Who is Childish Gambino?

Don't call him a comic: Community's Donald Glover shows his talents as a rapperon Culdesac

Childish Gambino's "Culdesac" is actually a well produced free album. Who wouldhave known that Glover is a talented rapper?
Donald Glover performing stand-up. Most of the time, you would think comedy ishis only game. Well, you're wrong...
Photo by Gaelen Hadlett

As a writer on 30 Rock, co-star of Community, part of the Derrick Comedy improv troupe, stand-up comedian, and rapper, Donald Glover is a true renaissance man. He's probably least known as a full-fleged rapper, but he's out to change that.

Using the pseudonym Childish Gambino, Glover recently released a CD, Culdesac. He explores life as the only black kid in suburbia and other topics.

With Derrick Comedy, Glover starred in the infamous "Bro Rape: A Newsline Investigative Report" comedy skit making fun of bros and To Catch a Predator. It has received nearly eight miliion views on YouTube and countless non-bros quoting it whevever a bro actually passes by. it's quotable, memorable, and funny.

Childish Gambino rhymes about everything from his famous "Bro Rape" video to being a writer on 30 Rock. He even admits in "The Last" that "this next part sounds like nonsense/ But I swear to God, Tina Fey gave me confidence."

Another impressive feat is his variations on rap styles. From the booty-dancing song, "Put It in My Video," to the Adele "Chasing Pavements"-sampled "Do Ya Like", Childish Gambino gives listeners a rap album that is well worth the price --- free.

A favorite track is "Do Ya Like", a sexual confessional and explicit song: "Yes I'm drinking whiskey/ Baby I ain't gone tonight/ NBC is not the only thing I'm coming on tonight."

In the same song, he mentions his Twitter campaign -- an attempt to get the new Spiderman part despite the fact that Peter Parker is Caucasian. "Yes I bring the heat girl/ fire for fireman/ baby I'm your hero/ Donald 4 Spiderman." Even though he didn't get the part, even Spiderman creator Stan Lee weighed in, saying Glover is a good actor who should have his chance at an audition.

Another great track is the Kanye-esk "Glory" with the use of 808s.

Ultimately, Culdesac is an album worth paying for. In the era of Drake and B.O.B., he continues (even expands) his high pitched whiny un-rap like voice and life with backing tracks, samples, and 808s, to rap about life (although some would say it's sappy rap or alt rap).The music is well-produced and even though his background strays from the hard life of legendary rappers like Biggie Smalls, his geeky, quirky, clever, and methodical rhymes prove that this album has been made with a lot of loving care.

"Do Ya Like"

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"Glory"

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See Glover's famous YouTube video:

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It's all happening

Historic Houston movie theater sets eagerly anticipated reopening date

Photo by Corey Watson

The River Oaks Theatre reopens October 3.

A day that film lovers across Houston have been looking forward to for more than three years is almost here. The iconic River Oaks Theatre will resume welcoming movie lovers on Thursday, October 3.

Today’s announcement fulfills a hope that's existed since the theater closed in 2021. It also means that an extensive set of renovations are nearly complete.

Acquired by Culinary Khancepts in 2022, the Houston-based company behind Star Cinema Grill as well as upscale comfort food restaurants State Fare and Liberty Kitchen, the River Oaks will open with three refurbished theaters, updated lighting and seating, and other amenities. Not only will it continue to show movies — including independent, arthouse, and classic films — but it will also host live shows, including musicians and comedians.

“This project holds a special place in our hearts,” Culinary Khancepts president and CEO Omar Khan said in a statement. “As the only Houston-owned and operated cinema chain, and with a deep connection to the city, we were uniquely positioned to preserve this historic theatre. We are incredibly proud and grateful to have played a role in saving such a cherished venue. It would have been unthinkable for Houston to lose this beloved art house.”

Joker: Folie à Deux will be the first movie screened at the theater. Tickets, priced at $11, are on sale now via the movie theater’ website. Opening weekend will also include In the Summers, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and Sleep, a thriller from first-time Korean director Jason Yu.

The first 800 people to watch a movie on October 3 will receive a custom gold coin that’s inspired by a tradition from the early 1900s. It is thought to bring good luck and prosperity to the theater’s reopening, according to press materials.

Rob Saucedo, the theater’s artistic director and head of programming, has been hard at work assembling a full roster of films and other events. They include:

Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 5 and 18
Comedian Jared Goldstein on October 17
Army of Darkness on October 22
Film series devoted to movies from 1999, the work of director David Lynch, and horror movies every Saturday night.

Those who want to demonstrate even stronger affection for the theater may follow director Richard Linklater’s lead by participating in the theater’s Name-A-Seat program that allows them to customize a plaque on a seat. In addition, the River Oaks will offer a monthly membership program called Cinema Savant that allows people to see unlimited movies for a set price.

As the opening becomes even more imminent, the theater will share images that show off the interior renovations as well as details about its food and beverage offerings, a representative tells CultureMap.

preservation movies openings river oaks theatre