"This Is America" and The State of Creativity

by Vincent "VinnySoFresh" Esquivel

This is no way a breakdown of an amazing song and music video. I feel it would be audacious to take on a task like that. However, I got you. I will post links on breakdowns for the song and video at the end of this post. If you're into that kind of thing. I know I am. Connect with me online. I would love to discuss it.

This main thing I want to point out is the creativity and evolution of Donald Glover. That's what I mean by the state of creativity. The mental state.

When Childish Gambino came out, I was like "This is cool. The guy from Community. I like that show." He had some good songs. People didn't take him serious. I liked his vibe. I still do. He kept releasing music and videos. Going on tour. Building his fanbase.

Then, Atlanta premiered. An amazing show. The second season is so good. If you haven't seen it, watch it. You won't regret it. 

A few months later Awaken My Love dropped. It slapped everyone awake. Great sound. Great lyrics. An instant classic. 

Now, we have "This Is America." Simply amazing and impactful. An analysis of current American society focused within a few minutes. I love it.

I'm such a fan of artists. It really is an honor to watch artists grow and evolve.

So, how is this possible? First off, you know he has surrounded himself with some great supporters and like minded creators. Hiro Murai being one of them. He has a great cast on Atlanta that have been taking on bigger roles in films.

The main thing I'm wondering about is the environment he has created for himself to help with his creativity. What is he doing? What do great artists do to put themselves in the zone of ultimate creativity and expression?

What it comes down to is: What are you doing? Who are you surrounding yourself with? Is the environment you're in the best for your productivity? 

Bonus: Break downs for Lyrics and Music Video

Three Annotations That Help Decode The Symbolism Of Childish Gambino’s “This Is America”

‘This Is America’: Breaking down Childish Gambino’s powerful new music video

Genius Lyrics This Is America - Childish Gambino

---

If you liked this post, share it with your friends. Connect with me online and let's talk: Twitter: @FreeMixtapeLove | Instagram: FreeMixtapeLove | Facebook: FreeMixtapeLove

Support this blog by buying me a coffee. Not required, but always appreciated. Help me get rid of ads. All the support I get goes toward putting out more content and help artists get their work seen by more people. Support Local Everywhere.

Rosalia - Los Angeles [Video] [Free Stream]

Twitter: @rosaliavt

I've been listening to this album for a few days. I love it. I love how Rosalia uses her voice. The artistry. The emotion. Check out her album. It's free to listen to on Spotify. Of course, connect with Rosalia online.

Read more about Rosalia here:

https://www.nowness.com/story/rosalia-de-plata-manson

FKA twigs - Soundtrack 7 [#ShortFilm]

Twitter: @FKAtwigs

I've been following FKA twigs for a while. And, I've been reading that she was going to release something soon. So, here it is. A short film. Her singing. The dancing. Her creativity. The artistry. She's doing her own thing. And, she's been doing it well. For me, that captures my imagination. And, that's powerful. It's something the world needs more of. Be sure to connect with FKA twigs online.

A Tribe Called Quest - We The People....(Live on SNL)

This is so good..... Hey, I haven't seen SNL in a long time. But, this last episode was legendary. Dave Chappelle is a comedy god. And, it's so good to see A Tribe Called Quest on stage.

Prince and Miles Davis Live On Stage [Video]

There's so much I don't know.

David Banner: Whites Are Getting More Lyrical & We're Mumbling

Twitter: @THEREALBANNER

This is seriously a great interview. Watch it. If anything, play it on the background and continue browsing.

Clarissa Serna - Sober [Cover] [Video]

Twitter: @ClarissaSerna Be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to her videos.

L.E.P Bogus Boys - Zombie Land feat. Lupe Fiasco [Video]

Twitter: @LEPBOGUSBOYS @LupeFiasco . Happy Halloween to Everyone. You are Awesome!!

Who Is Lady Gaga? [Video]

So, what's the deal with posting this vid? I'm all about looking for new ideas and learning from new perspectives. Open mindedness is a great thing. Inspiration is for amateurs. So, be inspired. Be Creative!!

Buckshot On How To Make A Record [Video]

I'm thinking about reserving Sunday posts for learning and inspiration. So, if you have any advice or tutorials you would like to share, get at me. Here's a great video featuring Buckshot. Watch, learn, and be great.

