Childish Gambino Profile

Make sure US sitcom upstart-cum-hip-hop star Childish Gambino is firmly on your radar

“Trying to charge people for music is like trying to charge people for the smell of new bread in a bakery,” Childish Gambino (or, as his mother knows him, Donald Glover) tells us. “It’s already out there. Let them have it. You can’t be like, ‘No, you can’t smell my bread!’ I haven’t paid for a record in forever."

This doesn’t sound like the best business ethos, but it’s worked wonders for Mr Glover. Having spent his college days in online comedy troupe Derrick, the 30-year-old was recruited as 30 Rock’s youngest writer upon graduation, and plays Troy in US sitcom Community, which, he insists, “only, like, eight people watch”.

But comedy is just one of his talents. Under the name Childish Gambino (chosen on an internet Wu-Tang name generator), Glover’s been putting out some mighty fine hip-hop. He eschews big venues for gigs at house parties, and so pop culture-heavy are his rhymes they’ve even inspired a drinking game. His new album Because The Internet is worth seeking out, not just because – as you may have guessed – it’s free.

“I want to distinguish myself from these people who think the internet’s bad,” he says. “It provides that connection people crave – not only with the artist, but also with other people who enjoy the music.” You should make that connection now…

Because The Internet is out on 9 December; childishgambino.com

(Images: Rex)