Childish Gambino

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Childish Gambino is the musical stage name of Donald Glover, an American actor, rapper, singer, comedian and filmmaker. He was born in 1983 and grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia. At New York University he studied dramatic writing, and at twenty-three he wrote for the TV series 30 Rock at the invitation of Tina Fey. Later he became known as Troy Barnes in Community and as creator and lead actor of the series Atlanta. For music he began as a DJ and producer under the name mcDJ, before making his first rap projects.

Music and breakthrough

In 2011 he signed with Glassnote Records and released his debut album Camp. The second album Because the Internet appeared in 2013, with the song 3005, his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. His third album Awaken, My Love! came in 2016, preceded by the psychedelic funk single Redbone, which won a Grammy. In 2018 This Is America topped the Hot 100. The song won four Grammys, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, and was the first hip-hop song to win those two categories. Later came, among others, 3.15.20 in 2020 and Atavista in 2024.

Influence

Gambino's music moves between rap, funk, soul and electronics. He shows that an artist can have a voice of his own in music, television and film at once. With This Is America he brought together a music video and a song that provoked a broad discussion about America.

Listening

Discography

Studio albums

• 2011Camp
• 2013Because the Internet
• 2016“Awaken, My Love!”
• 20203.15.20
• 2024Atavista
• 2024Bando Stone and the New World (soundtrack)

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

• The Dream Factory: Film Reel 7^NL Reader

See also

• “Awaken, My Love!”