Childish Gambino - Camp (REVIEW)

Childish Gambino – Camp (REVIEW)

November 14, 2011 lloyd 89 comments

Hop in your parents’ station wagon and take a trip to Camp on iTunes

I’ve got a bone to pick with writer, actor, comedian and rapper Donald Glover. Performing under the pseudonym Childish Gambino, Glover has carved somewhat of a niche in the indie hip-hop community with his brand of sub-pop, alternative rap. While his Culdesac mixtape, and last years’ EP, built a loyal fanbase for Gambino, I’ve never personally been completely sold on him as a musician. On Camp, CG’s first official release, Glover takes everything that gave him any semblance of sympathy and essentially swaps that for the cocky, womanizing, douche-nerd that turned me off in the first place.

“Freaks and Geeks”, the buzzworthy single from Glover’s previous mixtape was the first real example of Gambino’s technical ability on the mic. To be clear, the bone I have to pick has nothing to do with CG’s talent; he’s got the punchlines, the flows, the social commentary, granted, none of it comes together securely. Take “Bonfire”, or “Freaks and Geeks 2.0″, as I call it. It’s the perfect pacemaker for what’s to come, with its half time hi-hat, full band support, and background choir. The song seems destined for radio play, but the lyrics doom the appeal before it can even take off. Glover’s tendency to toss around trigger phrases (i.e. Casey Anthony, Human Centipede, etc.) apparently holds the same lyrical value to him as his conscious, introspective lines. And it proves, early, to be quite unsustainable.

Glover often has no message. And, not that a message is necessary for the enjoyment of his music, there can’t be so much emphasis on something that produces no substance. That something is his lyrics. Glover harps on and on, incessantly, about being “being lonely”, or “being hated on” or, quite often, “being the only black person doing _____”.

Here’s the thing: As a young, black male in America, I completely understand Gambino’s sarcastic quips about “real blacks” on “Backpackers”, or his mom having to “work two jobs” on “Outside”, or being called a “lame in seventh grade” by his black peers. Here’s the other thing: I GOT OVER IT! 12 years later I’m not obsessively penning bitter ballads about those mean black kids who called me an Oreo, or the girls who played me because I was a geek. And if I were going to write a song about that specific period in time, I’d hope to add a bit more perspective than simply “yeah, I’m better than you now”. It’s just, no pun intended, childish. In the worst way possible.

Gambino seems to exist for the sole purpose of shoving his success in the faces of everyone who’s wronged him. But, if you pull the scope back, he’s also a Comedy Central signed stand-up, writer and actor for the critically acclaimed sitcom Community, and a bit part movie actor. I’m not revoking his right to complain, or feel sad, or lonely, or discriminated against, but the music never reflects any of the world experience he claims (believably so, given his resume) to have acquired. Camp sounds as though it comes from the most shallow, bitter and, honestly, fragile part of Glover’s brain.

The album doesn’t provide much reconciliation in terms of its composition. It goes for triumphant most of the time, but for some reason, CG’s definition of triumphant is something akin to Radio Disney. “Firefly” features a hook sung by a woman who might as well be Demi Lovato (no fault of her own). And, when it’s not a former Movie Surfer delivering the chorus, it’s Glover himself trying to stretch his voice into something that resembles a more nasally, sharp-toned Drake. Sometimes it works, like on “All the Shine”, where he’s not forced to reach outside of his range. Other times, he’s either out of key (“L.E.S.”), overcompensating for a dry melody (“Hold You Down”), or just plain weak in delivery (“Heartbeat”).

When it’s not his singing voice, it’s his rapping voice that hurts him. Gambino’s cadence slips into a Kanye-esque groan when he really wants to emphasize a line, like on the inexplicable call to Asian girls, “You See Me”: “Not my fault, man, these ladies love me / She’s an overachiever cause all she do is succeed [suck seed]“. Now, that’s not a tragedy of a line, but the extra effort he puts into this (or any) silly turn of phrase is just unnecessary. It’s almost insulting to the intelligence of the listener. As if we couldn’t POSSIBLY get his weightless references to Ninja Turtles, or “blerds”, or Living Single; the guy is a walking pop culture reference. But, that doesn’t equal skill.

Glover has the mindset to make truly compelling lyrics, but he vehemently chooses not to. On “All the Shine”, Gambino remarks:

“I’m a role model, I am not these other guys
I rap about my dick and talk about what girls is fly
I know it’s dumb, that’s the fucking reason I’m doing it
So why does everyone have a problem with talking stupid shit?
Or is it real shit?
‘Cause sometimes that stupid shit is real shit”

Yes, Donald, sometimes that “stupid shit” is real shit. But, that “stupid shit” isn’t a sometimes occasion here. It’s an all 13 tracks occasion; sprinkled with orchestra accents, nerd culture, and one protagonist with multiple personalities. Sadly, Camp can’t seem to elevate any one of those personalities above “stupid shit”.

