Yes I sound weird nigga take it as a compliment
Guess who’s in the house representing like a congressman
Anything I put my mind to I accomplish it
From writing scripts with Tina Fey to laying down the hardest shit
“Culdesac” is the third album by Childish Gambino, who is better know as actor / comedian Donald Glover, who unfortunately is not the son of Danny Glover. He is probably most recognizable as his character Troy Barnes on the NBC comedy Community.
Glover is involved in a lot of very good projects. Community is the type of show that if you don’t watch you should stop reading this right now and punch yourself in the face. He was also part of the sketch comedy group Derrick Comedy, which is all over the Youtubes, was a writer on 30 Rock (punch yourself in the face again), and has a stand up special. And oh yeah, did I mention he just turned 27?
You would think with all that going on dude wouldn’t have much free time, but somehow he has been releasing multiple albums worth of music. And in the case of Culdesac, it’s good. I can’t speak for any of his previous work, as laziness has prevented me from listening to it. If you are not lazy, look up the albums Sick Boi and Poindexter, or the mix tapes I Am Just a Rapper and I Am Just a Rapper 2.
The name Childish Gambino came from the infamous Wu Tang name generator, which I find hilarious. Clovis’ Wu name is Sullen Choirboy and mine is Sweaty Butcher. This is probably why neither of us have rap careers. Try your own name here.
The tracks on “Culdesac” are well produced and each has an individual sound. The track “Hero” is anthem like and fun to listen to. “Got This Money” is light with a house inspired beat and R&B inspired chorus. “Put It In My Video” is fast paced, lyrically intricate, and has a massive hook. Honorable mentions go to “Do Ya Like” and “Untouchable”.
Overall the album deals with some real, personal issues. Glover raps about alcohol abuse, insomnia, and racial identity issues. You get the idea that he is a manic black kid running circles around a bunch of white people. It also deals with some lighter issues, like the fact that Glover apparently overpays for everything he owns. Lots of comparisons are being made to Kanye, Lil Wayne, and Drake which imply unoriginality, but I think that Glover has a distinct voice and I found the comparisons complimentary.
Of course the album isn’t perfect. There is a lot of bragging, even for a rap album. You get the impression that Glover is overcompensating for his own perceived weaknesses: not being “hard” enough, not having enough money, or not sleeping with enough bus station skanks. Much of the criticism for the album is based on this, but Glover more than makes up for this with excellent beats and impressive lyricism. After reading some of the critics I got the same feeling I had in school when I was insulted by one of the kids on the short bus, and in “Untouchable” Glover responds to his critics better than I ever could…
And to the critics with reviews that were more than sour
Is it strange having jobs that I can do tomorrow?
You bitches don’t like shit, and it’s kinda sad
I like food, sex, clothes, watching Breaking Bad
I’m something that these cool kids never really had
