Glover, Jr was born at Edwards Air Force Base, California and raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia. His mother, Beverly (Smith, is a retired daycare provider, and his father, Donald, Sr, is a retired postal worker. His parents also served as DeKalb County foster parents for 14 years. He was raised a Jehovah's Witness. He was voted "Most Likely to Write for The Simpsons" in his High School yearbook. Glover, Jr graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in dramatic writing in 2006.
From 2006 to 2009, Glover, Jr was a writer for the NBC series 30 Rock where he also had occasional cameo appearances. He was presented the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Series at the February 2009 ceremony for his work on the third season. Glover, Jr's stage name, Childish Gambino, came from the Wu-Tang Clan's name generator. On June 5, 2008, he released an independent album, titled Sick Boi. Glover, Jr would then become a member of the sketch comedy group Derrick Comedy, along with Dominic Dierkes, Meggie McFadden, DC Pierson, and Dan Eckman. The group wrote and starred in a feature-length film, Mystery Team, released in theaters in 2009.
On September 17, 2009, Childish Gambino released the independent album Poindexter. A pair of mixtapes, titled I Am Just a Rapper and I Am Just A Rapper 2 were released, in close succession in 2010. Robert Scahill added his producing expertise helping with the majority of the tracks. The track listings for those mixtapes consist of the name of the song "he" raps, followed by the song he raps over. His second album, Culdesac, was set to be released on July 2, 2010, but a couple of last minute additions caused the album to be delayed for a day. The album was made available on July 3. Glover, Jr has stated in interviews that on Sick Boi and Poindexter he felt he had to hide behind gimmicks, such as pink hoodies, but with his subsequent projects, he has touched on more personal subject matter, including family, schoolyard bullying, troubled romantic relationships, suicidal thoughts and alcoholism. He has disowned his 2005 album, The Younger I Get, as the too-raw ramblings of what he calls a "decrepit."
Glover, Jr's stand-up special aired on Comedy Central on March 19, 2010. In May 2010, a fan suggested Glover, Jr for the role of Peter Parker in the then-upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man film, encouraging his supporters to retweet the hashtag "#donald4spiderman". The campaign, originally started to see how far social networking could carry a message, quickly gained a large following. The call for Glover to be allowed to audition for the role was supported by Spider-Man creator Stan Lee. Glover, Jr was not awarded an audition and the role instead went to Andrew Garfield. He would later reveal that he was never contacted by anyone from Sony Pictures for the role. Comics writer Brian Michael Bendis, who announced an African-American version of Spider-Man a year later, said he had conceived of the character before Glover, Jr's campaign went viral. Bendis gave credit to Glover for influencing the new hero's looks for Spider-man after seeing him dressed as Spider-Man on Community (a nod to the campaign), Bendis said, "I saw him in the costume and thought, 'I would like to read that book.'" Glover, Jr would later voice this incarnation of Spider-Man on the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series.
Glover, Jr received the Rising Comedy Star award at the Just for Laughs festival in July 2010. Glover, Jr was featured in Gap's 2010 Holiday ad campaign. He DJs and produces electronic music under the moniker "mcDJ" (pronounced "M-C-D-J"). His music is often made available for free download via his website.
On December 1, 2010, Glover, Jr released the first track off of his EP titled "Be Alone". He released the next track, "Freaks and Geeks", as well as a five-song track list, on February 11, 2011. On February 25, Glover, Jr released the dates for the IAMDONALD tour and also his very first music video for "Freaks and Geeks". The music video was shot by Dan Eckman, the director of the Derrick Comedy troupe. This song was later used in an Adidas commercial featuring Dwight Howard. On March 8, 2011 Glover, Jr released the EP via his official website.
On March 16, 2011, Glover, Jr hosted the mtvU Woodie Awards held live at South By Southwest. On March 24, 2011, Glover, Jr taped his one-hour comedy special Weirdo for Comedy Central; it aired on November 19.
Glover, Jr appeared at the 2011 Bonnaroo Music Festival on June 9 in the 'This Tent' as Childish Gambino and June 11 at 'The Comedy Theater' with Bill Bailey performing stand up. Comedy Central streamed the comedy live on their website.
On May 4, 2011, in an interview with TheHipHopUpdate, Gambino revealed that he was working on an LP, to be released in September. On July 25, 2011, Glover, Jr announced that his new album would be titled Camp. On October 8, during his Orlando, Florida concert, he announced Camp would be released on November 15, 2011. Glover, Jr worked with friend and film composer Ludwig Göransson on the debut album. On August 20, 2011, at the Los Angeles Rock The Bells concert, he gave an interview to AllHipHop.com, and he announced to the crowd that he had signed with Glassnote Records. On September 20, his first official single, "Bonfire", was released.