4.1/10

Childish Gambino – All the Shine Lyrics
Childish Gambino – Backpackers Lyrics
Childish Gambino – Bonfire Lyrics
Childish Gambino – Fire Fly Lyrics
Childish Gambino – Heartbeat Lyrics
Childish Gambino – Hold You Down Lyrics
Childish Gambino – Kids Lyrics
Childish Gambino – L.E.S. Lyrics
Childish Gambino – Letter Home Lyrics
Childish Gambino – Outside Lyrics
Childish Gambino – Sunrise Lyrics
Childish Gambino – That Power Lyrics
Childish Gambino – You See Me Lyrics

http://twitter.com/SilentDethIzOF Trent Noble

Quit hating, Glover has more talent than anyone else in the game.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  “I ain’t relating If I don’t like it, I don’t like it, that don’t mean that I’m hating” – Common [The 6th Sense]
http://thespiralcase.net Zachary Franciose

woof 4.1
http://twitter.com/HeyWhatUpThough Joey Belk

“As a young, black male in America, I completely understand Gambino’s sarcastic quips about “real blacks” on “Backpackers”, or his mom having to “work two jobs” on “Outside”, or being called a “lame in seventh grade” by his black peers. Here’s the other thing: I GOT OVER IT! 12 years later I’m not obsessively penning bitter ballads about those mean black kids who called me an Oreo, or the girls who played me because I was a geek.”

12 years later in retrospect you might find it annoying, but do you think you as an adolescent would have appreciated and admired an artist you could relate to like this? Isn’t that part of the point?
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  Yeah, and in that 13 year olds review of this album, I’m sure it’s all written there. But I’m not in 7th grade anymore. I have the worldview to contextualize my past experiences and relate them to the situations of others. If I was looking for a role model, I sure as hell wouldn’t choose this guy.
  - http://twitter.com/HeyWhatUpThough Joey Belk
    
    So what are you objecting to? What he’s trying to represent or how he’s representing it? I’d argue that, yeah, the album’s not exactly a social commentary master stroke, but it’s raising questions about black identity that no one I know of is.
    - http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
      
      I’m objecting to the way his lyrics are being packaged. Sewn between
      every “question about black identity” is a corny punchline about asian
      girls, or some obscure movie reference, The inconsistency softens the
      blow so much that he becomes unrelatable. He can’t seem to follow
      through on a concept without being sidetracked with lines about former
      relationships, or haters, etc., and almost none of it ever has anything
      to do with any overarching theme. Also, the beats and instrumentation
      are just shallowly conceived.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1021520535 Jonathan Charles Grindstaff
    
    this review is just…silly. you didn’t even analyze it beyond lyrical quality.
  - PS
    
    LOL, no you don’t have the worldview to contextualize much of anything… you’re 21.
    - http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
      
      Rock solid logic there.
  - CG 4 pres
    
    Would you choose to relate to 50 cent who got shot 9 times, lil wayne who drinks cough syrup constantly and has all the money in the world? I bet you cant relate very well to either of them. Yeah CG raps a lot about how he made it, he`s proud and should be because he was always told he couldn`t.Gambino raps about his life, that`s what it was like, too bad if you don`t like it. A lot of people can relate to shit he has been through. He is also really funny and very clever about it. Gambino is unreal and will be making music for a while. Maybe you don`t understand his jokes.
- Anon
  
  Definitely. I also am biracial (black and white). I would have loved having a role model like Donald Glover when I was younger.
- Lucas
  
  Also, onthe last song of the album, that power, he says something like, “I never really got of the bus”
  By this one can assume he’s admitting to still being mentally attached to these moments hes referencing from his childhood. Even if it is childish, or if he displays multiple persoanlities on every track, at least hes showing what composes the real him.
http://www.facebook.com/superbrandino Brandon Paris

Glover harps on and on, incessantly, about being “being lonely”, or “being hated on” or, quite often, “being the only black person doing _____”.he also talks a lot about his “swag” in just about every album as well.
i will admit i do think a variety of his songs are catchy and even appealing, but the biggest turn off is the fact that he continually seems to rap/sing about about the same shallow things. I cannot relate to him or dare even say look up to him by any means, but some of his tunes are tolerable and worth listening to. I was however, disappointed in Camp because i was half hoping to hear a change of pace and get some insight on other aspects of his life/careers whatever.
i liked reading your opinion on this review.
http://twitter.com/ZenDash Dash Stampede

holy shit lol. i mean i get it he needs a new topic but i think overall the songs were great. idk about 4.1 bro. not taking away from your obvious explanation of why, just think he did a good job carving his own niche.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  I see what you’re saying, and if his music affects you (not personally, necessarily) in that way, then I have no authority to tell you otherwise. But, my review is on the album, and the album alone. From these 13 tracks, I enjoyed probably 3. That’s the only way I can justify my feelings on it; numerically at least. Never said he wasn’t a good rapper. Never said he wasn’t creative. Acknowledged his niche carving skills. But, this album is simply a poor representation of those traits.
Camwagon

