He's a good actor.

The more I listen to this cd....the more I love it. Gambino is nicccceeeee.

MD431Madcat said:

I Love Orgers That Know Real shit!

Thank You!

mltijchr said:

wow. okay.

.

anyone who digs &/or appreciates this person called "Childish Gambino" - ok, alright that's your/their choice. nothing more to say.

.

watching this performance on Fallon -

I made myself watch it to the bitter end, just so I wouldn't need to watch it again -

it just confirms to me HOW FAR DOWN standards of good music - even good "popular" music - are today (yes, I give "Gambino" minimal credit for at least attempting to sing & not "rap-sing" like some/many do..)

.

it's laughable to compare this "Gambino" to any artist who can actually sing - much less compare Gambino to a multi-octave vocal master like Prince. Gambino would have to dedicate the rest of his natural life - 100% of it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week & 365 days a year - to even begin to approach what any real singer can actually do. even Bootsy (& yes, I hear a slight.. similarity to "I'd rather be with you" at the beginning of Gambino's performance) is & has always been known as a world-class bass player 1st, with sufficient "musical-vocalizing" talent. I'd even say that Bootsy is a better singer than this Gambino..

.

no, I am not "hating" - call this a "generational thing" if you want. I understand that some people would rather listen to "anything" rather than nothing..

.

I am simply spoiled. I grew up on the amazing artistry, vocal mastery & musical genious of the following (& this is just the "short list" off the top of my head):

.

Sly Stone

ARETHA FRANKLIN

STEVIE WONDER

JAMES BROWN

Marvin Gaye

Gladys Knight

Ohio Players

Isley Brothers

Al Green

Chaka Khan

Jackson 5

Michael Jackson

Earth Wind & Fire

Rick James

PRINCE

Teena Marie

Debarge

LUTHER VANDROSS

Sade

.

growing up on music like this, it's simply not possible for me to

LOWER MY STANDARDS

& say "oh (insert flavor of the month here)'s song is great!)

when in most cases it's just an indistinguishable re-hash of whatever else someone (with no real musical discernment) thinks is "hot"

.

1 of the rare, few artists of the last 20 years I'd put near those ALL-TIME MASTERS above is..

D'Angelo.

.

in the last 10 years or so, John Legend is 1 of the better, actual singer/musicians around.

of course, in the 1970s John Legend wouldn't be allowed on the same stage with any of the above All-Time Masters. for today - the end of 2016 - John Legend is better than most. Bruno Mars has his moments, Adele can sing, a handful of others too..

.

but me, I simply cannot - I simply will not "go along" with this overabundance of MEDIOCRITY that passes for "today's popular music".

.

excuse me while I go back to listening to some

real

music..

.

I appreciate the support MD431 & laurarichardson..

it's easy to tell the truth - when it's this obvious.

.

to not be so jaded about the current state of "current r&b" or "current pop music"

I've had to go way off the beaten path to find anyone with real musical talent.

2 names that I've recently discovered & I am really digging are :

.

1. Lizz Wright - "lean in" VERY GOOD SONG

2. Sarah Elizabeth Charles - "white and blue"

.

I really don't begrudge anyone who wants to listen to what passes for "music" today..

Graycap23 said:

RJOrion said:

Graycap23 said:

This is turning out to be my fav album of the year.

word...my wife is on me to switch it up...been playing it nonstop since release...still shocked and amazed at the ease with which he switched from rap to pscychadelic-funk...and mastered both...Terrified, Me And Your Mama, Redbone, Babyboy, Riot, Boogieman, Stand Tall, Zombies, all dope...only thing i skip is "California"... The Force is with him...i overstand the commenters above who grew up on the music of the 70s masters, and dont find Gambino on tbeir level...i can relate to that because i have the same critiques about todays rap acts compared to acts like WuTang and Nas, and Camron and Pharoah Monche...that said, its obvious that due to factors like economics and "culture shaping", the standards of what is "great music" has been systematically lowered, unfortunately...ive given up on complaining about it (it makes us sound somewhat old and out of touch)...i love music so much, i just patiently sift through all the current audio trash thats out now, and hope to find a jewel amongst the garbage...found it with artists like Childish Gambino, Hiatus Kaiyote, Harts, and Mononeon...

