Donald Glover Created "Awaken, My Love!" After Someone Said "He Can't Make A Hit"

BY Erika Marie 4.8K Views
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The Childish Gambino hitmaker revealed that his highest-charting album was birthed because he was being "extremely petty."

It remains one of his most celebrated projects that earned him several Grammy Award nominations and one win, and Donald Glover is now admitting that Awaken, My Love! was birthed out of pettiness. The Childish Gambino hitmaker is an elusive figure in the industry but sat down for an interview with The Shop, and during the compelling conversation, Glover spoke about his third studio album and how it came to be.

“Did you ever tap into something that you feel is kinda bad to, like...it’s in you to win,” Glover said with a smile.

Jason Kempin / Staff / Getty Images

"Because I struggle with that. I am naturally, like, petty. Like, extremely petty. Awaken, My Love! was literally because somebody was like, ‘Oh, he can’t make a hit.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, not only will I make a hit, I won’t make a video for it.’" It wasn't specified if this was a person who attempted to thwart Glover's talents or an overall response from music fans, but either way, it propelled him to create an incredible piece of work which included his fan favorite, "Redbone."

“It makes you stronger, but I also know it’s dark," he added. "It’s not something that you should be...it’s not something that it should be [what motivates you], ’cause it’s bad.” Revisit Awaken, My Love! and check out the clip from The Shop below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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