Childish Gambino’s Last Album, His Son Legend, and Governor’s Ball 2017

Photo via HotNewHipHop

A breezing set done after Mark Ronson & Kevin Parker‘s DJ set, which set a level to the ambiance in the crowd, Childish Gambino souled out to songs new and old, opening viciously with the first song off Awaken, My Love!, “Me and Your Mama.” The opening chimes elicited cheers of confusion, then an explosion of euphoria, from the crowd, who didn’t see Childish until the guitar lead that introduces the main leg of the song.

Backed by a band and a haze of blue smoke and lights, along with a large image of his Maggot Brain-like cover art, Childish immediately told the crowd about his wish to only perform at New York, and the fact that this would be the only show he’d be doing this year; no Awaken, My Love! tour for nationwide fans of the Psychedelic Funk/Soul album. The show progressed with charisma exuding through Childish’s dances, gliding smoothly across the stage in all white, as the lights colored his white outfit and songs from Because the Internet, Kauai, and his latest album were spilling from the tongues of the audiences members and the loud, permeating speakers.

Before a live version of “Baby Boy,” where Gambino chimes about his recently born son, Childish told the crowd about the immeasurable love he has for his fans, and for his son, Legend, whose name was uttered for the first time to the public. As he crooned, the audience’s mixture of vibrations was incredibly transparent; while many glanced in awe at the reclusive renaissance man, many stood with their eyes shut, inhaling the unique experience and feeling it as if it were a drug.

After a lengthy stand-up routine where he delineated a night of ecstasy, mean-muggin’ and dancing with your boys and a police shutdown of a party, “Redbone” closed out the show, with the aforementioned skit drawing speculation of Gambino’s cognizance of the “memeing” of his song. Afterwards, he told the crowd that he’ll see them for the “last Gambino album.”