The IAMDONALD tour made 24 stops in 34 days, beginning with Ames, Iowa, on April 16, and finishing with Minneapolis on May 19. In between, this included stops at music venues in Las Vegas, Houston, Washington, and Atlanta. The tour was a one-man live show that consisted of rap, comedy, and video segments.
The Sign-Up Tour was Glover, Jr's next pre-album tour. He visited 11 cities over the course of 38 days in October and November 2011. Chidlish G made a website for the tour called Camp Gambino on November 19, four days after his album released. The tour featured special guest Danny Brown and made 20 stops during the course of 32 days along a dates in California in December. On March 14, 2012, several dates on the CAMP tour were postponed due to a fractured foot Childish suffered on March 10, while performing in Tampa, Florida. The tour began in Austin, Texas on April 5 and ended August 10 in Hollywood, California.
On January 11, 2012, Childish Gambino announced on his website that a new mixtape would be coming out soon. On April 2, he released a new song, "Eat Your Vegetables", through his website. On May 14, Funkmaster Flex premiered "Unnecessary," featuring Schoolboy Q. On May 16, Gambino released "We Ain't Them" through his website, produced by himself and frequent collaborator Ludwig. On May 22, Glover, Jr appeared on Das Racist's radio show "Chillin' Island" where he premiered a new song, "Tell Me," which featured Himanshu Suri, aka Heems from Das Racist. On May 26, Glover released "Black Faces", featuring Nipsey Hussle and produced by Boi-1da. On May 30, he released a third track, "Silk Pillow," featuring Beck and produced by both Glover, Jr and Beck. On June 25, he revealed that the mixtape was to be released on July 4, 2012. On June 26, Glover, Jr premiered another new track, on Sway in the Morning (on Shade 45), entitled "One Up," featuring his brother, Steve G. Lover. That same day, he stated that the mixtape would be titled Royalty despite previous statements that it would not be called that. On July 4, 2012, he released Royalty for free via digital download. On July 7, 2012, Gambino released the track, "Body," featuring Prodigy, which did not make the cut for the mixtape. On July 24, 2012, he released the music video for "Fire Fly" through his VEVO account on YouTube.
On August 21, 2012, BBC Radio 1 premiered Leona Lewis' new song, "Trouble" off her upcoming album Glassheart, which features Childish Gambino. The song was available for purchase via iTunes on October 7, and peaked at #7 on the UK Singles Chart the following week, making it his first UK top 10 single. On November 4, 2012 Ludwig Göransson said in an interview with Portable that he and Gambino were in his studio coming up with new ideas for the next album which was to be "bigger" and "with more people involved."
In 2013, Glover, Jr signed on to create a music-themed show for FX titled Atlanta in which he will star, write, and executive produce. Consequently, he decided to reduce his work for NBC, and only appears in the first five episodes of Community's 13-episode fifth season. Although many TV stations were interested in picking up his half-hour comedy, he ultimately picked FX due to their willingness to work around his touring schedule.
On October 6, 2013, he announced on Twitter that his second studio album was completed. He further announced this at Homecoming Week at Penn State University, stating “I got a new album coming out soon, so this is the last time we’re gonna play a lot of this shit.” On October 8, 2013, he announced its title as Because the Internet and revealed that it would be released in December 2013. On October 21, 2013, Glover, Jr released the first single "3005", and announced a release date for the album as December 10, 2013. On February 15, 2014, the rapper launched his Deep Web Tour in the UK. On February 27, Childish Gambino was scheduled to begin the United States portion of his tour with a gig at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California. On June 6, 2014, RIAA certified Heartbeat Gold - making it Glover's first certification, and then on July 18, 2014, RIAA also certified 3005 Gold, making it Glover's second certification.
On October 2, 2014, he released a new mixtape titled STN MTN, and the next day he released an EP titled Kauai. The mixtape and the EP follow the story that was last told in Because The Internet and are meant to be a joint project instead of separate projects.
On October 10, 2014, Ubisoft revealed that they had collaborated with Glover, Jr to incorporate his song, "Crawl" into Far Cry 4.
On December 5, 2014 Glover, Jr was nominated for two Grammy Awards. He was a contender for Best Rap Album for Because The Internet (Glassnote Records) and Best Rap Performance for his single, “3005.”
On March 21, 2015 Glover, Jr won an mtvU Woodies Award for Best Video Woodie for the song "Sober" from the Kauai EP.
As of February 2016, Because the Internet has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipping over 500,000 copies.
