"Redbone" is a song by the American musician and actor Childish Gambino, whose real name is Donald Glover. Here are some interesting facts about the song and Childish Gambino:
Release Date: "Redbone" was released on November 17, 2016, as a single from Childish Gambino's album "Awaken, My Love!".
Genre: The song is known for its distinctive sound, which blends elements of funk, R&B, and psychedelic music. Its unique style and falsetto vocals set it apart from many of Gambino's earlier works.
Sampled Influence: The song features a sample of "Why III Love the Moon" by American psychedelic soul band Phony Ppl. This sample contributes to the song's dreamy and otherworldly atmosphere.
Popularity: "Redbone" became one of Childish Gambino's most popular songs, receiving widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It achieved commercial success and reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Cultural Impact: The song's popularity extended beyond the music charts. It was featured in the 2017 horror-comedy film "Get Out," directed by Jordan Peele. The song's eerie and hypnotic vibe added to the film's unsettling atmosphere.
Live Performances: Childish Gambino delivered notable live performances of "Redbone." During his 2017 performance at the Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City, he debuted a memorable rendition of the song while suspended from a harness, creating a visually striking moment.
Grammy Nomination: "Redbone" earned Childish Gambino a Grammy Award nomination for Record of the Year at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. It was also nominated for Best R&B Song and won the Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Social Commentary: While the song's lyrics are somewhat cryptic, they have been analyzed for their potential social and political commentary. Some listeners have interpreted "Redbone" as a reflection on race and identity.
Childish Gambino's Evolution: "Redbone" marked a significant departure from Childish Gambino's earlier hip-hop work, showcasing his versatility as an artist. This shift towards a funkier and more soulful sound helped solidify his status as a multifaceted musician.
Childish Gambino's Pseudonym: The stage name "Childish Gambino" was generated using an online Wu-Tang Clan name generator. Donald Glover has stated that he chose this name as a humorous, random pseudonym, and it eventually became his artistic identity in the music industry.
"Redbone" remains one of Childish Gambino's most recognizable and enduring songs, both for its musical innovation and its cultural impact.