I’m probably the biggest Childish Gambino fan in my area code, but I agree with this review for the most part. Childish Gambino does seem to be holding back sometimes, and at one time I thought he should rap more about his exploits as an actor/writer/comedian. However, he doesn’t, and I got over it. Gambeezy’s so good at what he does, and has done it for so long, that if he switched it up for Camp, he’d be disappointing his fans and catering to his critics. And even if he did rap about being on a well received T.V. show and getting comedy specials, wouldn’t that still just be a disguised way of saying ‘I’m better then you?’. By choosing not to rap about those things that much, hes allowing his fans to identify with him a more. Odds are middle class black kids like myself won’t ever know whats like. Long story short, if you didn’t really like CG coming into Camp, you probably still don’t. The opposite is true as well though.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  I can see where you’re coming from. I was rooting for him to elevate above these motifs, but he’s just not focused enough to put together an album. I can’t judge on intent, he’s given us a body of work, and I’m confident that you know it’s not anywhere close to his potential. He can switch up and not disappoint his fans: just make it better, Gorw. Evolve, at least as a musician. How can any Gambino fan listen to this and see an discernible progress? Let alone pay money for it?
http://www.rivertems.wordpress.com Rivertems

PREACH. This is exactly what I felt like when I was listening to this album. His constant lament on how he’s not black enough to do this and how he’s too white to do that was exhausting and not even done all that well. His flow also seems lazy and maybe even amateur at some points (Backpackers and Hold You Down especially) which kind of sucks because there are moments of dopeness on the album. It doesn’t seem like he’s grown since Culdesac and maybe he will by his next album.
gambinogirl

In an interview with Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep, Glover
says he made the album for his 13-year-old self. “The things that I
said on the album,” he says, “I wish I knew when I was younger.” He
writes from the perspective of a kid who is dismissed as a nerd.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  When 13 year old Donald Glover makes references to women that 28 year old Donald is sleeping with, or interests that 28 year old Donald has, it takes away from the immersion that’s needed to build the story, The idea of an album for his 13 year old self seems great, but this album isn’t that.
  - Gambino_girl
    
    He’s not saying he wrote it as his 13 year old self, he wrote it TO his 13 year old self.
    - http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
      
      Oh really? I wonder what his 13 year old self’s opinions are on Casey Anthony? Or the asian chicks he frequently ejaculates on? Or the alcohol he drinks? I’m sure all of that is SUPER relevant to the 13 year old that’s being bullied and ridiculed. It’s like he’s saying “stick with it kid, you’re gonna grow up to be me. And I’m awesome”. Which is a fine sentiment, but then why spend the entire album complaining about that stuff? If you’re talking to 13 year old you, where’s the context? Also, if, as stated on the last line of “That Power”, you’re “everything you wanna be”, why spend so much time harping on who you used to be?
Case Jones

Where I disagree with what you say sir, I will defend to the death your right to say it…I’m a fan of the album.
http://twitter.com/ThePandaLife Fuck Swag Im Dope

aw ok i guess donald should start rappin about makin it rain, shootin guns, nd being a thug huh? y is he gettin ripped for rappin about his life experiences. it just goes to show you that bloggers jus cant help but to find something to hate on about an artist.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  Look, if you like the guy, then fine. I like the guy too. I’m the biggest Community fan you’ll meet. I’ve still got downloaded Derek Comedy material on my hard drive. But this album is terrible. Put aside what you want him to be and look at what he actually is, at least on this album. Which is a bitter, womanizing, jerk who can’t. I’m not saying that’s how he is in person, but that’s what he presents, more often than not, on this album. And, for the record, he probably refers to women as “bitches” more often than any of those MC’s that rap about “makin it rain, shootin guns, nd being a thug”.
http://twitter.com/IAmPlateface Russell Meghoo

ouch haha
http://mostlyjunkfood.com marc heilbrunn

great review, lloyd. cool to read all the comments. everyone has belly buttons these days
http://twitter.com/lindseyirvin Lindsey Irvin

It legitimately pains my inner Gambino Girl to admit that a large part of me agrees with this review. I caught myself more than a few times thinking to myself while listening to the album, “Is every song going to be about this?” Yes, there were bars here and there that I love and a few bangers I’ll turn way up in my white girl whip, but for the most part, I feel like there’s not much to differentiate one song from the next. I put all of my CG collection on shuffle yesterday and it’s like he forgot how to make good music and I forgot what it sounded like. My Shine? Do Ya Like? Both Hands (Black Rainbow)? Even his AOTL remix was more repeatable than the majority of Camp.