Glover's third album, Awaken, My Love!, spawned the single "Redbone", which peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually earned him his first Grammy Award. In 2018, Glover released "This Is America", which debuted at number-one on the Hot 100, and won four Grammy Awards, including for Song and Record of the Year.[13] Glover's fourth album, 3.15.20, was released in 2020.[14]
The Rocker
Childish Gambino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, yeah, uh huh, uh
They call me the rocker
I get down like 2Pac and Big Poppa
Some say he too birds, you can't stop him
Niggas got too much beef like two Whoppers
Look at my clockers, it's about time
A glass of fine wine
Ain't no nigga alive can outshine
I get sneaks, but don't pay like I'm crime
I run this bitch, cause I'm Will Smith
Cause I am legend and you just Hitch
Naw, I'm Hitch cause I get bitches
Well, I got more than one
So call me eight Hitches
We ain't got riches, just some nice kicks
So call me Bruce Lee who's
Dressed in nice shit
Haters think I'm lame and
Girls think I'm sick
But both of them groups is riding my dick
Yeah, they call me the rocker
Call me Mr gambino
Uh huh, check this out
I'm fly like birds and I spit real
Shit so my flow like turds
And my words absurd so I turn it all around
So my mouth is my ass and
I sit when I'm loud
And I'm black and I'm proud
And I'm white and I'm rich
So fuck it, I'm a martian
I'm Lilo and Stitch
Niggas say I sound like Weezy and shit
Well he the best in the game
So what's wrong with that
Are you trying to tell me
That my rhymes is phat
Call me Usain Bolt cause I run the track
Nigga I'm sick of that
Stop comparing me to people
I know my voice funny like my name John Heder
And I'm out of this world and
I'm hot like space heaters
And my girl top down so I call her two seater
My iPhone blast like TNT
I text back to home girl
"What you know 'bout me?"
I'm in NYC or in ATL
And my wallet stay fat like Kenan plus Kel
Nigga what's that smell
Cause my shit don't stink
Cause my shirt bright blue and
My shoes hot pink
And I finish this drink that
I call a Twin Tower
Two Bud Lights and a whiskey sour
Where I fall down, that shit is ground zero
Little kids saying, "There goes my hero!"
Ha ha haha they call me the rocker, nigga!
Uh, they call me the rocker yo I'm out man
The lyrics to Childish Gambino's song "The Rocker" are filled with bold and confident statements from the artist. Gambino starts by stating that he is known as "the rocker," comparing himself to iconic musicians like 2Pac and Biggie Smalls. He dismisses any criticism about being too "birds" or having too much beef, comparing it to having too many Whoppers, highlighting the triviality of it all. Gambino expresses his self-assuredness and maturity by comparing himself to a glass of fine wine, suggesting that he has developed and evolved as an artist.
He continues to assert his dominance in the music industry by proclaiming that no one can outshine him, boasting about his popularity with the ladies, and playfully referencing the movie "Hitch." Gambino acknowledges that he may not have riches but values his collection of sneakers, paralleling himself to Bruce Lee dressed in nice attire. He is aware that some people may consider him lame, yet he confidently asserts that both haters and girls are still drawn to him.
The second verse amplifies Gambino's uniqueness and individuality. He describes his flow as "fly like birds" and his words as absurd, challenging the conventional norms of hip-hop. He proudly asserts his mixed race background and wealth, comparing himself to a Martian, Lilo and Stitch, and stating that he sounds like Lil Wayne (Weezy), who is regarded as one of the best in the game.
Gambino closes the song with a series of bold statements, mentioning his influence in New York City and Atlanta, boasting about his financial status, and playfully mentioning the sitcom "Kenan & Kel." He asserts that his eccentricities, like wearing vibrant colors and finishing his drink known as the Twin Tower, don't bother him because he doesn't care what others think. The song ends with a reference to 9/11, with Gambino alluding to being seen as a hero by young children.
