Mixtape Mayhem: Royalty

As the nation celebrated its birthday, Childish Gambino took the opportunity to release his latest project Royalty. Royalty is his first project since he released his debut album Camp last November. After listening to Royalty a few times, it is obvious to see that Gambino has been working on his craft. He has improved in all aspects since his last project. This is the first project from him where he got beats from producers other than himself (Boi-1da & Beck). This mixtape has a lot of features, but they are well placed for the most part. This is a great follow-up to his debut album.

Here are some of the stand-out tracks on the project:

• “Black Faces” featuring Nipsey Hussle – This Boi-1da produced track is a banger. Nipsey Hussle and Childish Gambino really shine on this track with great verses. This song is an ode to the rise in successful black people. Look out for Nipsey Hussle and Gambino to collaborate more as this was a success.
• “Unnecessary” featuring Schoolboy Q & Ab-Soul – Gambino enlists half of the Black Hippy team on this track. Gambino handled the production responsibilities for this track. They trade bars about all the lavish things they do that are unnecessary but they do it because they can.
• “R.I.P.” featuring Bun B – This is my favorite track off of the mixtape. For the beat, Gambino samples and chops Kavinsky & Lovefoxx’s “Nightcall”. Great verse from Bun B and Gambino held his own. I love this track so much because of how Bun and Gambino flow over this sample. It came out effortless.
• “Toxic” featuring Danny Brown – Gambino samples Britney Spears’ “Toxic” for this track. Danny Brown’s eccentricity shines on this infectious beat. I love the fact that Gambino is not afraid to try new things with his production. It’s a breath of fresh air.
• “Real Estate” featuring Alley Boy & Tina Fey – Gambino connects with his trap roots on this track (well kind of). Gambino is from Georgia so he collaborates with Atlanta native Alley Boy. This is the closest thing to a street track that Gambino has. I believe he realized this and decided to put Tina Fey (from 30 Rock) to talk some trash on the end and it’s perfect!

I believe that Royalty is Childish Gambino’s best project to date. If he keeps improving like he has been, then I am excited to hear what he comes out with next. Until then, this quality mixtape will hold me over.

By Malcolm J. Gray

If you like this, check out:
Mixtape Mayhem: Gang Land