“Me and Your Mama” Review

The eclectic Childish Gambino released “Me and Your Mama,” the first single off his upcoming album “Awaken, My Love!” this past weekend. The single is a departure from the experimental hipster-rap prevalent on his last album, instead infused with a southern gospel-rock sound. And it sounds good.

Divided naturally into three parts, the song builds upon itself, turning from what might have been just another experimental iTunes release into an anthem. The song begins with the soft echoes of a nursery rhyme. Then slowly, a female fronted choir builds in, along with Gambino’s cooing. It’s peaceful.

Suddenly, the electric guitar bursts on the scene, and the sound shifts dynamically. Gambino introduces love-stricken lyrics and pained croonings, reminiscent of Prince’s sound off “Purple Rain.” With a desperate and emotionally-charged choir behind him, Gambino goes high, Gambino goes low, Gambino creates a palpable electric energy.

A sharp descent from the crazed chantings of Gambino and his choir, the last two minutes of the six minute song exist without any voice at all. Like Gambino is exhausted from all the energy he poured into the anthem, these final minutes function as a gradual descent, a deep breath. It’s all synthesizers and cymbals before a quiet ending. Everything comes full circle.

Gambino, the moniker for Rapper/Actor/Comedian Donald Glover, has released what might be his most ambitious and complete song to date. Compared to his previous successes, like “3005” and “IV. Sweatpants,” this sound is worlds apart. It promises to make quite an experimental sound, following the fashion of releases from rappers Kanye West and Chance the Rapper. “Awaken, My Love!” is slated to release Dec. 2.