I hear ya. Gambino clearly has room to grow, I can't wait to see that journey.

I need to peep these other groups u mentioned. Hiatus Kaiyote & Harts

RJOrion said:

Graycap23 said:

This is turning out to be my fav album of the year.

word...my wife is on me to switch it up...been playing it nonstop since release...still shocked and amazed at the ease with which he switched from rap to pscychadelic-funk...and mastered both...Terrified, Me And Your Mama, Redbone, Babyboy, Riot, Boogieman, Stand Tall, Zombies, all dope...only thing i skip is "California"... The Force is with him...i overstand the commenters above who grew up on the music of the 70s masters, and dont find Gambino on tbeir level...i can relate to that because i have the same critiques about todays rap acts compared to acts like WuTang and Nas, and Camron and Pharoah Monche...that said, its obvious that due to factors like economics and "culture shaping", the standards of what is "great music" has been systematically lowered, unfortunately...ive given up on complaining about it (it makes us sound somewhat old and out of touch)...i love music so much, i just patiently sift through all the current audio trash thats out now, and hope to find a jewel amongst the garbage...found it with artists like Childish Gambino, Hiatus Kaiyote, Harts, and Mononeon...

I think the album is a real grower, I wasn't too sure at first other than Redbone but now I love all of it and also play it nonstop. I think each generation will think that standards have slipped since the last, my parents always said that Prince was no Little Richard; like you say there is no point complaining about it you've just got to find the gems, and there are some great gems out there - for me the album of the year goes to Anderson Paak.

maplenpg said:

RodeoSchro said:

I will always think of him as that dude from "Community".

Me too.

I just see a privileged showbiz kid. Great album or just a great agent with ripped off sounds? I'm sure there are artists that would kill to record much more original captivating work, if even in the funk style.

And while I'm at it... there are probably better actors that didn't get the gigs he did.

Gunsnhalen said:

you old crusty beer belly ass orgers up in here. Y'all bitch because every year cause no ones ''funky'' anymore. Then Gambino makes a fire album with great fucking r&b and funk production. And y'all mad cause he inspired by prince? and that was not even a Prince rip off. Maybe y'all can't see over that beer gut of bullshit when ya sit your fat ass down to watch TV.

Thank you! You couldn't have said it better, his new shit is dope. I'm glad he stopped being dumbeddown glover with his terrible rapping and put out a proper album.

I don't wat it, you can keep it...

maplenpg said:

RJOrion said:

Graycap23 said: word...my wife is on me to switch it up...been playing it nonstop since release...still shocked and amazed at the ease with which he switched from rap to pscychadelic-funk...and mastered both...Terrified, Me And Your Mama, Redbone, Babyboy, Riot, Boogieman, Stand Tall, Zombies, all dope...only thing i skip is "California"... The Force is with him...i overstand the commenters above who grew up on the music of the 70s masters, and dont find Gambino on tbeir level...i can relate to that because i have the same critiques about todays rap acts compared to acts like WuTang and Nas, and Camron and Pharoah Monche...that said, its obvious that due to factors like economics and "culture shaping", the standards of what is "great music" has been systematically lowered, unfortunately...ive given up on complaining about it (it makes us sound somewhat old and out of touch)...i love music so much, i just patiently sift through all the current audio trash thats out now, and hope to find a jewel amongst the garbage...found it with artists like Childish Gambino, Hiatus Kaiyote, Harts, and Mononeon...

I think the album is a real grower, I wasn't too sure at first other than Redbone but now I love all of it and also play it nonstop. I think each generation will think that standards have slipped since the last, my parents always said that Prince was no Little Richard; like you say there is no point complaining about it you've just got to find the gems, and there are some great gems out there - for me the album of the year goes to Anderson Paak.

My parents said that too until they realized he was better than Little Richard and they did not take long to see.

I like Childish Gambino but that was awful. Just because you can doesn't mean that you should.

wonder505 said:

Dasein said:

You're missing the point as I am not qualitatively judging Childish Gambino's performance here. In-
stead, the claim is that he's shamelessly ripping off Prince who could be accused of shamelessly rip-
ping off his own predecessors.