I don’t know if I would go so far as to give it a 4.1 (ouch), but I do think Donald’s efforts came up short here. I saw an interview where he talked about how he tried to make this a complete album from start to finish, not just make a few great tracks and throw them all together on a CD. Maybe that was the problem: Donald thought that by giving all the tracks a similar topic, he was telling a story? Who knows. This has now become an obnoxiously long comment that I’m partially ashamed to have my name attached to. Donald, if you ever read this, I still want to bear your children.
- http://twitter.com/EthanHazel Loc Dogg
  
  I totally know where you’re coming from. My favorite tracks on the album are the ones where he’s at his silliest delivering the most punchlines. That’s what he’s best at. Songs like Hold You Down, Kids, and Outside push the album almost into concept album territory, something that Donald as a musician is not even close to ready for. If you combined the EP tracks with You See Me, Bonfire, That Power, and All the Shine, you would have an amazing album in my opinion.
Natatat

i havent listened yet, shocking, i know.
but reading these comments… eh…
honestly, your review sounds pretty solid. the things you bring up are what have already turned many of my friends away from him.
as i said in my review of culdesac, i liked him best when he was rapping over other songs. i just dug the mixture.
adoration aside i think he puts on a great live show, but in my car, i want more like Two Weeks and Do Ya Like.
and dglove, i’ll still be at all your shows and buy your merch and shit, dont worry about it. im just being picky
Seafoamrome

This album was enjoyable. Artists generally use music as an embodiment of both personal strife and celebrations. If Donald wasn’t accepted growing up for being too ____ or not enough _____ that’s his personal strife story to tell. If you can’t relate, that’s okay…but at least he’s being true to himself.

I think his social commentary -albeit limited- is refreshing. I think it is the antithesis of the WWE rap that you hear these days of people ludicrously trying to sound more important/tough/rich than they really ought to be.

(A prime example of that would be Rick Ross’ brushing off having a serious seizure in a half of a bar in a song. Not to shit on him, but that inability to be vulnerable and talk about your fear or your human element is something that rap often lacks. I’m sure when he was shaking and slobbing over himself on that plane, we wasn’t thinking about how much of a boss he was and how it’s nothing.) Overcoming not fitting in and accepting himself is something I think that always comes out in his music. Unapologetically celebrating being happy with being his own individual is his personal victory to tell.

Lloyd, are you really complaining that he is talking about being better than the people that doubted him? I agree with and respect your opinion that it is juvenile, but you can’t name a commercially successful rapper that doesn’t do that. I agree with some of your criticism of the embellishment of the delivery of some punchlines and maybe the technicality of his rhyme composition.. But I think his music is a window into himself — maybe you just don’t like his personality that bleeds through his music.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  Okay, I never said I couldn’t relate. I actually COMPLETELY relate to what Donald talks about when it comes to his childhood. He and I have virtually identical childhoods as a matter of fact. The problem is, yes, his personality bleeds into his music. But, it’s the most shallow part of his personality, and it negatively affects the music. It’s not every couple tracks either, it’s all of the tracks. He goes on and on with these topics and they end up going nowhere.
  - Seafoamrome
    
    I can definitely respect your point of view. The part of his personality that bleeds through gets on your nerves. I’m going to assume that his music, like a lot of artists, is a vicarious embodiment of a piece of himself. Maybe the next album will showcase a different piece that he wishes to share with the world. I thought it was fun, but I suppose I can understand how that can be grating.
    
    But a 4.1? That should be reserved guys like Chingy. That’s the sort of a score you give to someone who has just dropped a brick and should hang it up. Your written review doesn’t even seem to validate such a score even despite your valid criticism. You do give him credit and seem to respect his talent musically for the most part, that paltry score almost seems personal. He’s an emcee, not a politician.
    - http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
      
      Everyone seems to be commenting on the same thing. The score reflects the album, not the person. I did give him credit. I do respect him as a musician. I understand that he’s an MC and not a politician. But this is an album review. This album sounds like a 4.1 to me. On the other hand I could see myself giving one of his live performances a 9.0/10. But I can’t bring that into an album review. I have to analyze the body of work. That is what this is.
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=631243094 Canberk Oguz
        
        What I don’t like here is that you took the time to consider 40′s beats on Take Care and from what I could take from that review this was a heavy influence on the 7.0/10 for “Take Care” but you failed to take into consideration that both the beats on CAMP are amazing and very unique and that the entire Album is produced by both Donald and Ludwig and that Donald is very meticulous about his beats. It’s the entire reason he signed on to Glassnotes, so the can use real instruments and lay off that fake shit. Plus there is no way that Take Care is better than Camp. Absolutely not.
      - http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
        
        “The album doesn’t provide much reconciliation in terms of its
        composition. It goes for triumphant most of the time, but for some
        reason, CG’s definition of triumphant is something akin to Radio Disney.”
        
