This is America - Childish Gambino

While, Donald Glover's Childish Gambino project has proved mainstream and audience appeal with previous tracks, they have not been all that impressive. "This is America" erases any notions that Donald Glover is unable to create an awe-inspiring and incredible song. "This is America" is a single off Childish Gambino's upcoming fourth album, and it is quite frankly the best song Donald Glover's Childish Gambino persona has made and has thus far been the best song of 2018. I might even go all-in to say "This is America" will turn out to be the best song of the year. 

Taking influence from trap music, "This is America" is able to be a banger and a song that has an apparent meaning or cause to be made. Kendrick Lamar's DAMN is a great example of taking influence from the controversial trap music genre, and creating both mass appeal and disseminating a powerful message, and "This is America" is no different. In speaking of DAMN "This is America" is very reminiscent of XXX. in the cultural viewpoint of black individuals in America. While, XXX. is a conglomerate of varied perspectives outwardly telling the listener in a heart-felt and frustrated voice what is actually happening, "This is America" is the dichotomy of the on-the-surface-serenity perspective of black America (shrouded in unrealistic positivity), juxtaposed with the terrifying and dark meat of issues and problems truly facing black Americans.  

While elements of trap are definitely audible within this track, elements of gospel are also evident throughout. The gospel portions of song are utilized in the optimistic and blissfully ignorant sections almost chanting or professing pleasures of life: "We just wanna party/Party just for you." There is a communal aspect when this gospel arises but it is abruptly thwarted with the communal violence, drugs and debauchery that has stereotyped and plagued black America "This is America/Don't catch you slippin' up." The juxtaposition between the two is brilliant and never interrupts the flow or message of the song. Its utilization is extremely apt and has an appealing aesthetic that hones in on a true exposition of the struggles endowed by black individuals. 

The song is brilliant, but when seen accompanied with the music video, its narrative is even more clearly explicated and is down-right evocative. Within the music video, we see Donald Glover dancing and grooving to both opposing sections of the track, dancing in a more traditional and soulful fluidity with the gospel moments and a conventional hip-hop fluidity during the trap sections. It is also imperative to note that Glover is only speaking during the trap music moments, to reiterate the truth is not picturesque like the gospel harmonies. It also cannot be ignored, the violence, smoke, cop cars and general craziness occurring as Glover dances; metaphorical of the fact that dancing has the ability to distract ourselves from harmful truths. 

As a final analysis, Donald Glover is shirtless and has both his facial and head hair grown out and unkept. This subtly is to reference the binds that are still with black Americans from slavery. Be it that some white people still look at black individuals in a barbaric or demeaning manner, or that slavery and segregation cannot be etched out of history, Glover's representation is quite pertinent and raises some inquiries and insinuations that are both compelling and powerful.

To get the full experience of this track, watch the music video as it better explains and emphasizes the messages of "This is America." Also, considering the level of brilliance that this song has to offer, be sure to keep an eye out for the new Childish Gambino album as it may offer similar and more evocative tracks such as "This is America."