Because the Internet
by Childish Gambino
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 388 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 345 out of 388
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 388
  3. Negative: 16 out of 388
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. anggy12002
    Mar 9, 2014
    10
    I have been non stop playing this album. You take something more away from it every time, and that is the point where this project shines through as amazing. The attention to detail with wordplay and symbolism is nothing short of brilliant. I need not talk about the innovative and creative production, with tracks like Telegraph Ave, Zealots of Stockholm, No Exit, and Crawl instilling rawI have been non stop playing this album. You take something more away from it every time, and that is the point where this project shines through as amazing. The attention to detail with wordplay and symbolism is nothing short of brilliant. I need not talk about the innovative and creative production, with tracks like Telegraph Ave, Zealots of Stockholm, No Exit, and Crawl instilling raw emotion in the listener. Gambino has stepped his game up, and it says something that this is the first album I ever listened to that gave me chills at the end. There is a bit of controversy about a screenplay being written for this album. Do not read the script. This album is about having an experience and not being force fed all of the information. This is a flawless project and this proves Gambino as more than just a punch line rapper.… Expand
  2. klawk
    Dec 12, 2013
    10
    This is my favorite album of the year. Gambino really improved upon his singing and U can hear the Kanye influence. I also hear a bit Maxwell, Frank Ocean, and Andre 3000 too. But the fact is this is the album of the year. He took Kanye, Frank, and whatever other influences you hear and IMPROVED upon it. He has the innovative sound of Yeezus, with the catchiness of Frank Ocean and itThis is my favorite album of the year. Gambino really improved upon his singing and U can hear the Kanye influence. I also hear a bit Maxwell, Frank Ocean, and Andre 3000 too. But the fact is this is the album of the year. He took Kanye, Frank, and whatever other influences you hear and IMPROVED upon it. He has the innovative sound of Yeezus, with the catchiness of Frank Ocean and it still sounds original. He even wrote a screenplay for the album so it all makes sense.

    People think it's cool to hate Gambino and I even read a review that talked nothing about the music and all about Donald as a person.(I'm looking at you Consequence of Sound) But you can't deny he had one of the most imaginative roll outs ever. He literally created his own world for the album.

