Album review: ‘Kauai’ and ‘STN MTN’

Nathan Jackson, Hi-Times Online Editor

Childish Gambino is back and he not only brought a new album, “Kauai,” but he also has a new mixtape, “STN MTN.” His fans knew that he was going to release some more new music this year, but he never gave them a date. When Gambino released the mixtape it was expected but no one expect an new album too. Gambino’s previous album, “Because the Internet” was very different from his first, but it has a new kinda feel to the rap.

“STN MTN” and “Kauai” tell stories when you listen to them in whole. “STN MTN,” which means “Stone Mountain,” is a physical location near the Atlanta area where Gambino was raised. The mixtape sounds as if he is a dream, and when you get into the album it’s like he’s awakened “Kauai.” Kauai is one of the islands of Hawaii that is covered in lava. Gambino says that all the purchases of “Kauai” will go to Kauai to help keep it clean.

My favorite song from the mixtape is “GO DJ,” which is a cover of Lil Wayne’s song. It is also the ending of the mixtape, which concludes with Gambino saying “and then I woke up.” My favorite song from the album was “The Palisades,” because the production with Gambino’s harmonies brings the best of vibes into the mind.

Overall, Childish Gambino has made some more great music that his fans and even newcomers will love. People look for artists that are different, and Gambino is one of them.