Think You Need A Big Fancy Studio? Will.i.am Uses A Laptop. [Video]

Will.I.Am, being interviewed on Lopez Tonight, revealed that he has recorded some big hits on his laptop. Hopes this makes you rethink about spending money on a big studio.

9-minute Tron Legacy Projection Mapping Show [Video]

It features music from Daft Punk. Nuff said. Enyoy the video. :)

HP ePrint & TRON: Legacy projection mapping - complete animation from Guided Collective on Vimeo.

From The Top Mini-Doc - Stik Figa [Video]

Twitter: @stik_figa

The Video:

Coming off the heels of "From The Top," both the first single from the Mello Music Group compilation, Helpless Dreamer, as well as Stik's own Oddisee produced EP, From The Top, fans are treated to an in depth look at the city that Stik Figa calls home. In this mini-documentary the emcee's lively personality shines bright through a series of personal interviews in which he touches on subjects ranging from the local music scene and culture to the history of Kansas including the landmark Brown v. Board Of Education Supreme Court decision. The emcee provides the soundtrack with his own songs as the camera takes a back seat while Stick Figa guides them to a number of local dives and cornerstones of his adolescence, including his high school and the venues where the aspiring rapper sharpened his skills.

The Artist:

"From a small Kansas town in the county of Shawnee..." -Stik Figa. The Midwest landlocked state of Kansas brings a few images to mind: yellow brick roads, tornadoes, cornfields and a dog named Toto. But rapper Stik Figa hopes to change the perception of the plain state with good, honest hip-hop music. Born in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, John Westbrook, Jr. grew up in Topeka, the capital city of Kansas. While he lived in Topeka's central neighborhood of Elmhurst friend Tiwanne (RIP) gave him a copy of GZA's Liquid Swordz. Stik found the record abrasive, dangerous, introspective and smart. The experience changed how he viewed hip-hop and made him want to contribute. And contribute he has. Independent heavyweights El Da Sensei, Blackalicious, MURS and Phat Kat have all chosen Stik to open shows with his energetic flow. He's a member of many respected crews such as Fyte Club (Memphis) InnateSounds (Kansas City) The O's (Topeka) and Fly Boy Club (Wichita). Stik draws on a southern style mixed with a Midwest flavor. His first southern influence came from his parents who are from Arkansas and Tennessee. His mom even contributed to his moniker after she commented on his thin frame. She told him he looked like a stick figure. His other southern roots come from experience. Stik has performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and Tampa, Fla., where he won talent shows and battles. His southern stint honed his craft on the stage and molded him into what he is today. Stik claims Memphis, Tenn., as his second home. He says places in the south like Memphis helped to develop his style as likeable, down-to-earth and honest. "My music is meat and potatoes with a focus on skills and honesty, something sorely missing from today's current market," Stik says.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stik-Figa/144744562205307

AJ's Bday Bash This Thursday Night! [Party][Video]

Click on image to enlarge

@AaronJacob - A cool personal friend of mine is having a birthday party tomorrow night and you're invited. Aaron Jacob is a talented local performing artist. He performs solo and in a band called KindaSmooth. Even though it's his birthday party, there's a big chance he will be performing. So, come on by. And, come dressed to impress. :)

Kanye West Interview With Matt Lauer [Video]

Should this be so controversial? Do you really think this was Bush's low point? What are your thoughts?

Gagaween Costumes 2010 by Lady Gaga [Video]

@ladygaga - Lady Gaga got a hold of pictures taken by fans that dressed up like Lady Gaga for Halloween. Here's a compilation she put together.

I Guess Shaq Gets Ugliest Halloween Costume? [Video]

Funny, but kinda creepy. But, you be the judge.

Diddy Compliments Drake [Video]

On a recent interview on MTV News Diddy speaks about working with Drake in his latest single featuring Dirty Money...

MTV Shows

Nicki Minaj Talks About Kanye West [Video]

A recent interview on MTV's Rap Fix Nicki Minaj talks about her experience working with Kanye West.

MTV Shows

Runaway by Kanye West [Video]

@kanyewest - As I've told my friends recently, he is the artist of our time. Not only is hip hop alive - Art is alive and kicking. So, pull our your brushes and canvas. Pull out your pens and pads. Pull out your creativity. Let your expression run endlessly. Thanks for the inspiration. Thank you for sharing, Mr. West.