    The perks of being a multi-talent.    … Expand
  3. 8bitParadox
    Feb 21, 2014
    9
    Gambino redefines rap with his new hit album. It intertwines with his written story that becomes a rap masterpiece. He mixes his comedic genius with deep emotional lyrics to become a rapper for the ages. Gambino somehow outdoes himself with this legend of rap that is so new and unique that you can't hate it. Childish Gambino's "Because the Internet" will be remembered in the world of rapGambino redefines rap with his new hit album. It intertwines with his written story that becomes a rap masterpiece. He mixes his comedic genius with deep emotional lyrics to become a rapper for the ages. Gambino somehow outdoes himself with this legend of rap that is so new and unique that you can't hate it. Childish Gambino's "Because the Internet" will be remembered in the world of rap for a long time. I can't wait to see what he does next.… Expand
  4. littletanner
    Dec 11, 2013
    9
    This is a very amazing album. It is pretty experimental, and it's an acquired taste. But this is definitely one of my favorite albums of the year. And the content is just so relateable and deep. The internet seems to hate Gambino strictly because of "Camp." But this is a monster improvement. I love this album, and most people that respect art and good music, will like this too.
  5. maxwellgrady
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    Arguably one of my favorite rap albums of all time. He's very conceptual and heartwarming. He shows his creative mindset and his talents. the production and lyricism on this album are fascinating,
  6. Jobin_Klavin
    Dec 3, 2016
    10
    What can I say about this project? This is a rap album full of many different sounds, from the opening punch-line, hard hitting "Crawl", to the R&B exotic "Telegraph Ave", to the guitar, Frank Ocean esque "Flight of the Navigator", to the dance, electronic "Earth: The Oldest Computer". 3 years later and this album holds up and is a sleeper, cult classic. If you enjoy the sound of theWhat can I say about this project? This is a rap album full of many different sounds, from the opening punch-line, hard hitting "Crawl", to the R&B exotic "Telegraph Ave", to the guitar, Frank Ocean esque "Flight of the Navigator", to the dance, electronic "Earth: The Oldest Computer". 3 years later and this album holds up and is a sleeper, cult classic. If you enjoy the sound of the album, I encourage you to read the screenplay, as the album is rooted into the screenplay and together create a unique concept album.… Expand
  7. pinobutter
    Mar 16, 2021
    10
    Severely underrated album that aged beautifully. This project is filled with very profound and philosophical ideas, accentuated by the tangible passion that Gambino puts into his songs. Life: The Biggest Troll is one of the most introspective rap songs of the entire decade, whereas Flight of The Navigator is an extremely saddening and beautiful journey from start to finish. Urn complimentsSeverely underrated album that aged beautifully. This project is filled with very profound and philosophical ideas, accentuated by the tangible passion that Gambino puts into his songs. Life: The Biggest Troll is one of the most introspective rap songs of the entire decade, whereas Flight of The Navigator is an extremely saddening and beautiful journey from start to finish. Urn compliments Flight of the Navigator perfectly, and Zealots of Stockholm's production value is outstanding. Shadows is extremely well written and reflects the situation of having feelings for someone but not telling them flawlessly. The Worst Guys is a bouncy and fun track with a playful undertone, and Oakland keeps that same summertime feeling alive as well, except showcasing Gambino's vocals more often in that track. Earth: The Oldest Computer has an almost apocalyptic feel to it, and tonally fits great.Then of course, you have 3005 and Sweatpants, both songs thought to be classics years later. Taken individually, these tracks are all so well constructed that it's almost unbelievable they're all on the same project. The only songs that aren't as strong as the others are No Exit and The Party, but even those tracks are thematically appropriate to the message of this album and effectively communicate Gambino's message, clearly were meant to be more transitional tracks almost akin to interludes. Plus, those two tracks are carried by the entire rest of the album. With one of the strongest closing tracks ever, a bunch of quotable lyrics that are clever as well as introspective, and constantly great production value found throughout, I definitely wouldn't argue with if you if you said this was your favorite album of all time. 10/10… Expand
  8. Taters
    Dec 11, 2013
    9
    Childish Gambino really shows how much he's improved with this album. From his flow to his lyrics, it's a vast improvement that is instantly seen by comparison to some of his debut albums and even Camp. It's got real lyrics, sick beats (some comparable to Royalty), and still manages to keep some of his good one-liners. The accompanied screenplay is also a great bonus. Definitely one of theChildish Gambino really shows how much he's improved with this album. From his flow to his lyrics, it's a vast improvement that is instantly seen by comparison to some of his debut albums and even Camp. It's got real lyrics, sick beats (some comparable to Royalty), and still manages to keep some of his good one-liners. The accompanied screenplay is also a great bonus. Definitely one of the best albums of 2013.… Expand
  9. 9090
    Dec 10, 2013
    9
    Phenomenal. Please just give it a listen with an open mind. Lots of critics had really biased reviews, and barely even talked about the music. I wasn't a big fan of Camp, but Royalty got my attention. Then 'Bino dropped this quality, and innovating album which blew my mind. Amazing.
  10. N10
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    Donald Glover, or as he goes by the stage name of Childish Gambino is an actor, writer and comedian, whom a couple years back did release some tape's and also the great debut album "Camp" in 2011. Bino has since then left the huge sitcom serie "Community" and been having the major focus on his "newly" and progressing rap career. He is definitely one of the better with transitions from anDonald Glover, or as he goes by the stage name of Childish Gambino is an actor, writer and comedian, whom a couple years back did release some tape's and also the great debut album "Camp" in 2011. Bino has since then left the huge sitcom serie "Community" and been having the major focus on his "newly" and progressing rap career. He is definitely one of the better with transitions from an actor/comedian/writer to a rapper, if not the best one out there know.

    He is known for his wittiness, wordplays, multiple flows, hilarious punch lines and "realness" as a rapper. As his debut had a sound it followed especially,"because of the internet" throws in a bit of every other genre outside hip hop and mixes it in to what this album sonically sounds as. It's a pretty cohesive record, musically something I've not heared quite like, a breath off fresh air with fun and dark themes over this project. Rich and creepy (the latter half) production by the two behind the boards (Ludwig Göransson, Childish Gambino), catchy hooks and really well written and constructed songs, one of the best albums to come this year, if not, the.

    For every track that goes by the beats starts getting really experimental with a lot of flavor of everything, and with the heavy instrumentals on songs like "zealots of stockholm" I can't help to nod my head.

    A year where rap (mainstream) music has been failing and disappointing me with albums such as Kanye's "Yeezus" and Drake's "Nothing Was The Same" for an example, it just sounded too much for me, just going out there to make different records and not very good ones. As much as Kanye brought some new to the mainstream, it's not like I haven't heared it on a Death Grips album and with Drake far as he goes, he's song writing was the better with the album while his rapping was lacking (people hailed him as a rapper on this thing, personally a much more complete rapper on Take Care, still appreciate what he strives and try going for), their production mostly was on point and great, lyrically it was their biggest gap and did not make them albums any further better with that. Why I refer these two, well, their albums where the most acclaimed, but just not so much with me. Ain't no so to say, I loved their precursor.

