Childish Gambino: Camp

Outside is Childish’s way of introducing you to what his life was like—explaining how he got to where he is, why he thinks the way he thinks. He’s hoping to shatter your preconceptions. Successful or not, it comes off as self-pitying, feel-sorry-for-me whining. Like much of the album.

Bonfire is a lame attempt at battle rap, with Childish trying to define himself as being as lyrical and clever as he is animated. I doubt he expects his tough talk to be taken seriously, but I still find the over-the-top shock-rap rhymes delivered to be overcompensating for a piece of his personality that he claims to take great pride in. He’s a nice and talented guy, that doesn’t want to be judged for not being a stereotypical tough black guy.

I appreciate All The Shine  because he’s honest and being himself—rapping about dick jokes, his lack of fashion sense and being “lame.” That said, the song starts off stronger than it ends and whoever is singing on the hook—it might be Childish himself—needs to be choked.

Just when I was about to say this sing/rap record is going into the trash,Backpackers comes on. So far, this is as hip-hop as Childish can be.

If Childish really wanted to make a point and get people talking, the entire Camp album would sound more like Hold You Down. He says, “White kids get to wear whatever hat they want. When it comes to black kids one size fits all.” His subject matter is biting and honest. His cadence and flow are perfection, as he takes his time to say exactly how he really feels. Being black in America is hard. What’s harder? Being black and not letting that define you. Even when your own community judges you for not living up to a preconceived image.

Sunrise and The Power are decent closeout tracks for the album. Unfortunately, the standout tracks are drowned out by other mediocre ones. Not worth the money or time, in my book. Camp would be better released as a 5 song EP. It would be a solid well rounded extended play.