A Hip Hop legend once said “the music game is like musical chairs,” but it seems the music isn’t just stopping for one of its brightest newcomers–he might actually be walking away from the game. Is the self proclaimed “top 5” rapper possibly chucking the deuce for real, sacrificing his alter ego, or is this a career reaction to something specific? Is Donald Glover Hinting Retirement for Childish Gambino?
The question of Donald Glover Hinting Retirement for Childish Gambino came up during promo for his new film The Lazarus Effect on the NBC’s Today, in which the multi-talented artist elaborated on his main perspective. Saying, “I look at my life as something you should be able to paint. I think it is kinda like performance art.”
Because The Internet was a highly acclaimed album in many circles (some called it one of if not the best Hip Hop album of that year) not to mention he’s a multi-Grammy nominated artist (for what it’s worth). He’s also released Camp, the STN MTN EP and the Kuaui mixtape under the Gambino moniker, been a headlining act, executive produced for television, gone gold a few times and inked his music onto various platforms–besides being a writer, actor and comedian. Donald Glover Hinting Retirement for Childish Gambino is definitely a shock for those who’ve juuuust settled into his prowess on the mic–quick to put a doubter in their place with a swift couple bars–but apparently not a shock if you’ve been following his career, which cuts across several creative outlets:
“I guess Childish Gambino is a period in my art time. I want to have periods in my life,” said the 31-year-old rapper-actor. “I feel like Childish Gambino is a period that should come to a close. I like endings.”
With that said, Donald Glover Hinting Retirement for Childish Gambino sounds more like a predicated plan than an announcement. Always booked* though and as far as future projects, he’s aiming to get the lead role in the next Spider-Man franchise, is featured at this year’s Bonnaroo and London Wireless festivals as well as flexing his acting chops in film.
There must be something in the air (though obviously this is a longstanding decision) as on the other end of the longevity spectrum Juicy J just hinted at retirement and his post-rap-life career. What do you make of this…is it too soon, not our business or is retirement a funny concept in Hip Hop to begin with? Are all Hip Hop retirements the same? Check the vid and the gallery up top!
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
