Childish Gambino has just dropped one of the most highly anticipated rap albums of this year, making Awaken, My Love! a new milestone in his career.
This 11-track, no features album is far from what you’d expect from the once matter-of-fact, down-to-earth, lyrical genius. So what sets this album apart? In a recent interview with Billboard, Donald Glover reveals how his past shaped this album: “I remember listening to songs my Dad would play — albums by the Isleys or Funkadelic — and not understanding the feeling I was feeling,” he says. “I remember hearing a Funkadelic scream and being like, ‘Wow, that’s sexual and it’s scary.’ Not having a name for that, though; just having a feeling. That’s what made it great.”
And after teasing us with “Me and Your Mama” and “Redbone,” which fit right into that described feeling, Awaken, My Love! is exactly what we expected. The album is oozing with funk and a whole lotta soul. What’s most interesting, is that although Childish Gambino has shaped himself as a rapper with Because The Internet, you won’t hear much of that on the album. Gambino embraces his love for the 70’s, with vibrant falsettos and psychedelic rhythms that’ll make you feel like you were born in the wrong era. A modern Marvin Gaye meets Prince, Gambino takes us back to the future.
And we’re not the only ones loosing our sh*t:
As if this album wasn’t revolutionary enough, Gambino is pushing his music even further. I mean, are you even surprised? Between acting, rapping, and stand-up, the man does it all. Now, he’s taking things to new heights, releasing his entire album as a “Virtual Realty Vinyl” through his app Pharos. The app allows his fans to experience his music in new ways. Through the app, he’s giving fans the chance to experience the new record in a virtual space. What that means? TDB!
Check out the masterpiece and let us know what you think of the new Gambino record in the comments below: