musings by jd ep
Yesterday on his Instagram, Donald Glover from Community, shared seven handwritten notes on hotel stationary about his inner feelings, fears, and regrets about walking away from the TV show. Glover, with DC Pierson & Dominic Dierkes made sketches on YouTube under “Derrick Comedy” while at NYU, wrote a Simpsons spec script which floated around and got the interest of Tina Fey, who hired him to be a writer on 30 Rock at the age of 22. When writing for Fey’s show, he started to perform stand up comedy, and then shortly after, left 30 Rock when he was cast in Community.
During Community he started making beats and rapping under the name “Childish Gambino.” He’s toured the world with his music, now 30 years old, the music seems to be his main driving force, separating him from the nationally broadcast television show, that drew his audience to him. Stating in his lyrics for the song ‘Untouchable’ “I always wondered what this Hollywood would do to me.”
At a glance, there are similarities to when Joaquin Phoenix ‘quit’ acting to become a bearded rapper, although having a giggling Colin Hanks at his side recording all his exploits for the ‘documentary’ “I’m Still Here” it proved to be little more than artistic masturbation parading as performance. Glover’s musical repose has the air of legitimacy. He’s a talented young man, looking for his niche. As a fan of Donald’s, I respect that. I enjoy his music. Though I’d like him to continue on Community. Or at least reteam with DC & Dominic and make a Mystery Team sequel.
