Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

Critic’s Pick: Childish Gambino

By Craig D. Lindsey

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jun. 20, 2012

Since it’s highly likely the beloved cult sitcom Community will get the ax during its next season, what with NBC letting go of loose-cannon creator/showrunner Dan Harmon and dumping the show in that no-man’s land known as Friday nights, it’s no wonder cast member Donald Glover has been concentrating more on his hip-hop career. The guy is quite the funny stand-up—he was hilarious on his Comedy Central stand-up special Weirdo (even though he was wearing the tightest, pinkest T-shirt we’ve ever seen on a brotha). But ever since he finally released his full-length debut, Camp , he’s been touring all over as Childish Gambino, his dead-serious rapping alter ego. Glover has been trying to prove his hip-hop mettle for a while now, dropping several mixtapes over the blogosphere during the past few years. Often spitting in a nasally, Urkel-esque tone that makes him sound like Lil’ Wayne if years of smoking weed and drinking lean hadn’t rasped up his voice, Glover’s/Gambino’s clever, usually R-rated flow makes him a nerdcore rapper for people who hate nerdcore rap.

Fri., Jun. 22, 7:30pm. With Danny Brown. $35. River Stage at Great Plaza, Chestnut St. and Columbus Blvd. 215.922.1011. festivalpierphilly.com