Donald Glover does not disappoint with his most recent and anticipated release of his debut commercial album, Camp. Glover, who raps under the moniker of Childish Gambino, has released a few albums in the past, which are all available for free online, gaining huge popularity across the Internet and social media world. In Camp, Gambino quickly acknowledges the criticism he has received in the past from naysayers who have labeled him “not hood enough” to being called “Gay” and a “Soft rapper”. Gambino takes everything he has learned from his previous EPs and has formulated the perfect sound.

What separates him from a lot of artists is his vulnerability in his lyrics. In the hip-hop world, it is rare for artists to put their heart on a track that way, and normally unorthodox for hip-hop. Gambino covers each topic in a clever manner with unique wordplay, witty dialect, great punch lines, and catchy choruses. Gambino faces the critics head on meanwhile still embraces his title as a “nerd” in confidence. Much of Camp is a result of Gambino on a mission to discover his own identity. Tracks like Outside, Backpackers, & Kids (Keep Up) is a perfect example of such.  

I think NPR said it best when, “If you listen to Camp on a computer, do yourself a favor and open up Wikipedia and Urban Dictionary in separate tabs.”

Some Notable tracks:

“Outside”
Gambino opens with this emotional track where he reminisces of his childhood and the difficultly of growing up and the family despair gained through his rise to fame. 

“We used to say, ‘I love you’, Now we only think that shit. It feels weird that you’re the person I took sink baths with. Street took you over, I want my cousin back. The world sayin’ what you are because you’re young and black”  

“L.E.S”
On this track he raps about one perspective on the nightlife on the Lower East Side of New York and the women he has encountered.

“We could pretend if you want to, like we in love and started datin’ at your art school.  Cause either way we both lyin’ more than half of the time,  Except for when I’m home workin’ on your graphic design.  Everytime we see each other I’m takin’ you home,  Our relationship has gotten Sylvester Stalone.”

“All The Shine”
Gambino expresses how his honesty in his raps have gain him much fame. He agrees that the key to his success is the idea of just being a regular guy who raps and still manages to have his awkward moments, which also makes him very relatable.

 “I keep it wrapped till I meet the right one, I ain’t Mumford, I ain’t trying to have sons.” 

“That Power”
Gambino recollects a story of where he is pouring out his heart to a girl on the bus home from summer camp.  The monologue in the end of this song is a wonderful additional & conclusion to the album. I don’t want to ruin it for you but if you would like the overall summary of what the album presents, listen to this track.

Track listing:

1. Outside
2. Fire Fly
3. Bonfire
4. All The Shine
5. Letter Home
6. Heartbeat
7. Backpackers
8. L.E.S.
9. Hold You Down
10. Kids (Keep Up)
11. You See Me
12. Sunrise
13. That Power

My Rating: 8/10

Camp is hands down one of best hip-hop albums of the year. It’s consistent and is not just you’re typical hip-hop album.

Preview Album here.

Order Camp here.
 

Enjoy.

-Your Favorite Jedi