Donald Glover has been one of my favorite comedians for a few years now.  After watching his crazy escapades on Derrick Comedy 's online videos for years now I finally bought in when I randomly started seeing his influences on the NBC show "30 Rock."  But then, BLAOW, enters Troy onto community with another favorite Joel McHale (The Soup on E! Channel) and I have been amazed by the caliber of writing and delivery -- easily my favorite comedy show on television.  But as I started to follow him on Twitter i noticed this project of his entitled Culdesac, a hip hop and R&B album.  A serious attempt at music.  Say what?

So I decided to add him to the many new albums I have been trying to get reviews out on and he kind of passed up the others.  Most of the time when actors decided to try music it is a disaster -- minus Rick Springfield of course, haha.  I was seriously wary of it.  But then, after a couple listens, I was actually quite impressed by the content he is putting out there.  It is actually something a little different from the other stuff out there.  The rap scene is kind of drowned with empty, pompous, unintelligent lyrics at the moment (minus a few) and Childish Gambino diverges from that group.  Well, he still is pompous, but that's okay. 

First off, he is no Eminem or Jay-Z.  However, due to this type of music being exposed to many other demographics since the 1980's I can really see a niche for this guy developing if he plays his cards right.  What he lacks in experience he replaces with some tenacity and a sharp tongue.  With some more years I can really see him taking off.   The main difference is that he can actually rap.  Meanwhile he also integrates some of his nerdy qualities into the lines as well (which will appease a totally different type of group).  Also, like a good comedian, he capitalizes on his "flaws" and points them out (i.e. sounding too white, etc.) and spins them.    I really like the honesty and attempted connection. 

I could not help but giggle when he refers to "Tina" (Tina Fey - SNL, 30 Rock, and Movies) throughout the album.  Apparently she opened up many opportunities for him and that is awesome.  However, I laughed because I relate the whole imagery to Dr. Dre with Eminem as he was beginning his career.  Tina Fey probably is laughing too for that matter...  He also refers to this album like Michael Jordan playing Baseball, which is kind of silly.  But I give him credit for his honesty though.

Anyway, you should check it out.  Mind you it is filled with many expletives and nasty language, so if you do not like that - stay away.  But overall I would say this is a nice breath of air for the rap community.