        Also, Drake may not not be better than Childish Gambino, but Take Care is better then Camp.
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=631243094 Canberk Oguz
        
        That makes absolutely no sense. How can you say that 40′s repetitive ass beats overtake Ludwig and Childish’s original material on CAMP. Each track in terms of the beat has a great and unique feel to it. Whereas in take care, a lot of beats seem to be recycled with an addition of an extra snare hit or whatever. The beats on CAMP are most definitely not akin to Radio Disney, they are fresh and original and while not every single beat is triumphant, you can’t say that the beats are repetitive and boring. Doesn’t make sense man.
      - http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
        
        Your opinion dude.
      - Gksam10
        
        haha, you can’t just shut down on somebody by saying “your opinion”. At least respond to what he’s saying. He’s making a great point. The beats on Take Care were incredibly repetitive. Many songs sound pretty similar. Of course, there are those who stand out, but in the overall spotlight of the album, it’s not reasonable to listen to the whole album all the way through. I would say that each track on Camp has its own flair and there aren’t any filler tracks, while Take Care seems to be nothing but. Sure, you may disagree with the lyrical content, but rap isn’t just about the lyrics, it’s also about the production. Childish not only does it himself with Ludwig, he is also incredibly meticulous and well thought out. I would pick Childish’s talent over Drake’s any day. Drake can barely pick a key to sing on, yet Childish has actual singing talent, anybody could tell you that.
        … is somebody maybe a bit jealous?
        Also, three tracks you like on the album is better than a 4.1/10. What’s a 10 in your book?
      - http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
        
        I can shut someone down by saying “your opinion”, because you already know mine. You know my basis. And, you know my defense. I write a review. You disagree, Click my author link if you’d like more.
http://mostlyjunkfood.com marc heilbrunn

i gotta give most of the credit to ludwig here
Pingback: Childish Gambino Performs “Heartbeat” on Conan (Video) | mostlyjunkfood.com
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=631243094 Canberk Oguz

I think that trick with CG is if you can relate to him or not. If you can relate to him then you will but if you can’t then you don’t like him. This album is not necessarily made for massive replays (save “Bonfire” and “You see me now”) but more towards a whole album listen. If you listen to the album through, you get a great story of his insecurities, and I think that’s cool and great. And if you think about it, he does have a “Fuck You, I Made It” attitude but compared to other artists who just say “Yeh, I’ve got it, Swag” it’s better, it’s building the story around the “I’ve got it” plus I feel like we all lost the favor for the underdog attitude, which is what CG has been his whole life (as far as we can tell). That’ why he raps about his beginnings and his youth so you can understand why he does what he does, why he has 356909345 jobs and still beasts in every aspect of it.

On another note, he also has relatability with suburbia, but not in the LP way or Mac Miller (weed rap). He talks about why it’s difficult to be who is he is where he grew up, compared to these rappers who grew up in the hood and shit. I guess I’d characterize this album as a note of advice for kids who are like him, black or not. For example, I relate cuz I’m broke and go to NYU and don’t get taken serious cuz I’m white and I rap in a different style than others and more etc, etc, so I relate more to his college stories but a younger kid still in high school can take lessons from him in “That Power” and “All the Shine” and “Outside”. Sure, he’s got faults. He knows it. But what’s beautiful is that he has massive room for improvement but imagine where he can go if he’s where he is now.

Plus what’s wrong with talking about your childhood? I didn’t know that it was a problem. It doesn’t mean that your a little kid or a little bitch, it’s looking to your past and seeing how and why you ended up where you are, which for Donald isn’t half bad (Emmy winner, Actor in a popular show, movie director/writer, accomplished writer/rapper/producer, accomplished comedian, DJ, a graduate of NYU, etc).