My point is that I'm sure whoever accused Prince of ripping off aspects of James Brown also gave Prince props for his talent, performance and making his own sound. It's worse when you borrow and can't perform live. I personally don't find Bruno original but damn the guy can perform his butt off, with live real music.

What does "can't perform live" mean?

Your point about whoever accused Prince of basing much of his live performances off of James
Brown also recognizing Prince's own unique contributions to live performance is well taken but
not in response to my original post which was to highlight Childish Gambino's "shameless Prince
ripoff" is actually utilizing an artistic trope established in Black American art for a long time that
pre-dates Prince.

Love the song, enjoyed the performance.

Gunsnhalen said:

you old crusty beer belly ass orgers up in here. Y'all bitch because every year cause no ones ''funky'' anymore. Then Gambino makes a fire album with great fucking r&b and funk production. And y'all mad cause he inspired by prince? and that was not even a Prince rip off. Maybe y'all can't see over that beer gut of bullshit when ya sit your fat ass down to watch TV.

You remind me of former smokers and newly converted religious fanatics. Ever since you finally took your fat ass to the gym and got in shape a couple of years ago, you go out of your way to ridicule overweight people.

Either you like the performance or not...it ain't even that serious. I don't think he's ripping off Prince or that his album is bad, but this specific performance sucks.

leecaldon said:

Love the song, enjoyed the performance.

Me too. I do think the atmosphere and vibe of the Fallon show and most talk shows takes away from live performances. Just compare it to this live cell phone video:

His album is more of a throwback album than anything I think. But a good one. And considering he was raised listening to his father's Prince, Funkadelic and Kraftwerk albums - I kinda like it. And he's got a great live band. It reminds me of the great job Raphael Saadiq did on his throwback album to the 60's Motown era. He should tour with Timberlake and open for him. By the end of the tour I bet Timberlake will be opening for him...lol.

maybe Lando will do a song in the HS movie?

"you put the Spice in my Kessle run"

Graycap23 said:

This is turning out to be my fav album of the year.

while I still pile up way too much CDs, nowadays most of what I buy is old stuff. I just get a handful of new releases every year. and I practically know nothing about the current music scene. so I have not the slightest clue who is hip, or who is uncool. I stumbled over that last Gambino CD per accident without knowing anything about him or his background. and I fucking loved it from the first spin. and it's still growing. GREAT STUFF. yes, maybe even album of the year. I don't care what the naysayer say.

[Edited 1/9/17 0:41am]

Cinny said:

RodeoSchro said:

I will always think of him as that dude from "Community".

Me too.

I just see a privileged showbiz kid. Great album or just a great agent with ripped off sounds? I'm sure there are artists that would kill to record much more original captivating work, if even in the funk style.

And while I'm at it... there are probably better actors that didn't get the gigs he did.

Homo you unironically liked Iggy Azalea sit your fucking ass down

Gunsnhalen said:

Cinny said:

Me too.

I just see a privileged showbiz kid. Great album or just a great agent with ripped off sounds? I'm sure there are artists that would kill to record much more original captivating work, if even in the funk style.

And while I'm at it... there are probably better actors that didn't get the gigs he did.

Homo you unironically liked Iggy Azalea sit your fucking ass down

Everyone did in the summer of 2014

I know you don't remember "Ice Ice Baby" either

Dancelot said:

mltijchr said:

vocal mastery & musical genious of the following (& this is just the "short list" off the top of my head):

.

Debarge

Sade

.

.

You made some interesting points until these two...

.

Sade is avery limited singer who is usually singing flat, even on the albums now and again! (still like her music, but she's like Des'ree..)

.

And Debarge? Please... he's in the same leagues as Bruno Mars, basically the also rans.

.

As to Childish Gambino? Well.. It's at least interesting to me. He's got a long way to go, as far as I'm concerned, but I can at least hear "something" there. Which, as you said, is a lot more than what's generally happening nowadays. Especially since this type of music is way out of the mainstream (unlike in the 60's and 70's which seems to be your favorite timeframe), so there are simply not a lot of artists dabbling in it. (to me, the current disco R&B is not funky or interesting, no matter how many people tell me they love Beyonce and Rihanna and whoever else)

.

