Black music artists who inspire us | Childish Gambino - Live at Rockwood Music Hall

Donald Glover has had a tremendous impact on Black culture since he first appeared on the scene as first a writer/comedian, and then as an actor, rapper, singer, director, and producer. He is a true renaissance man, with starring roles in shows like Community, and Atlanta, which then lead to his brilliant rap moment, 2018’s “This Is America,” which, itself, became an instant zeitgeist for our polarized and racial world. 

When Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino (a name that he got out of Wu Tang name generator) unleashed “This Is America,” it was a huge statement - treating subjects like gun violence, racial inequality, and massive societal injustice with an unflinching eye, and layering it with irresistible beats and urgent sounding production that made it a huge hit, and a massively viral video. 

However, before he was winning multiple Grammys, Childish Gambino worked hard to forge himself into an MC of consequence. We have unearthed a gem of a performance from those early years at a small concert session at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall, where, along with fellow musician, Ludwig Gransson (who makes incredible soundscapes on electric guitar), Gambino performed some of the best tracks from his debut EP, Camp. It’s a chance to see one of the greats on a small stage early in his career, but it’s clear as day that this guy has something to say, and possesses the skills to deliver that message in an incredibly engaging way.

You can watch Live at Rockwood Music Hall on Qello Concerts.

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