Childish Gambino’s “because the internet” + The Deep Web Tour 2014

Actor, rapper and overall polymath Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino (CG) released the follow up to his debut Camp (2012), with because the internet on December 6, 2013. The aptly named album title reflects the influences the internet plays on the popular culture and in peoples’ every day lives. The internet for one has played an important role in birthing Donald’s rapper alter ego Childish Gambino, so it’s only right that it reflects in his songs. CG lyrics on because the internet moves beyond the witty lines of Camp, and into more observational, introspective, and at times vulnerable verses. Features on this album included Chance the Rapper, Jhené Aiko, Azealia Banks, and Lloyd. The rapper Problem is unlisted on the album credits, but only provided ad-libs on “Sweatpants,” a track that was leaked last November. Production on the internet fluctuate between hard electronic beats to more somber, ambient, soulful, and jazzy instrumentals. Beside CG on production, additional producers included Stefan Ponce, Ludwig Goransson,Christian Rich, Thundercat, Pop Levi, and Sam Spiegel.

CG mentioned in an interview on Power 105.1 that he intended for a movie to be released along with this album’s release. In an interview with XXL CG mentions with the release of the internet there is an accompanying screenplay that’s suppose to sync up to the album. CG released a short film Clapping for the Wrong Reasons on August 15, 2013 that may or may not be a prelude to the album’s screenplay. Clapping features rappers Trinidad James, Chance The Rapper, porn star Abella Anderson (who also stars in the “3005” lyric video), producer Flying Lotus, and actress Danielle Fishel. This project is very reminiscent of Kanye West’s full length video “Runaway,” but also charting into Beyonce territory with a full visual album, though with the internet we are presented with a screenplay and a few clips instead of a music video for every track. My take away from this project is that the character of Childish Gambino is an individual who has the comforts of life, technology at his finger tips, but is in search of a deeper meaning. Is it love with the mysterious girl in the short film played by Abella Anderson? Or is it something else? There is a nagging sense of alienation through out this project. The brief moments of joy, and excitement is often followed by uneasiness in one form or another, ending in mad dash for an escape into the uncharted future.

Clapping for the Wrong Reasons [director’s cut]