*Last note, you should take into consideration his last line in the album
“The truth is that I got on the bus as a boy, and I never got off the bus, I still haven’t…”
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  Did you read the review, man? Like, not to insult you, but all my counterpoints to what you’re saying are right above you. You’re here man. You made it… Look up.
User00

This review is trash. Your basis is irrelevant. Maybe I’m just a schizophrenic but I have mood swings. Sometimes I feel like king of the world. Sometimes I feel like the world is against me. I think that’s human nature. So when he is ‘all over the place’ with his message, I say take it as it is. Let him create. Keep doing what you do Donald.
http://albotas.com brownkidd

Seems like less of a music review and more of the author just not feeling the subject matter. I honestly felt like this was one of the best hip hop albums I’ve heard in years, but then again, I’m not a fan of all the Kanye/Jay-Z/whoever-else-is-on-top-these-days bullshit. I’m a nerd into indie shit, pop culture references, clever wordplay, and silly sexual innuendos. This album delivered on all fronts. If you listen to it without a magnifying glass and just accept it for the fun that it is, you might appreciate it more.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  Maybe. But, I instinctively analyze everything I listen to. So, this probably comes off as harsh. I know, but that’s the analysis. Thanks for reading.
Will Stamatis

I agree with you from the respect that the album is lyrically repetitive, but I think you undervalued the musicality of Camp in the review. Given I’m a sucker for orchestral arrangements and choirs, but each song has its own identity and they flow well together from Energetic to Introspective to Grimy and even successfully Cheesy at times. Childish should do better (lyrically) exploring more themes in his albums, but Camp brings a sonic quality that has been severely lacking in the genre-and he does it (to my knowledge) without sampling.
- Gksam10
  
  ^ This is exactly my point.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1021520535 Jonathan Charles Grindstaff

your review just…really sucks

this was a fantastic album and an example of what hip-hop/rap could be

“Childish” Gambino.

Childish is in there for a reason.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  your comment just… really sucks
  
  this is a terrible album and an example of wasted talent
  
  “Childish” Gambino
  
  Donald Glover isn’t in there for a reason.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1139372357 Alex Walker

The album is my personal favorite because it’s littered with topics I can relate to as middle class black kid. I understand why the reviewer doesn’t like it, he’s a man who has gotten over being called names,but I’m not so this album is something that inspires me. I think he should increase his range of topics and stop talking about how hard is to be black and nerdy or how he’s bedding all these girls but even I think it’s ridiculous how much he whines about it even though he’s in his 20′s. But for me I listen to it to get me through my day because it makes me think hey if he can do everything he dreamed about then so can I right? I can relate to the not getting girls, being called names, getting in trouble in class for acting out, and being told im not black enough. So for me CG is a perfect artist to look up to not for what he talks about but for who he is and where he came from.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1139372357 Alex Walker
  
  Oh and also as fans it’s our jobs to support these artist but also tell them “hey can you talk about other things?’ I think every CG fan needs to take off the rose colored glasses and look at the album objectively.
  - PS
    
    But people can objectively like it which is what lloyd fails to realize. He’s just as guilty of the inverse of what he sees happening to him. He thinks anyone who likes the album is just sucking off CG and/or a fanboy. His opinion of the album is still just an opinion, it’s no more right than anyone else’s.
    
    His repeated attempts to force the criticism of the album down the throats of those who disagree with him (even when they do it in a stupid YouTube commentariat-esque way… i.e. “your so stewpit, CG is the baaaauuussssseee. fag.”) is no better than the blind supporters of CG who are calling lloyd names because they disagree w/his *opinion*.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  I can totally see that. He’s a great model of how to overcome those hardships. And if I were writing a review of Glover himself, all of that would be included, but it’s just not that. I have both seasons of Community on DVD (and the current episodes on iTunes), I bought the album, I saw him live (as a musician and comic). I LIKE DONALD GLOVER. But this isn’t a love fest. It’s like I have to suck the guy’s dick to squeeze in a negative word about him. Fuck that. This album is sub-par when compared to OTHER ALBUMS. Not other people. Not other black nerds. Not other actor/rappers. He’s a professional musician now. His product can no longer be held to the same medium.
  
  … The tone of that rant was not completly aimed at you, Mr. Walker. You had a very compitent and reasonable argument. I wish I could say the same of your peers and fellow CG enthusiasts. Thanks for reading.
  - PS
    
    Wait, now you’re comparing it to other albums? I thought you were judging the work on its own simply as a piece of work without your opinions of the artist influencing it?
    - http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
      
      When did I say that? I compare all albums to others. Every review I’ve ever done has some type of comparison. Of course my opinion influences it. That’s exactly what a review is.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Pelumi-I-Adefope/573267237 Pelumi I. Adefope

So…what about Drake? Take Care focused on the same motifs as Camp…Should it get a 4.1 too? C’mon, son.
- Anonymous
  
  Not in the slightest. Take Care was about being lonely and forlorn and dealing with the pressures fame has caused.
  
  Camp is about him being made fun of as a kid (and now) for not fitting stereotypical roles, and then flexing on all those haters with a “How does my dick taste?” air of confidence. They couldn’t be any less similar.
  
