After surprising the world with his Coachella appearance with Tyler, The Creator, Childish Gambino announces that he will be releasing two final albums before retiring from music.
Surprise, Surprise!
This announcement of two final albums has definitely taken fans by quite the surprise. Gambino, real name Donald Glover, had posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) :
“GILGA Radio tonight @ 11 pm pst. live streamed on Instagram @donaldglover.”
In the livestream, Gambino is playing the audio of an interview he did with GILGA Radio. In the interview, Childish Gambino announces the first album, “Atavista” following up the announcement saying “there’s the final Childish Gambino album, soundtrack for the fans.” That same evening he revealed the final and second album, “Bando Stone & the New World”.
Album Details
Now prior to the announcement of these two final albums, Childish Gambino had released two other projects, “3.15.20” and the soundtrack to his Amazon Prime horror series, Swarm. 3.15.20’s release date had been right before the world went during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glover isn’t necessarily proud of this project, feeling as though the album was rushed. “…..We put it out quickly, I didn’t master or mix it, I just kind of put it out. I was going through a lot, n—s thought everybody was going to die because it was the pandemic.” says the rapper.
In fact, 3.15.20 was originally the Atavista album. But as previously stated, the project was a rush job and not properly crafted. Luckily this time around, we’ll be receiving the new and improved Atavista project. The project has an 11 song tracklist, with the total duration of the album being 55 minutes.
Now for the second and final album, it’s a soundtrack for a movie that Gambino is working on. The name of the film being “Bando Stone & The New World”. There’s not much information about the film, just that the soundtrack for it will be the final album.
Gambino states the production of the album is heavily influenced by late singer, Prince’s, 1989 project “Batman” and 1995 project “Batman Forever”.
Now there’s no information on the release dates of these projects, so be sure to keep your ears open for the drop.
The Retirement of Childish Gambino
The announcement of the final two albums is definitely a bittersweet moment for fans. While we will be getting
new music, this is the last bit of music we’ll probably get.
Donald Glover has been making his mark in both the music and film industry for quite some time. Particularly, his Childish Gambino persona that is known and loved by thousands. Starting his journey to stardom behind the scenes as a writer for the show “30 Rock”.
Then starring in “Community” from 2009-2014, becoming a fan-favorite. In the midst of his time on the show, Glover began releasing a few mixtapes in 2010. The names of them being “I Am Just A Rapper”, “I Am Just A Rapper 2”, and “Culdesac”. Following up with these mixtapes were his 2011 projects, “Freaks and Geeks” (EP) and “Camp” (debut album). From that point on, Mr. Gambino skyrocketed to music fame.
Now you may be wondering how this persona of Childish Gambino even came about and the meaning behind it. Glover recalls a conversation between him and Wu-Tang member RZA. In the conversation, Glover explains his rap persona, “Childish Gambino is the story of a boy turning into a boss.” Further stating that during that time, the name really described his mentality at the time; how he still wanted to have child-like fun, not really have adult responsibilities. Now it seems as though that that mentality has run its course. Leading to the retirement of Childish Gambino.
Outside the Music World
As previously stated and known to most, Donald Glover is a multi-talented individual; having his hands in both music and film. Not only is he a five-time Grammy award-winning artist, but he also has two Emmy’s under his belt. He’s best known for his FX comedy series, “Atlanta”, which he created and starred in. Glover has stated that he (possibly) has some new projects in the works. One being the film that has the final album as it’s soundtrack. The other being a possible anime with fellow Atlantian, comedian, actor and artist, Zack Fox.
The announcement on these film is very fresh and not much is known to the public yet, so be on the lookout for that as well!
Written by Saniya Fields
Sources:
Deadline – Donald Glover To Retire Childish Gambino Persona After Two More Albums by Erik Pedersen
Variety – Donald Glover Announces Final Childish Gambino Album, Will Soundtrack His Film ‘Bando Storm and the New World by Steven J. Horowitz
The Hollywood Reporter – Donald Glover Announces Final Two Albums Under Childish Gambino Moniker by Tatiana Tenreyro
Blavity – Donald Glover Is Hanging Up His Childish Gambino Alter Ego After His Next Album by Tomas Kassahun
The Ringer – The Surprising, Very Public Evolution of Donald Glover by Rob Harvilla
Top and featured image Courtesy of DeShaun Craddock’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset image Courtesy of NoNo Joe’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
