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]
What the F*** Are You
Childish Gambino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am so different
Being me is like the lottery
I am so on like the TV when you fall asleep
Niggas makin pottery, but I broke the mold
Now shit has got them dancing
Like I channel open fold
Yes, I got a lust for life
And these hoes are actin' different
Cause I'm Rich comma Richie
These friends are iffy
They're alcoholic geniuses
I think they hang around until I'm
Drunk and buy them Guinnesses
I gotta drink my medicine to
Cover what's inside of me
I'm still fcked up from the
Days nobody liked me
I'm lying just a little when I say
That I don't give a fck
You know I gotta give a fck
My face is broken out
My shirt is hand-me down
This kid named Vincent wanna take my
Shit and lay me out
I'm trying to fit in like a
Fat bitch in her shoe size
It's funny I'm flyer now than
Witches on their broom rides
I always thought these new
Clothes were the potion
Cause I never felt that good in my own skin
It's probably cause I'm the only
Black kid in my school
And when I meet another black kid
They tell me I'm a fool
Cause I wear thee tight clothes, tight jeans
Tight shirt
Yeah I stay tight like these girls
That make my dick hurt
Yeah, I'm self conscious
Go ahead - laugh it up
Cause I dig deep and pull something
Out to back it up
They told my ass ain't black enough
What the fck are you?
You don't even say shit
Quit writing gay shit
Now they see me and have
To squint like asians
Cause I'm on fire and everything
I touch is blazing giving you the realness
Kid I got a lot of it listen to my mixtapes
Tell me if they contradict
Don't fck with these niggas cause
This swag is asinine
I don't have time to eat
I don't have time to sleep
These niggas got time to do
Everything but be unique
I gotta do me like I'm
Jerkin' in the mirror i am just a rapper
Can't make it clearer
Yes I'm in the building
No I own the company
Your girlfriend's sister you cannot
Fck with me childish Gambino
We are all children i am just a murderer
We have just killed them
In "What the F*** Are You?" by Childish Gambino, the lyrics delve into the unique identity and struggles of the artist. Gambino asserts his individuality, stating that he doesn't talk but rather expresses himself through his music as a rapper. He emphasizes his difference, likening it to winning the lottery and being an anomaly like the TV that stays on even when one falls asleep.
Gambino notes his unconventional path to success, mentioning that he has broken the mold in the music industry and that his talent has captivated people, getting them to dance. He navigates through fame and the effects it has on relationships, particularly with friends who may have ulterior motives and romantic interests who change their behavior towards him because of his newfound wealth and status as Rich comma Richie.
The lyrics also touch on Gambino's vulnerabilities and insecurities. He acknowledges his past struggles with self-acceptance and being disliked, likely due to being one of the few Black individuals in his school. He addresses the judgments he faces from both within and outside the Black community regarding his style of clothing, tight clothes, and the pressures he feels to fit in. Despite these struggles, Gambino asserts his self-confidence and ability to overcome obstacles by digging deep and backing up his words.
Overall, "What the F*** Are You?" examines Gambino's journey as a unique artist, navigating fame and societal pressures, and embracing his individuality and authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
I do not talk, I am just a rapper
I express myself through my music, not through conversation.
I am so different
I stand out from the crowd and don't conform to societal norms.
Being me is like the lottery
Being myself is rare and unpredictable, like winning the lottery.
I am so on like the TV when you fall asleep
I am constantly active and present, like a TV that remains on even when you're asleep.
Niggas makin pottery, but I broke the mold
Others may try to imitate me, but I am unique and have surpassed their attempts.
Now shit has got them dancing
My success has made them excited and eager to join in.
Like I channel open fold
I have a captivating presence, like a TV channel that's always engaging.
Yes, I got a lust for life
I have a strong desire and passion for living life to the fullest.
And I drink my weight in whiskey
I consume excessive amounts of alcohol as a way to cope.
And these hoes are actin' different
Women are treating me differently now, influenced by my fame and wealth.
Cause I'm Rich comma Richie
My financial success has earned me a reputation and changed people's attitudes toward me.
These friends are iffy
I have doubts about the loyalty and sincerity of my friends.
They're alcoholic geniuses
They have mastered the art of using alcohol to escape their problems.