  Also just because things have the same motif doesn’t make them directly connected. If I made an album talking about how people made fun of me for being black and middle class and I only used a kazoo and a didgeridoo for my beats and I just talked in haikus the whole time, does that mean I’m supposed to get a 4.1, as well?
  
  There are other things to consider than just “motifs,” such as production, lyrics, emotion, arrangement, etc.
PS

Hooray, another overwrought music review! Too many music reviewers try *so hard* to say something deep and meaningful about the product in question that they just come across as unnecessary verbose and entirely devoid of the meaning they were hoping for. Unfortunately lloyd’s review of CG’s “Camp” is no different. I’d blame it more on the industry of music reviewing as a whole than lloyd himself, but still, step down off the soapbox, chief. The music isn’t that important nor are your thoughts on it.
- PS
  
  unnecessarily* … small typo, a thousand apologies
  - Anonymous
    
    Would you have preferred him to write: ”I listened to Camp. It was ok… I give it a 4.1″ instead of actually looking at it critically with support of his opinions?
    - PS
      
      Sure. I mean I get your point and I’m not really buggin’ out on lloyd for the review, he’s just following the model of industry, but too many times reviews try far too hard.
      
      There’s a middle ground between “Hey, this wasn’t bad… B-” and an overwrought diatribe w/thinly-veiled condescending jabs at the artist or undue criticism because the album didn’t live up to the reviewer’s standards even if it wasn’t what the artist was aiming to do with the work or any of the other many elements found in 99% of music reviews.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  Thanks for reading.
  - PS
    
    No prob, it was linked at RapGenius. And despite how dickish my message may’ve (read: definitely) come across, I’m now a fan of this site.
http://twitter.com/NJballer19 saral ojha

@donaldglover is the best rapper in the game right now…excluding #eminem and @liltunechi
http://twitter.com/SPwillz Parker

“As a young, black male in America, I completely understand Gambino’s
sarcastic quips about “real blacks” on “Backpackers”, or his mom having
to “work two jobs” on “Outside”, or being called a “lame in seventh
grade” by his black peers. Here’s the other thing: I GOT OVER IT! 12
years later I’m not obsessively penning bitter ballads about those mean
black kids who called me an Oreo, or the girls who played me because I
was a geek.”

Im pretty sure the whole album is about him being at camp as a kid. He refers to all of this, because kids that listen to his music probabl have similar problems. Get off gambino. What are you, some 30 year old that doesnt make 1/20 of what glover makes. sounds like your sir are butt hurt.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  I’m 21.
  - PS
    
    Interesting. That explains some stuff.
- Anonymous
  
  Your name is Parker. You are not entitled to an opinion.
  - PS
    
    Wow, you really lost your credibility to smash on Anon (which was a strong jab) w/this douchebaggery. You probably “Like”-buttoned your own comment, too.
    - Anonymous
      
      I guess the sarcasm and tongue in cheek playfulness was missed. Obviously, I believe everyone (regardless of terrible white people name) should have an opinion and share it with our MJF congregation. Parker, however, did not further the discussion. Thumbs down. Thumbs up though to PS. Glad to have you aboard. Sent from my mobile device; please excuse the brevity.
      - PS
        
        Damn, I love sarcasm & I totally missed it. My b.
Anon

Whoe ever wrote this is a fucking idiot. Just saying gambino has something other rappers dont have. Its called inspiration
- Anonymous
  
  Whoever leaves comments anonymously is a fucking idiot. Take your generalized vitriol somewhere else.
Anonymous

I think every one here can agree on one thing: CAMP is better live. This album is made with real instruments and with the intention of playing these songs with his band. With that said… I think that hurts the studio version of the album and any replay value.

Can any people on here saying Lloyd’s review was “terrible” and that CAMP is a classic/album of the decade/amazing/10 out of 10… honestly tell me that CAMP is better than his EP? Or even Culdesac?

His EP was used to impress the world and bring attention to him as an artist. I think he made this album for himself solely to “work out his issues.” There are about 4 songs on here I can listen to repeatedly. Can I appreciate what he tried to do with this album? Yes. Do I have to actually like the album? No.

We can’t keep ignoring his flaws… for instance, he can’t really sing. He’s adequate at best… and sometimes it sounds good but no one wants to say he sucks (because he’s SOOOO good at all these other things, how dare we say an ill word against Donald! He’s infallible!). He has a gift for crafting hooks and he shines best over electronica-laden dance tracks (Jamie XX Adele Remix, Lights On, etc) and this was a diversion from that and what we are used to.

