Hip hop has a long and storied history, a foundation of modern music that has undergone constant evolution in a relatively short space of time – and it’s still evolving.
In fact, the current era of hip hop is flush with talented rappers who are once again pushing the boundaries of the genre with a range of styles, influences, and fresh inspirations – including, of course, Childish Gambino, whose new album Awaken, My Love! is a bold swerve into new territory.
With the album out today – and subsequently stuck on repeat in the office – and Gambino on his way to Australia to headline this year’s Falls Festival, we’re taking a look at how he and four other artists are pushing the limits of hip hop, and the industry in general.
Childish Gambino
From his early days as a staff writer for 30 Rock through to his TV roles from cult-comedy Community to his writing and starring role on critical wet-dream Atlanta, Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino has been steadily cementing himself as a household name.
Now with being officially cast in unspecified role in Spiderman: Homecoming (Miles Morales, he’s totally Miles Morales) and as the young Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Star Wars: Han Solo movie, that mission is nearly accomplished. However, fans since his early days as one half of Troy and Abed, will catch you up on his beastly hip-hop resume.
What began initially as a past-time quickly got out of control for Gambeezy, when in 2011 he released his debut EP with video ‘Freaks and Geeks’ displaying his tenacity, punch-line prowess, off-kilter style and energy. Branded early on as “too white” or “too gay”, Gambino wasn’t concerned with fitting the “hip-hop image” and instead used his alternative identity to elevate his profile. Not only can the boy rap, but he can sing too. On 2011’s debut album Camp he displayed a blurring of styles ranging from pop to dance.
His second album Because the Internet in 2013 saw his style merge deeper into the obtuse, the visuals and production for ‘Sweatpants’ the perfect example. Since then the Georgia raised Renaissance man has been busy with his TV and film career, but 2016 sees him fill the Gambino-less hole in his fans hearts with third album, Awaken, My Love!
If you couldn’t tell by the album artwork and first single ‘Me and Your Mama’, he has continued to blur genres and send-up purist sensibilities by tapping deep into ’70s psychedelic rock and funk, specifically Parliament Funkadelic.
Anderson .Paak
Good luck describing Anderson .Paak to your friends. He’s not a rapper. He’s not a singer. Not in the Drake sense, at least, where there’s a seamless transition between each style. Instead, Anderson blends both harmonies and slick lyricism effortlessly over soulful and electronic production.
Originally named Breezy Lovejoy, the Californian recording artist and producer released one EP in 2011 and two albums in 2012 before a name-change to his current moniker. Anderson first received wide attention in 2013 with EP Cover Art, fixing his gaze on the white artists of the ’50s who remade black blues and R&B music and flipping the tables by transforming these folk and rock songs into soulful new school jazz-rap and R&B.
After releasing his debut Venice under his new name, in 2015 he was featured on Dr. Dre’s Compton and The Game’s The Documentary 2. Since then, throw a stone and there’s not a release you can’t find him on, Schoolboy Q, A Tribe Called Quest, Mac Miller and countless other alternative and mainstream hip-hop artists.
2016 has been a big year for the Oxnard resident, with the release of his second album Malibu, as well as Yes Lawd! as one half of NxWorries alongside New Jersey/Philadelphia producer Knxwledge.
Chance the Rapper
AKA ‘the bane of the music industry’. Presently, this Chicago rapper has not released a full-length album but record labels continue to knock on his door and he steadfastly flips them the bird and slams it in their face. Listening to a Chance record is an onslaught of vocal theatrics and rapid-fire cadences amidst a mesh of hip-hop and gospel sounds.
After dropping his debut mixtape 10 Day in 2011, Complex named him one of the Top 10 emerging rappers from his city. A year later the follow-up tape Acid Rap caused a complete industry meltdown and afterwards his accolades include a BET nomination, an Adidas originals collaboration, advertising for MySpace’s relaunch campaign, whilst also racking up support from Rolling Stone, XXL and Pitchfork.
Since then, Chance has graced late night television and worked with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber and Kanye West. 2016 saw his third mixtape Coloring Book become the first release to chart solely on streaming services, and that’s what makes Chance’s rise so impressive: his accolades placed next to the fact that he has done it all without radio play.
Isaiah Rashad
The lesser-known member of Kendrick Lamar’s Top Dog Entertainment posse, in NBA terms Isiah Rashad is the 6th man of the West Coast record label which boasts K Dot himself, Schoolboy Q, JayRock, Ab-Soul and SZA.
The Tennesse rapper and producer first gained attention with his 2014 EP Cilvia Demo which showcased his lazy-sounding stream of consciousness confessionals cataloguing his transition from teenage adolescence to adulthood amidst a blend of southern hip-hop, experimental rap and trip-hop.
The anticipation for his follow-up reached fever pitch whilst Isaiah appeared to fall off the grid until later this year with the release of his debut album, The Sun’s Tirade. The album detailed his battles with depression, anxiety, isolation and his addiction to Xanax and alcohol.
During promotion of the album he revealed further personal problems which nearly cost him his record contract with TDE during the recording of the project, but he’s still here, and a force to be reckoned with.
Mick Jenkins
Sounding like Andre 3000 and Tyler the Creator had a baby, Mick Jenkins boasts a gravelly smooth voice and a highly conceptual style atop a blur of soulful rap and acid-jazz.
The Alabama born Chicago raised emcee started making waves in 2012 with a series of mixtapes, but it wasn’t until 2013’s Trees & Truths that the highly-conceptual and socially-conscious artist reared its head, a feat he developed further with 2014 mixtape The Water[s], where all the songs revolved around comparing life to water within a jazzy and soulful sonic scope.
Jenkins continued this concept with 2015 EP Wave[s], which still flexed his lyrical and artistic vision, but also hoisted his songwriting capabilities and delivered vibe-heavy radio friendly singles. 2016 saw his debut album The Healing Component continue the message of his breakout mixtape and EP whilst also elevating his song-writing with collaborations from BadBadNotGood and Kaytranada.
Childish Gambino Falls Festival Dates
Lorne VIC: 28 Dec, 29 Dec, 30 Dec, 31 Dec (est. 1993) 18+ event *sold-out
Marion Bay TAS: 29 Dec, 30 Dec, 31 Dec (est. 2003) All ages
Byron Bay NSW: 31 Dec, 01 Jan, 02 Jan (est. 2013) 18+ event *sold-out
Fremantle WA: 07 Jan, 08 Jan (est. 2016) 18+ event
