Everyone should buckle up and strap in before Childish Gambino's upcoming Bando Stone & The New World hits theaters and streaming services on July 17th. Now I know the word genius gets thrown around a lot, especially by people on the internet, and usually with little merit given, however trust me when I say that Donald Glover, AKA Childish Gambino, is a true creative genius.
As a musician he ruled the 2010s, creating classic rap albums Camp (2011) and Because the Internet (2013), while also composing one of the best R&B albums of all time, "Awaken, My Love!" (2016). At the same time as he was revolutionizing every genre he touched as a musician, he also acted in a number of popular movies and shows (while also writing and producing a most of them), such as his critically acclaimed show Atlanta (2016-2022). Glover even opened his now-famous Silverlake boba shop, Jellyman. That is why when I say you should buckle up and strap in for what this artist and businessman is about to release, I mean it seriously, but also in the best way possible.
With "Lithonia", Gambino gives us a sneak peek at his upcoming movie and his album, which both take the same name. The movie looks to be a magnum opus of sorts, exploring deep into the creative crevices of Gambino's––and Glover's––mind. Set in a post-apocalyptic setting, he plays musician-turned-mailman Bando Stone. The film follows his adventure through a dinosaur-ridden apocalypse. Knowing the intriguingly imaginative setting of the movie, one can only guess what Gambino will grace audiences' ears with to accompany it.
"Cody LaRae, he had a break / he's findin' out, that nobody gives a f*ck"
"Lithonia" itself has already become universally lauded and has racked up millions of listens in just a few short days. It kicks off with a celestial sounding electric piano and Gambino going solo, with a backing chorus slowly creeping in. This is turned on its head almost instantaneously, as the song switches to a hard rock/pop instrumental that sounds like something 2010s Kanye would make. Gambino sings from the perspective of his fictional character, Cody LaRae (most likely from the upcoming film), switching between third and first-person views throughout the song. Based on the single's lyrics, it seems that Cody LeRae will be a tragic character who undergoes some sort of misfortune, although that piece of information is mere speculation at this point. The song title references a town near Glover's hometown In Georgia and may also be a reference to his upcoming character, as it means "city/town of stone". While fans should be excited for what is to come, it will also probably sting a bit, seeing as it will be the last album before Glover hangs up his Gambino persona. That being said, fans shouldn't worry, as Glover will undoubtedly continue as one of the most talented entertainers for decades to come, just under a different persona.
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