Lloyd’s point (from what I infer from his review and comment replies) is that CG routinely gives us a brilliantly insightful couplet or quatrain about “being black in america and middle class” and then follows it up (and cheapens its poignancy) by saying how his dick is in a girl’s asshole. Sure, we can write it off as “Well his name is CHILDISH.” but that’s just… well, childish.

My recent problem with him is that he raps like he is begging for attention. “Look at me! Look at these hipster references!” I like him, but I don’t like CAMP… and to be honest he’s falling out of favor with me the more I hear from his fanboys (I call this “Odd Future Syndrome”) who can’t objectively comment on his music.

CG is a cool guy. He makes others want to be him and be a part of his world. That’s something that is rare. However, because he has this rare magnetism, most people would rather give almighty praise than to talk about the chinks in his armor.

PS: I appreciate everyone in this comment section disagreeing and agreeing with the review who offers up their own opinion in contrast to further the discussion. All you fanboy fuckboys who say “Fuck your review. CG da best!!!” head over to 2DopeBoyz. Much respect to everyone else.
Common

Only a hater would give this a 4.1/10. Don’t even deny it lloyd. 4.1 because you don’t like his voice? Because “the guy is a walking pop culture reference.” Because “the beats and instrumentation
are just shallowly conceived.” Is this a joke? smh
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  No. It’s my opinion.
http://twitter.com/FrankieFuckEms Frankie Fuck yous

the whole reason hes talking about 7th grade and black people that dont fuck with him because he sounds white is because now that hes blowing up hes getting all this attention and all these people from his past are hoping on his dick and hes still sounding like a “white guy” killing shit on tracks. Rappers talk about their life i dont see how you dont understand why hes rapping about it hes not obsessed with it its haunting him so he talks about it. Drake and every other rapper talks about their past yet there not obsessed?
http://www.facebook.com/silent.cafe Kofi B. Agyeman

i feel somewhat like this when i turn on the flip side and listen to Lupe’s Friend of the People.-_-
still love the album. The music is what makes it stick, not so much the lyrics for all of the repeat spins i’ve played it. But still I can relate. Some people get over it, other people supress, others use it as motivation… there are any number of ways to overcome, but i’d rather hear clever yet stupid shit as opposed to just plain same old club/bitch radio rehashes.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  There’s planty of other subject matter between “clever, yet stupid , shit” and “just plain same old club/bitch radio rehashes”.
http://www.facebook.com/r.gayden Robert Gayden

wow hating much
- Anonymous
  
  Wow. Dismiss an in-depth review with general “hating” comments much. Sent from my mobile device; please excuse the brevity.
Pingback: Listen: Ludovin - Tricks ft. Childish Gambino
Bode

This rating is based on your personal misgivings and says nothing about the quality of the music. This is an amazing record by a very talented individual who makes his living by telling STORIES. Don’t waste my time by telling me about your story, no offense but nobody cares about you. His voice is unique and his passion and ambition come across all to clearly. He is not copying any musicians and to say that he “resembles a more nasally, sharp-toned Drake” speaks more to your own preferred sound then to Glover’s actual ability. I love the sound of his voice and hate drakes but i’m not going to go ahead and criticizes Drake, i can still recognize his talent but know his sound just isnt for me.

Whats with all the hate wanabe critics? learn to listen to whats there not just what you want to hear.

Your complaints are childish, he can write about whatever the fuck he wants to write about. how is him talking about fucking girls any different than jay-z talking about girls wanting to be up on him? It’s Rap, rappers talk about the stupidest shit in the world.

You are way to critical in all the wrong ways, music is a form of entertainment, i was very entertained by this album and would give it at least an 8 out of 10. it has a decent variety of sounds is excellently mixed and has a funny story running through the whole album. On top of this the songs Bonfire and Sunrise are two of the best songs of the year and make the whole album worth it to buy.

P.S – Do you even know the meaning of the word introspective? It means to examine ones OWN experience, which he clearly does, it may not align with your own perspective but it doesn’t have to and for that matter by its own definition shouldn’t.

First and last time ill read your review and dignify it with a response.
- BauceSauce
  
  Blasts “Wannabe Critics” then criticizes Lloyd, examines Gambino’s work and rates it, becomes “Wannabe Critic.”
  Just wondering… Are you white?
  Sent from my mobile device; please excuse the brevity.
- http://mostlyjunkfood.com lloyd
  
  Why did you comment in the first place? To change my mind? The 86th comment on a year old album is all of a sudden gonna turn the tides for me? If you were entertained, then great. Why can’t I not be?
  
  P.S. – Thanks for reading :)
goddamn

what a half ass review. lloyd, if youre going to hate, at least do a better job and try to mask the fact that you picked and chose what songs you were going to speak on while leaving out the ones that feature the qualities you pointed out he was “lacking.” how can you balance on your soapbox with your head that far up your ass?