Childish Gambino “Atavista”: Album Review
Atavistic: relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral.
“Atavista”, which is a reissued version of Childish Gambino’s fourth studio album “3.15.20” showcases a different approach to the creation of black music. The roll out, musical composition and aftermath of this project does not fit the description of what a Rap album release usually looks like, but that uniqueness is what keeps his solid fan base intrigued and asking for more. Childish Gambino’s “Atavista” takes another step forward in diversifying the sound and artistic expression of Rap music.
Donald Glover, who uses the stage name Childish Gambino, released 3.15.20 during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as following the death of his father. Thoughts of the album’s unfinished nature seemed to prompt him to tease the idea of a re-release four years later on March 15th 2024. He then makes a surprise appearance in April during Tyler the Creators Coachella set and states that he’s preparing 2 albums, “Atavista” and “Brando Stone & the New World soundtrack”, which he said will be his last projects under the stage name Childish Gambino. On May 8th, he removed 3.15.20 from streaming services and made a surprise drop of “Atavista” on May 13th alongside his controversial music video ‘Little Foot Big Foot”.
Donald Glover is no stranger to criticism when it comes to his visual projects. Black folk, especially women, have criticized his depiction of the black experience since the days of “Atlanta” on FX back in 2016. “This is America” was another video that pinched a nerve in the black community due to its bloody and violent visuals at a time when violence against the black community was at an all time high.
To add insult to injury, Donald Glover has been accused of mistreatment by Giannina Antonette Oteto and other black women who worked on the artwork for his R&B/Soul album “Awaken my love”. They alleged they were promised residuals but received none although the white woman who created the headpiece that Giannina wore on the album cover (even though she was not on set to work) received them.The album cover was a topic of discussion and was a driving force of getting people to buy physical copies, so if these allegations are true Donald Glover has a responsibility to make things right with the black artists that contributed to the album’s success.
The “Little Foot Black Foot” music video is being accused of showcasing blackface and minstrelsy as it’s in black and white and seems to be depicted from a time in the early 1900s. Donald Glover does an amazing job showcasing his skills in musical performance as this choreography reminds me of a drag show. It was very animated and told a story of how black entertainment still holds on to toxic characteristics. This track gives a Pharrell feel that makes you want to tap your feet and fits well with the Bose commercial that it is featured in. Rap artist Yung Nudy showcases his southern hospitality as a surprising feature towards the end of the song and he brings in a Gucci Mane vibe that made me even more intrigued to listen to the complete album.
The first track self titled as “Atavista” showcases Afro Futuristic keyboard skills with a hint of Caribbean sounds that remind us of Gambino’s “Kauai” album. The 90’s Dance and R&B influence is so strong on “Algorithm” as it features a sample from Zhane’s 1993 hit ‘Hey DJ’. Ariana Grande goes the distance on “Time” while “Psilocybae” showcases his storytelling skills about a shroom trip with a mystery woman who introduces him to Bell Hooks. 21 Savage also features with his simple bars that fit well with the tempo.
“To Be Hunted” transports me to Ne-Yo’s 2007 album “Because of You” with a fresh sound that is easy to float on. Prince would be proud. “Human Sacrifice” starts off with powerful drums and Gambino’s infamous African vocal sounds/calls. It feels ancient and fuels the fire within your soul with its praise and worship lyrics. “The Violence” showcases a conversation between Glover and his child about the meaning of Love while “Final Church” translates as a male version of “Church Girl” by Beyonce.
I love that this album is published as Rap because it is an alternative sound that the collective isn’t used to. When Tyler the Creator’s “Igor” won a grammy for Best Rap album in 2020, it transformed and inspired other Rap artists to not be afraid to step outside of the box society likes to put on Black music. I am looking forward to how this album matures over time and hopefully it inspires other artists to tap into their own “Atavistic” nature.