Anyway, I kinda get the hate he's getting here, as the music is "Prince-adjacent" and at the same time quite different and not very ironed out yet. As for me, I think he's interesting, although I really dislike his stagename and am not from the rap background he has. (hell.. he thinks Kanye is talented... can't figure that one out)

.

As to his looks.. he's a good looking guy, although I'm not in favor of the stache.. The overly muscular/too skinny look isn't really normal or too appealing. The remarks about TTD looking good bare chested are laughable to me. He always made me wince with that. (although I really dig some of his followup albums *after* Hardline) I think Gambino was going for an Isaac Hayes look:

MD431Madcat said:

One dude licks peoples balls after drumming for a living..

and

One dude is is going to get paid off the Childish Gambino album.

3rdeyedude said:

From George Clinton:

http://www.thefader.com/2...sh-gambino

From Questlove:

http://pigeonsandplanes.c...m-reaction

Glad there is finally some love for this guy.

George Clinton Gives Props to the Funk on Childish Gambino’s ‘Awaken, My Love!’ Album

By Ted Simmons December 19, 2016 11:15 AM

SHARE TWEET EMAIL REDDIT EMAIL REDDIT

Frederick M. Brown / Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Childish Gambino’s new album Awaken, My Love! is a musical departure for the rapper, who uses multiple singing voices throughout. He’s even had to reassure fans that that’s him on the album, saying, “I think people hear ‘Redbone’ and they’re like ‘Oh he switched all his vocals.’ And like, there was no vocal pitching on the album. I just sang differently… some sounds on it aren’t instruments at all. They’re just my voice, or just clicks on my tongue.”

One person feeling the new sound is Parliament and Funkadelic founder George Clinton who spoke to Hip-Hop DX about its influences, among which is Clinton’s own P-Funk sound. “I just heard it one time and I like the songs,” he said. “I’m aware of his music and know he’s into P-Funk, so I know it’s going to be some good music. I haven’t had a chance to get all the way into it. When I did hear it, it sounded like a cross between P-Funk and Prince influence. I’m proud that he’s into the funk and glad him and others are bringing some new funk back.”

Read More: George Clinton Gives Prop...lbum - XXL | http://www.xxlmag.com/new...ck=tsmclip

Cinny said:

MD431Madcat said:

One dude licks peoples balls after drumming for a living..

and

One dude is is going to get paid off the Childish Gambino album.

3rdeyedude said:

From George Clinton:

http://www.thefader.com/2...sh-gambino

From Questlove:

http://pigeonsandplanes.c...m-reaction

Glad there is finally some love for this guy.

George Clinton Gives Props to the Funk on Childish Gambino’s ‘Awaken, My Love!’ Album

By Ted Simmons December 19, 2016 11:15 AM

SHARE TWEET EMAIL REDDIT EMAIL REDDIT

Frederick M. Brown / Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Childish Gambino’s new album Awaken, My Love! is a musical departure for the rapper, who uses multiple singing voices throughout. He’s even had to reassure fans that that’s him on the album, saying, “I think people hear ‘Redbone’ and they’re like ‘Oh he switched all his vocals.’ And like, there was no vocal pitching on the album. I just sang differently… some sounds on it aren’t instruments at all. They’re just my voice, or just clicks on my tongue.”

One person feeling the new sound is Parliament and Funkadelic founder George Clinton who spoke to Hip-Hop DX about its influences, among which is Clinton’s own P-Funk sound. “I just heard it one time and I like the songs,” he said. “I’m aware of his music and know he’s into P-Funk, so I know it’s going to be some good music. I haven’t had a chance to get all the way into it. When I did hear it, it sounded like a cross between P-Funk and Prince influence. I’m proud that he’s into the funk and glad him and others are bringing some new funk back.”

I had four people hear this awful singing on the radio and recoile at the awful singing he is doing. George had phenomal singers this guy needs to stick with rapping.


Read More: George Clinton Gives Prop...lbum - XXL | http://www.xxlmag.com/new...ck=tsmclip

laurarichardson said:

I had four people hear this awful singing on the radio and recoile at the awful singing he is doing. George had phenomal singers this guy needs to stick with rapping.

I am wondering who the session players are or if it was produced like rap.