Artist Profile: Childish Gambino

Donald Glover, professionally known as Childish Gambino, is a singer, rapper, comedian, writer, producer, actor, and director. Donald was born in Edwards, California on September 25, 1983, which makes him 37 years old. He has had a huge impact on today’s music and film industry due to his participation in 20 movies/shows and production of 5 studio albums. His top songs bring back many summer memories and his tv shows create an atmosphere of comfort for many. 

Like many other artists, Donald is surrounded by loving family members that support him and his career. In a 2018 concert, he had announced the tragic news of his father’s passing. Donald Glover Sr. worked in the postal services for various years and had a large impact on his son. His mother, Beverly Glover, is still with us today and is a retired daycare provider. They have two other children, Bree Glover is the oldest sibling while Stephen Glover is the youngest. Stephen is also into the film industry as he works with music, production, and writing. Gambino likes to keep his family’s life private but as of now, we know he and Michelle Glover (Wife) have 3 children. Legend Glover is the oldest, Drake Glover is the middle child and just recently, they received their new baby boy, Donald Glover III. 

Glover began his career in the film industry when he was hired to write scripts for the Emmy awards winning NBC series 30 rock sitcom. He later moved on to play the character, Troy, in the critically acclaimed show Community. This show went on to win a Critics’ Choice Television Award, 2 TV Guide fan favorite awards, and 5 EWwy Awards. Glover left the show in season 5 (out of 6) due to the fact he appreciates “the future opportunities that endings create.” This was proven to be correct because Donald went on to be the creator of the FX show Atlanta(2016). Atlanta went on to win an Emmy award for outstanding directing for comedy series and outstanding lead actor for a comedy series in 2017. Glover has also been in movies such as Solo: A Star Wars Story, Spider-man: Homecoming, voices Simba in The Lion King, and has a stand up special available on Netflix called Weirdo. 

The rise of his acting career was a great addition to his already successful rapper/singer career. In 2011, Glover successfully recorded and released his first studio album, Camp. Shortly after, he released his second studio album Because of the internet. This album helped kick start his music career due to songs like 3005 and IV Sweatpants which are still his most recognized songs (according to Apple Music). His third album was released in 2014, Kaui, where the song Sober is number 7 on his top songs. His next album, Awaken, My Love was released in 2016. Track #6 Redbone has received over 426 million views on YouTube, reached to be in the top 10 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts, and is his top streamed song on Apple Music. The rapper decided to take a small break as he didn’t release a full album until 2020, titled 3.15.20. In between those years, he released the single, This is America (2018). This is America received 65.3 Million streams in just its first week from its released date. 

Childish Gambino is an overly talented man and is a great example of an amazing artist, actor, and father. He loves and cherishes time with his family which is why he doesn’t release as much music and projects now, but his current accomplishment can still be listened to and watched at any time. Overall, I personally admire his talent and hopefully, we can expect an upcoming project from him soon.