After dropping Camp last year, Childish Gambino has become one of the new stars of hip-hop. After dropping a quality album and performing on the Coachella stage, one would think Mr. Glover had proven his claim into the game. Gambino comes back hard with his new mixtape, Royalty. I could sit here and give you a track-by-track review of the tape. Instead, I’ll just pick my 5 favorites and explain why they stand out from the rest. If you haven’t downloaded the tape yet, then maybe this review will persuade you.1. “We Ain’t Them” (prod. Childish Gambino & Ludwig)
We Ain't Them {prod. Childish Gambino and Ludwig}
This is an album cut, in my opinion. Driven by a smooth piano backdrop, Gambino tells his story to the top in the past year or so. Being the first song on the tape, this definitely shared the same vibe of Camp.
2. “One Up” feat. Steve G. Lover (prod. Childish Gambino)
One Up (ft. Steve G. Lover) {prod. Childish Gambino} First off, respect to Gambino just for making this beat! One of the hardest I’ve heard this year, the simplicity and the sample just creates this energy that is paralleled by very few. I can definitely hear this record on the radio.
3. "Black Faces" feat. Nipsey Hussle (prod. Boi-1da)
Black Faces (ft. Nipsey Hussle) {prod. Boi-1da} Production wise, this was my favorite record off the project. I definitely need more Boi-1da X Gambino records. Glover's bravado on this song proves that he can hang with some of the best of the new names in the game. Add a verse from Nipsey, who never dissapoints, and you have a great collaboration. I hope to see a video for this one.
4. "Unnecessary" feat. ScHoolBoy Q & Ab-Soul (prod. Childish Gambino)
Unnecessary (ft. Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul) {prod. Childish Gambino} Again, respect to Gambino for the beat. Now to the rest of the record. This joint is just 3 great MCs showcasing their talent over some dope production. My favorite line came from Gambino -- "Q and 'Bino in the House, and you niggas in the Senate...Get it?!" Is it also safe to say that no one on TDE can drop a wack feature verse? Q & Souloe both kill this beat. The great thing about this tape in general is the majority of the strongest tracks are the first ones you hear, so it hooks the listener.
5. "Toxic" feat. Danny Brown (prod. skywlkr)
Toxic (ft. Danny Brown) {prod. skywlkr} I won't lie, I was late to get hip to Danny Brown...but after hearing this verse as well as his feature on "Terrorist Threats", I'm a fan. Gambino delivers a strong verse, but really steals the show is the production. skywlkr sampled "Toxic" by Britney Spears (yes) and made such an ILL beat out of it. Don't believe me, check it out for yourself.
Of course, there are many other strong records on the project (Silk Pillow, They Don't Like Me, Don't Stop) but these were the 5 that really stood out to me personally. Overall, Royalty shows Gambino's progression as a rapper and producer and really shows his strengths. While there are a couple forgettable tracks, they still are better than most tracks that I've heard this year. Not too mention he got RZA & Ghostface Killah on two respective records for all the Wu-Tang lovers.
Overall, you need to get this mixtape. Period.
Childish Gambino - Royalty - 8/10
Download here.
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