My Two Cents On Childish Gambino’s ‘Feels Like Summer’ Video
Since we’re both from Stone Mountain and claim we’re from Atlanta
Just as we’re shaking the sand out of our suitcases and wringing out our wet swimsuits, Donald Glover A.K.A. Childish Gambino gives us yet another culture bomb to unpack with the release of his newest music video, Feels Like Summer.
The animated short is the first to accompany his two-track Summer Pack EP. It features heavily saturated pinks and oranges, similar to a summer sunset, with an aesthetic reminiscent of Gorillaz and The Boondocks’ anime- heavy visuals.
The video begins in a dark room with a window that peers out to a neighborhood street. The chorus drops and we’re presented with Childish Gambino walking down the street of what could easily be described as the Black Music Community (more on that later).
I’m always intrigued when musicians decide not to perform their songs in their music videos. Childish Gambino follows this route as his animated character maintains the same silent, unbothered look throughout the entire video. With so many muted scenarios going on around him, we’re left to believe that the music coming from his headphones is drowning out the other industry noise (metaphor maybe?).
Now, let’s get into my favorite cameos…
Lil Pump and Trippie Redd — Both named to XXL’s Freshman Class back in June, it’s no surprise that these newcomers take on childlike characteristics. As they run across Childish Gambino’s path to interrupt 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’s hot box sesh, then invite Kodak Black out to play, they give me Dennis the Menace vibes.
21 Savage and Metro Boomin — The fact that these two are featured in between the Lil Pump /Trippie Redd and Kodak Black interactions shows that they don’t necessarily run with either crowd when it comes to music. The partnership between 21 Savage and Metro Boomin showcases a loyalty that elevates them out of the more viral, popular music that’s on the scene right now.
Kodak Black — He’s wearing a prison orange shirt and can’t come out to play. Not much to unpack with that one.
Migos — It’s almost as if Childish Gambino is part of their basketball game for a moment (the Atlanta connection?)until they pan out and Takeoff does a spin move on Quavo, only to miss the shot in the end. Offset attempts to block it but isn’t successful. It seems like this implies some commentary on the dynamic of the group. You have Quavo and Takeoff wearing their “home whites” as they continue to keep the ball moving. Offset is over on the sidelines in black, possibly indicating he’s playing a different role? I was honestly expecting Cardi B to come out and hand him some water or something, but I guess that would have been too obvious.
Jaden Smith & Chance the Rapper — Both of these artists are known for their charity work as well as their music, so it makes sense that Jaden is dressed up as a superhero and I honestly can’t imagine Chance the Rapper wearing anything else. The fact that they’re interrupting Birdman’s cookout seems like a symbol for how they’ve disrupted the rap industry from both the business and philanthropy sides.
Azealea Banks — Some say that her being in a tree symbolizes her career being up in the air. To me, she looks like one of those birds that waits to poop on your car right after you wash it. Idk.Take it how you want.
The Weeknd, Ty Dolla $ign, Frank Ocean?, Willow Smith, Solange, A$AP Rocky — The tug of war imagery shows the two distinct sides of hip hop and R&B. On one side you have the party-starting, drug-induced music of The Weeknd, Ty Dolla $ign, and who some say is Frank Ocean. But if we’re gonna stick with party boys narrative, I really think DJ Mustard is more fitting. Obviously the other side is “Team Woke” as Willow, Solange, and A$AP Rocky are known for their more socially conscious music.
Kanye West — After the social commentary that was kinda forced upon us through his Twitter rants, there was one thing that became evidently clear, Kanye is hurting. Many of us have come to the conclusion that he’s missing the support and guidance of strong, black parental figures in his life. Getting a hug from Michelle Obama just might be what he needs.
Andrew Gillum and XXXTentacion — Both from Florida, but making headlines for dramatically different reasons. The ice cream is an obvious nod to the troubled, late rapper’s choice of hairstyle and its melting implies his untimely death. As Gillum ramps up his race to become the first black governor of Florida, I can only hope that him winning will bring about change in a state government that has a tendency to fail brown people in multiple ways.
Rihanna — Although she’s been pretty quiet on the music front this summer (maybe that’s why she wasn’t included in the neighborhood montage?), she’s definitely been making some noise in the fashion and beauty industries. I love the way she’s just floating above everything in this futuristic, Star Trek-like dress with a look of intention and plans to take over the world.
After watching the entire video multiple times, I learned that there were close to 60 cameos and not nearly enough time to dissect them all in one post. What I will say, and have always said, is that Childish Gambino is one of the most slept on artists of our generation.
Growing up in Atlanta has given me a front row seat to the evolution of our music scene and it’s not very often that we get a commentary, i.e. Atlanta, from such an honest, authentic perspective. I’m glad that he’s allowed his spot-on views to carry over into the hip hop industry as a whole. I think we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of his capabilities and I’m glad to see him finally get a platform to convey his artistry to the masses.
If you haven’t seen the video yet, check it out below and let me know what your favorite cameos were in the comments.
And if you’re looking for more music vibes, check out our first playlist, The Lette Out Vol.1 now streaming on Spotify.
