of others who go against the grain — and letting Black art be more than what we’ve already seen.
Tune in Thursday @ 11AM ET 
,” read the caption.
,” penned another.
(@J_AdoreCindy) 
