With the launch of his sixth studio album, Bando Stone & the New World, Donald Glover has officially retired his Grammy-winning musical persona, Childish Gambino. In a candid interview with the New York Times, Glover explained that the alter ego no longer fulfills him. “I just felt like I didn’t need to build in this way anymore,” he shared.
The multi-talented Glover has often spoken about his journey to find his place in both comedy and music. His single “Redbone” skyrocketed in popularity following the debut of his critically acclaimed comedy series Atlanta in 2016, earning him his first Grammy. Two years later, “This Is America” emerged as a powerful protest anthem, winning multiple Grammys, including Song and Record of the Year.
Reflecting on his evolution, Glover stated, “I’m not 25 anymore, standing in front of a boulder like, ‘This has to move.’ You give what you can, but there’s beauty everywhere in every moment. You don’t have to build it. You don’t have to search for it.”
Balancing numerous projects, including acting and his production company, Glover acknowledged that he no longer has the time to produce music that meets his high standards.
Despite this, he shared his perspective on success for what might be his final Gambino album. “Success to me is, honestly, being able to put out a wide-scale album that I would listen to,” he said. “For this album, I really wanted to be able to play big rooms and have big, anthemic songs that fill those rooms, so that people feel a sense of togetherness.”
Farewell, Gambino! It’s been quite the phenomenal journey. Stream Bando Stone & the New World on all music platforms.
Image Credit: @donaldglover on Instagram
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