After keeping the recording process a virtual airtight secret, he has surprised everyone with a big departure from his alt. hip-hop style we’ve come to know. His third full-length record “Awaken, My Love!” is steeped in soul, R&B, funk and psychedelic rock. It bares a deep resemblance to the funkadelic movement of the ‘70s that combined the popularity of psychedlia in rock ‘n’ roll music with the expansion and exploration of R&B’s outer limits. But still, there’s a 21^st century flair to it as well; as much as George Clinton and Sly Stone are present influences, so are D’Angelo and Flying Lotus.

From the get-go, its clear this is going to be a different experience. Glover lets out a guttural howl on opener “Me and Your Mama,” a rocking pysch-soul jaunt. From there, the album churns through soulful grooves and hypnotic speaker candy, laced with fuzz-guitars, heavy P-funk low-end, deep rotary organs and wailing backing choir. Glover tests out some new voices on the trippy “Zombies” and the breezy “California,” the latter of which is very reminiscent of Harry Nilsson’s classic tune “Coconut.” Standout track “Redbone” is a smooth and polished jam with tight funk bass. Thematically, the record is very similar to his show Atlanta, dealing with visceral and anxiety-riddled sentiments about life, love, society and unity.

Although it definitely has its odd moments, overall “Awaken, My Love!” is a well-delivered and worthwhile exploration of R&B’s fundamental elements, both past and present. No matter the project, be it his music vehicle Childish Gambino, or his countless works for the stage and screen, Donald Glover is a creative force. The new record is a delightful surprise, and the product of a tireless visionary.

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As an artist, he has offered little of value in a modern world where everyone has a favorite Jay-Z song but can’t even think the name Nas without the hook to 1999’s Nastradamus blowing out the brain speakers in the venue of their fractured mind. It’s a bad record, is what I mean, and a hell of a long way to fall in five short years. 1994 Nas would be so pissed.

Do you want to listen to some rap? We’re going to listen to some rap. Let’s do that.

Childish Gambino ft. Problem “Sweatpants”

If you have any familiarity with Straight Dope and its associated content, ostensibly debauched vitriol of an arbitrary nature, you’ll have noted previous occasions where it has been recommended that you cease all activity, sit down, and listen to a track you might come dangerously close to enjoying. Childish Gambino provides our first opportunity to do just that with these tight ass Vevo visuals for “Sweatpants,” a track from last year’s Because the Internet, an album I didn’t listen to at all because I live a lie. This song is, you know, pretty cool. I can’t speak for the quality of the screenplay apparently released with the album, and also I never will for the rest of my life. Because I’m not going to read it. Donald Glover really is a joy to look at, though.

Aesop Rock – “The Blob” (Instrumental)

Sometimes Aesop Rock raps. Sometimes he makes beats. Sometimes he posts on his twitter account about breakfast sandwiches. In this particular instance, Aesop Rock has compiled a rock solid (get it?) 32 minutes of beats into one listening experience, and it’s more pleasant than unbearable. I don’t know for sure, though. It’s 32 minutes long. The first five minutes were charming as heck. It could get darkly racist the rest of the way. Let us know in the comments.

Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire ft. The Yooj – “Brooklyn Boheme”

“This shit was never coming out, one of those did it just do it shit’s and I woke up in a giving mood today. So a new song for the True Believers. This aint on MMoMM, just some random thought’s. When I rap with the calm voice im intelligent, When I rap with the angry voice im ignorant. Enjoy… Sincerely, The Marvelous Mr. Muthafuck”

There’s a strong professional wrestling streak running through hip-hop culture. When you play this song for your friends, skip the first minute and a half. When they protest, start it over, but be prepared to skip it again while you throw a contemptuous sideways glance their way. Why don’t they ever listen to you? You’re a tastemaker.

Danny Brown ft. Purity Ring – “25 Bucks”

Purity Ring makes ethereal dreamscape music about things no one can relate to. Danny Brown raps about his giant penis and the resulting astigmatism one would be forced to endure for their remaining days should they be fortunate enough to look upon it. I’m told by my cognitive slideshow (or, “memories”) that this song is about Danny’s mother braiding hair for money to keep the lights on, and his appreciation for the maternal arm of his otherwise ruinous childhood. Sounds good to me.

You can see Danny Brown this week at a show somewhere in the city we’ll probably write about, eventually. Good luck.

The post April 14th first appeared on buffaBLOG.