Donald Glover, known to fans as Childish Gambino, is set to drop his fifth and final album tonight at midnight. Titled Bando Stone & the New World, this release marks a significant milestone in Glover's music career, officially ending his journey as the rapper that brought him acclaim, including five Grammy Awards. This new album is the first collection of all-new material since his 2020 release, 3.15.20, which was later reissued as Atavista in May.
What to Expect from Bando Stone & the New World
Bando Stone & the New World features an impressive lineup of collaborations, showcasing Glover’s knack for working with diverse and talented artists. The tracklist, which Glover shared on Instagram, includes contributions from Chlöe, Amaarae, Jorja Smith, Fousheé, Yeat, and Flo Milli. Although fans were hoping for collaborations with Kanye West and Kid Cudi—teased earlier by Glover—these artists are notably absent from the final tracklist, much to the dismay of some followers who voiced their disappointment in the comments.
A Unique Dual Release
The album isn't just a musical journey; it also serves as the soundtrack to a film of the same name. Glover not only wrote and directed this film but also shared the trailer on his YouTube channel a couple of weeks ago. In Bando Stone & the New World, Glover takes on the persona of Bando Stone, a renowned musician navigating a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. In this bleak landscape, his only companions are a woman and her child, who face threats from hostile creatures.
Singles and Teasers
Glover has already dropped a couple of tracks from the upcoming album to build excitement. The first single, "Lithonia," hit the airwaves on July 2, followed by "In the Night," which was released earlier this week. These early releases hint at the rich, dynamic soundscapes that the full album will offer.
The End of an Era
Glover has hinted at retiring the Childish Gambino name for quite some time. Back in 2017, during a performance at the Governor’s Ball music festival, he suggested that his next album would be his last under this moniker. He reiterated this sentiment at the 2018 Grammy Awards, where he won Best Traditional R&B Performance for his 2016 hit “Redbone.” At that time, he mentioned, “endings are good because they force things to get better,” and his 2018 "This Is America Tour" was announced as his final tour under the Childish Gambino name.
Though there was some ambiguity about whether his 2020 album 3.15.20 would be his final project under this name, Glover clarified in 2023 that he would indeed release new music before retiring the persona. In a recent conversation with The New York Times, Glover explained that this new album would be his swan song for Childish Gambino. He shared, “It’s not fulfilling. And I just felt like I didn’t need to build in this way anymore.” The decision also reflects his evolving priorities as he balances being a father of two with his diverse career in film and television.
From Wu-Tang to Worldwide Fame
Glover’s stage name, Childish Gambino, was generated using a Wu-Tang Clan name generator during his college days. Since then, he’s released five albums, including Bando Stone, and a series of mixtapes. His debut album, Camp, came out in 2011, and he earned a Grammy nomination for his second album, Because the Internet (2013). His third album, Awaken, My Love! (2016), featured the hit single “Redbone,” which won him critical acclaim and Grammy Awards.
His groundbreaking single “This Is America” from 2018 tackled themes of systemic racism and gun violence, earning four Grammys, including Record and Song of the Year, and making him the first artist to have a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with this track.
Expanding Horizons
Beyond his musical career, Glover has made a significant impact in film and television. He began as a writer for 30 Rock (2006-2012) and later gained recognition as an actor on the sitcom Community (2009-2014). His creative reach extends to his critically acclaimed series Atlanta, which earned him two Emmys for writing and acting.
Glover’s latest project, the Prime Video series Mr. & Mrs. Smith, has already made waves, receiving 16 Emmy nominations, including two for Glover himself in drama writing and acting categories. This reflects his continued success and versatility across different media.
In summary, as Glover prepares to say goodbye to the Childish Gambino era with Bando Stone & the New World, fans can look forward to a rich blend of music and storytelling that captures the essence of his unique artistic vision. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, this album and its accompanying film promise to be a memorable finale to a remarkable chapter in Glover’s career.
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