Childish Gambino's jarring video for his hit "This Is America" offers a darkly pessimistic view of black life in the United States -- here, he is seen performing in Las Vegas in September 2018. AFP/File/Valerie MACON
Gambino — the rap alter ego of actor Donald Glover — was the category favorite in a crowd of heavyweights that included pop futurist Janelle Monae and music’s first couple Beyonce and Jay-Z.
The disturbing “This is America” video took the internet by storm last spring, amassing more than 35 million views on YouTube in just two days.
In it, the rapper offers a darkly pessimistic view of black life in the United States, contrasting brutal images of chaotic gun violence and references to slavery’s legacy with joyful Afrobeat rhythms and a gospel choir.
The 35-year-old artist’s Grammy win is his second overall, after his hit “Redbone” won the prize for Best Traditional R&B Performance last year.
Childish Gambino has notched 12 career Grammy nominations and is also up for the coveted Record of the Year award on Sunday.
As an actor and producer, the California-born performer has garnered critical acclaim for his surrealist comedy-drama television series “Atlanta,” in which he stars.