Overall, "The Rocker" is a braggadocious and self-assured track where Gambino confidently proclaims his uniqueness, style, and influence in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
They call me the rocker
I am known as the rocker
I get down like 2Pac and Big Poppa
I have a strong musical presence like 2Pac and Big Poppa
Some say he too birds, you can't stop him
Some people think I'm too wild, but they can't hinder my success
Niggas got too much beef like two Whoppers
There is a lot of animosity and conflicts among people, just like the number of beef patties in two Whoppers
Look at my clockers, it's about time
Pay attention to my achievements, it's long overdue
For a nigga to mature like a glass of fine wine
It's time for me to grow up and develop like a high-quality wine
Ain't no nigga alive can outshine
No one can surpass my greatness
I get sneaks, but don't pay like I'm crime
I acquire sneakers without engaging in criminal activities to afford them
I run this bitch, cause I'm Will Smith
I have control and dominance over this industry, just like Will Smith
Cause I am legend and you just Hitch
I am an iconic figure while others are merely supporting characters
Naw, I'm Hitch cause I get bitches
Actually, I am like Hitch because I attract and charm women
Well, I got more than one, so call me eight Hitches
In fact, I have multiple romantic interests, so compare me to eight Hitches
We ain't got riches, just some nice kicks
We don't possess great wealth, but we do have stylish footwear
So call me Bruce Lee who's dressed in nice shit
Consider me like Bruce Lee, who wears fashionable attire
Haters think I'm lame and girls think I'm sick
Critics perceive me as uncool, while women find me attractive
But both of them groups is riding my dick
However, both critics and women are obsessed with me and seek my attention
Yeah, they call me the rocker
Yes, I am known as the rocker
Call me Mr Gambino
Refer to me as Mr Gambino
I fly like birds and I spit real shit
My delivery in music is smooth and genuine
So my flow like turds
The way I rap is comparable to the consistency of excrement
And my words absurd so I turn it all around
My lyrics are unconventional, so I subvert expectations
So my mouth is my ass and I sit when I'm loud
I speak boldly and openly, even though it may be unconventional
And I'm black and I'm proud
I embrace my black identity and take pride in it
And I'm white and I'm rich
I also acknowledge my privileged white background
So fuck it, I'm a martian, I'm Lilo and Stitch
I don't fit into societal norms, I am like a Martian and the fictional character Lilo from Lilo and Stitch
Niggas say I sound like Weezy and shit
People compare my sound to that of Lil Wayne
Well he the best in the game, so what's wrong with that
Lil Wayne is regarded as the best, so being compared to him is not a negative
Are you trying to tell me that my rhymes is phat
Are you implying that my rhymes are excellent?
Call me Usain Bolt cause I run the track
Compare me to Usain Bolt because I dominate the music industry
Nigga I'm sick of that
I'm tired of hearing those comparisons
Stop comparing me to people
Cease making comparisons between me and others
I know my voice funny like my name John Heder
I am aware that my voice may be peculiar, similar to the actor John Heder
And I'm out of this world and I'm hot like space heaters
I possess an otherworldly aura and my popularity is soaring
And my girl top down so I call her two seater
My girlfriend is attractive and catches attention, just like a two-seater car with its top down
My iPhone blast like TNT
The volume of my iPhone is extremely loud, like an explosive TNT
I text back to home girl 'What you know 'bout me?'
I respond to a female acquaintance's text message by asking what she is aware of concerning me
I'm in NYC or in ATL
I frequently find myself in either New York City or Atlanta
And my wallet stay fat like Kenan plus Kel
My wallet is always filled with money, similar to the comedy duo Kenan and Kel
Nigga what's that smell, cause my shit don't stink
I inquire about an unpleasant odor, as my own actions and behavior are faultless
Cause my shirt bright blue and my shoes hot pink
My fashion choices are bold, with a bright blue shirt and hot pink shoes
And I finish this drink that I call a Twin Tower
I consume a beverage in one go, referring to it as a Twin Tower as a metaphor for its significant size
Two Bud Lights and a whiskey sour
The drink consists of two Bud Lights beers and a whiskey sour cocktail
Where I fall down, that shit is ground zero
Wherever I stumble or make mistakes, it becomes a starting point for something new
Little kids saying, 'There goes my hero!'
Children admire and look up to me, viewing me as their hero
Ha ha haha they call me the rocker, nigga!
Ha ha haha, I am widely recognized as the rocker, my friend!
Uh, they call me the rocker yo I'm out man
Uh, I am acknowledged as the rocker, and now I am leaving, my friend
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Fayth Brown
Mr. Gambino is bringing rock back to rap, finally :)
Sheneca sharpe
I <3 This Beat ! ! ! ;)
biglandoz
THEY CALL ME THE ROCKER! Love. This. Song.
o0stray570o
yet again he kills it
Zach Wigboldy
as weird as his voice was he made good shit! the beat on the old songs are sick
ncheelz28
I wish he would re-record some of his new songs with his cul de sac flow
Alan Lavoie
this guys got soo much fire GOT DAMNNN
Matty
what a fucking tune!
jeff hopkins
this is like a mix between mistadobalina and the whisper song with sick new rhymes. i love gambino. i just wish some of his beats were more original sometimes
James Knuckles
shit is fire man. Its a shame he's not more known for his music...