10 of the Best Childish Gambino Songs
Back on the Tumblr version of this site, I made it clear that Donald Glover is a comedic inspiration to me. He went from online skits to writing on 30 rock and now we're watching Mr. Glover enter Will Smith/Denzel Washington territory in terms of his dominance over Hollywood.
This post is all about Childish Gambino. Turns out that Donald goes in on the mic just as hard as he does when it comes to writing and acting.
Song/Rank:
#10- "Sweatpants" (ft. Problem) [Because the Internet 2013]
Why, Though:
As someone who has always preferred soul sample based production, I have struggled to embrace the 808s that seem ubiquitous in Hip Hop production. "Sweatpants" might be the first song I heard that somewhat swayed me. I'm mostly hear for the way Childish Gambino flows over the beat and the bars.
Song/Rank:
#9- "Sober" [Kauai 2014]
Why, Though:
The first of only two songs on this list that is all singing. I usually like my Childish Gambino singing relegated to the hook, or just a portion of the song, however, "Sober" is that rare case where a full song of Gambino singing is not bad at all! In fact it's quite infectious.
Song/Rank:
#8- "Put it in My Video" [Culdesac 2010]
Why, Though:
As Drake knows, there's something to be said for a hook that immediately makes you want to sing along. My limited research and horrible memory has forced me to capitulate and tell you I don't remember the sample used here [other than Who Sampled telling me it's Mc DJ's "Make it Good"... which seems like only half the answer]. Other than the mysterious sample, I always like the name checks of Aziz and Aubrey Plaza as they, along with Childish Gambino, were all people I was getting to know at the time.
Song/Rank:
#7- "Do Ya Like" [Culdesac 2010]
Why, Though:
If I convince you of one thing with this list, it should be that Childish Gambino sampling Adele is always great. Childish Gambino sings this hook over Adele's hook for "Melt My Heart to Stone"creating an overall product that you wouldn't have initially tried to create but totally works.
Song/Rank:
#6- "LES" [Camp 2011]
Why, Though:
It's all about the strings and casual mentions of Hannibal Buress, Rugrats, and Freeway. All things I dig and would love to hear more about from rappers I appreciate. A lot of my appreciaton of Childish Gambino songs clearly comes down to his ability to name check pop culture I appreciate or detail things I've also gone through.
Song/Rank:
#5- "Heartbeat" [Camp 2011]
Why, Though:
More Adele samples! Go 'head, Donald. This time Childish Gambino goes off over a sample of "Hometown Glory" and it is indeed glorious. Musically, it's cool, but what takes this song over the top is Childish Gambino's subject matter. The song is about how Childish Gambino is trying to get back his ex from her current boyfriend. This leads to some great lines you'll just have to listen to for yourself.
Song/Rank:
#4- "Freaks and Geeks" [EP 2011]
Why, Though:
The fact that Childish Gambino can sing as well is rap is great for diversifying his portfolio. However, if you want to hear what happens when Gambino doesn't even need a hook; just a beat and BARS look no further than this song. "Freaks and Geeks" features the best marriage of beat and straight up rapping by Mr. Glover.
Song/Rank:
#3- "Redbone" [Awaken, My Love! 2016]
Why, Though:
I didn't LOVE the album, but there is no denying that this single had a moment in 2016. Not only that it pretty much opens up the best movie of 2017, Get Out. I don't have a scientific way of describing why most people like this song so much. I'm sure it taps into a sound other people grew up on, but I wasn't in love with that sound as a kid. Other's might appreciate the vocal range Childish Gambino demonstrates, but I don't normally like falsetto crooning. "Redbone" is a classic case of something being much greater than the sum of its parts. Even avid Childish Gambino/Donal Glover hater, Pauline, loves this song.
Song/Rank:
#2- "That Power" [Camp 2011]
Why, Though:
Don't let the length of the track scare you off. The beginning is good but once Childish Gambino starts breaking down the story, at around the 3 minute mark, of how he revealed his feelings to his crush on the bus ride home from camp. The details he includes almost scare me because of how close they are to moments I've had in my youth exactly like the one he describes. The fiddle and bass throughout the story make everything that much better.
Song/Rank:
#1- "The Worst Guys" (ft. Chance the Rapper) [Because the Internet 2013]
Why, Though:
Before I was a big Chance stan, my boy Donald clearly knew what was up. Throughout this album there are moments where CG sounds just as depressed as the face on the cover, and yet this song was a bright spot. Chance's limited presence on the song is a big part of that. There's something about the synths that work for me and I love the break down at the end with the crazy guitar solo and Childish Gambino going for broke with the singing.
-YG