I think they hang around until I'm drunk and buy them Guinnesses
They stick around hoping to take advantage of me when I'm intoxicated and willing to spend money.
I gotta drink my medicine to cover what's inside of me
I rely on alcohol as a form of self-medication to numb my inner pain and insecurities.
I'm still fcked up from the days nobody liked me
The past experiences of rejection and being disliked still haunt and affect me.
I'm lying just a little when I say that I don't give a fck
I pretend not to care, but deep down, I do.
You know I gotta give a fck
Contrary to my previous statement, I actually do care about certain things.
My face is broken out
I have acne or skin issues.
My shirt is hand-me down
I wear clothes that have been passed down or given to me.
This kid named Vincent wanna take my shit and lay me out
There's a person named Vincent who wants to steal from me and harm me physically.
I'm trying to fit in like a fat bitch in her shoe size
I'm attempting to belong and be accepted, even though it feels impossible.
It's funny I'm flyer now than witches on their broom rides
Ironically, I am more stylish and appealing now than ever before.
I always thought these new clothes were the potion
I believed that wearing trendy clothes would boost my self-confidence and make me feel better about myself.
Cause I never felt that good in my own skin
I have always struggled with insecurities and never truly felt comfortable with who I am.
It's probably cause I'm the only black kid in my school
The reason for my lack of confidence may be due to being the only black student in my school.
And when I meet another black kid, they tell me I'm a fool
Even other black individuals criticize and belittle me for not fitting their perception of how I should act or dress.
Cause I wear thee tight clothes, tight jeans, tight shirt
I choose to wear tight-fitting clothes, which further sets me apart from others.
Yeah I stay tight like these girls that make my dick hurt
I maintain a lean physique similar to the girls who arouse my sexual desire.
Yeah, I'm self conscious
I am highly aware and critical of my own flaws and insecurities.
Go ahead - laugh it up
Feel free to mock or make fun of me.
Cause I dig deep and pull something out to back it up
Despite my self-consciousness, I have the ability to prove myself and show my worth.
They told my ass ain't black enough
People have criticized me for not conforming to their narrow expectations of how a black person should behave or look.
What the fck are you?
I question your identity and purpose.
You don't even say shit
You remain silent and contribute nothing meaningful.
Quit writing gay shit
Stop producing meaningless or unoriginal content.
Now they see me and have to squint like asians
When others see me, they need to squint their eyes like some Asian individuals do, suggesting that I am now a bright and intense presence.
Cause I'm on fire and everything I touch is blazing
I am metaphorically on fire, and everything I am involved with becomes highly successful and impactful.
Giving you the realness, kid, I got a lot of it
I am providing authentic and honest content in my music, expressing my true self.
Listen to my mixtapes, tell me if they contradict
If you listen to my mixtapes, evaluate if there are any inconsistencies or contradictions in my message.
Don't fck with these niggas cause this swag is asinine
I don't associate or engage with people who lack individuality and rely solely on superficial style.
I don't have time to eat, I don't have time to sleep
I am so busy and focused on my craft that I neglect basic human needs like eating and sleeping.
These niggas got time to do everything but be unique
Others have plenty of time to engage in various activities, yet they fail to cultivate their own uniqueness and individuality.
I gotta do me like I'm jerkin' in the mirror
I must stay true to myself, just like someone dancing and expressing themselves in front of a mirror.
I am just a rapper, can't make it clearer
I am primarily an artist and performer, and that's how I express myself.
Yes, I'm in the building, no I own the company
I may be present in a particular space, but I don't have complete control or ownership over it.
Your girlfriend's sister, you cannot fck with me
I am someone who is highly desired and whom you cannot compete with when it comes to attracting romantic partners.
Childish Gambino, we are all children
As Childish Gambino, I believe that deep down, we are all still childlike and vulnerable.
I am just a murderer, we have just killed them
Metaphorically, my artistry and talent have 'murdered' the competition, establishing my dominance and leaving them defeated.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jcub100
What song did he sample for the instrumental?
bobAkirafett
How did you get to extract this from the zip when it has a "?" in the file name? It fucks with my computer for me.
dojo999
@98jaym "Exhibit C" by Jay Electronica.
Valer
i like this