Childish Gambino is the musical alter ego of the multi-faceted Donald Glover. And music is not the only talent of this man. Striding as an actor, weaving fiction as writer or enchanting hearts with music, Gambino is a modern-day Renaissance man.
But back to his music. With each string and note he plucks, Gambino flits between genres. Each album offers surprising twists and turns, making the categorisation of genre a challenge.
Strap in for a journey, as we ask ourselves the question: What genre is Childish Gambino?
Childish Gambino Music Genres
Hip-Hop
Childish Gambino’s initial foray into music is rooted in Hip-Hop. His early mixtapes showcasing his talents as a rapper and lyricist.
Tracks such as “Freaks and Geeks” and “Bonfire” from his 2011 debut album ‘Camp’ exhibit his sharp wordplay and storytelling.
This foundation in Hip-Hop gathered Childish Gambino a following, paving the way for his evolution as music artist.
Alternative R&B
Over the years, Childish Gambino began to blend elements of Alternative R&B into his music. Experimenting with more melodic vocals and soulful productions.
This shift became evident with his 2013 sophomore album ‘Because the Internet’, which includes tracks like “Telegraph Ave” and “3005”.
The fusion of his hip-hop roots with a more R&B-focused sound demonstrated his exploration into new territory. Successfully blurring the lines of his music genre.
Alongside fellow genre-blenders such as Frank Ocean, Tyler, The Creator and The Weeknd, Gambino has helped to reshape the new school R&B landscape.
Funk
Childish Gambino’s musical journey took another unexpected turn with the release of ‘Awaken, My Love!’ (2016).
With tracks like “Redbone” and “Me and Your Mama,” Gambino embraced the sounds of Funk and Soul. This inventive homage to the retro sounds of the ’70s was met with enthusiasm by fans and critics alike.
Together with the album ‘3.15.20’ (2020), Gambino managed to showcase his timelessness. This also cemented his footprint as a true modern musical genius. An avant-garde artist
Conclusion
In conclusion, Childish Gambino’s music is a rich tapestry of Hip-Hop, Alternative R&B, and Funk.
Blending and reinventing these genres has established him as a true trailblazer in the music landscape.
In essence, he is a modern-day artist, shaping the future of music while paying homage to the past.