Donald Glover may well be the hardest working man in America. Writing for 30 Rock, starring in hit NBC comedy Community, as well as
putting out his major label debut all while juggling a stand up tour
must take it out of a man. But this doesn’t mean Camp isn’t up to the calibre of work he normally produces.
Childish Gambino isn’t a gimmick, as a comedian-turned-rapper may
seem. Yes, his rhymes occasionally poke fun at the rap industry, but
they’re also witty, furious and, at times, deeply personal. There are
lines here that would out-funny Will Smith or Das Racist but,
unfortunately, most of these are too rude to print.
On the other hand, Camp is a lot more mature than his
previous work. Opening track ‘Outside’ focuses on Glover’s escape from a
run-down area and how this made him feel separated from his family.
Other tracks focus on being a nerdy, black Jehovah’s Witness who has a
penchant for Sufjan Stevens. There are still songs about sleeping with
girls and getting drunk, but these are easily the weaker tracks when put
amongst heavy hitters such as ‘That Power’, which ends the album with a
powerful spoken word piece.
Even though Camp is more personal, it still hasn’t lost that Gambino flavour that made his previous work so unique, fiery and funny.
4/5
Recommended download: 'That Power'