    This project is and will be underrated for some reason by critics (at least with these days to come), but, this will be the album we "I" will look back to in a couple of years from know and be like "uh, ish dope and original to it's box". One of the most exciting and interesting records I've heared in this past decade or so.

    Bino is the best rapper out there to sing and the best singer to rap, OUT, period!
    Great artist, "because the internet" is a damn near flawless album. Support.

    Fella need a nap, maybe a longer and track-by-track later on.    … Expand
  11. MauriceisMAD
    Dec 10, 2013
    9
    Honestly i loved camp, but this blows it out of the water overall. From the beginning to the end Gambino keeps you engaged with his unique flow and versatile singing. i'm to lazy to go into a lot of detail just know that the album is great and shows growth and a sense of experimentation. It's as if boredom is something Gambino must avoid at all cost.
  12. maxxing
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    I think Donald has created a very involved project. I love the songs, his production across this entire record is impressive. I thought the addition of this fake "rapper rich kid/drug dealer" character was refreshing. It's a different take on a concept album, and if you enjoy the screenplay and movies he's created then you will love the album much more. Amazing work from Gambino. I loveI think Donald has created a very involved project. I love the songs, his production across this entire record is impressive. I thought the addition of this fake "rapper rich kid/drug dealer" character was refreshing. It's a different take on a concept album, and if you enjoy the screenplay and movies he's created then you will love the album much more. Amazing work from Gambino. I love the whole vibe.… Expand
  13. MyName
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    Great album. Because the Internet is my favorite album of 2013, along with Acid Rap (Chance the Rapper). This album is great by itself, but if you listen to it with the screenplay (it can be found at becausetheinter.net), it takes everything to a different level of amazing.
  14. AfroMidgets
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    Because the Internet takes the best from Culdesac, Camp, and Royalty is puts them all together to create one of the most engaging and emotional music experiences of the year. Fans that know Gambino only from Camp will not have as enjoyable and rewarding of an experience because they don't know the 'true' Gambino, that being his 'real' lyrics and dark emotional overtones in his songs ofBecause the Internet takes the best from Culdesac, Camp, and Royalty is puts them all together to create one of the most engaging and emotional music experiences of the year. Fans that know Gambino only from Camp will not have as enjoyable and rewarding of an experience because they don't know the 'true' Gambino, that being his 'real' lyrics and dark emotional overtones in his songs of past such as Be Alone or The Last (still my personal favorite). To further enjoy BTI, one most read his interactive BTI Script that is online. I'll admit, I just liked BTI until I read the screenplay penned for the album. Now I see how it is one of the most engrossing musical experience I've ever had. Gambino is changing the game, people just can't seem to take notice of it.… Expand
  15. r0tan0rtan
    Dec 12, 2013
    7
    It's easy to hate Gambino.
    It's easy to give this album a bad score and get the approval of critics, who all have given this album a bad score.
    Without listening to the album in depth, I'm going to write a review about Donald as a person, and give it a 3/10, because everyone else does it as well. Maybe critics should care less about liking an album made by a 'hipster', and actually    It's easy to hate Gambino.
    It's easy to give this album a bad score and get the approval of critics, who all have given this album a bad score.
    Without listening to the album in depth, I'm going to write a review about Donald as a person, and give it a 3/10, because everyone else does it as well.

    Maybe critics should care less about liking an album made by a 'hipster', and actually review the quality of the music. This is by far Donald's greatest work yet. (I'd give camp a 6-7/10), and critics are complaining about Donald as a person, rather than as a musician. From my point of view, I'm hearing great music, and instead of believing the 'professional' critics, I suggest giving the album a chance.

    Favourite Tracks: WORLDSTAR, The Worst Guys, Telegraph Ave., Flight of the Navigator, Zealots of Stockholm (FREE INFORMATION), Life: The Biggest troll [Andrew Auernheimer]

    Least Favourite Track: 3005    … Expand
  16. Junkyarddog
    Dec 11, 2013
    9
    I don't listen to a lot of Hip-Hop/Rap but this guy is seriously talented. This album is amazing. The lyrics and flow of his raps are miles above most mainstream rap artists today. The production is slick and clean and the songs have twists and turns you would not expect to fit, yet they do. This album is a rap masterpiece in my opinion and I'm excited to see where he goes next.
  17. king56
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    This album is amazing. From the music to the storyline it is an all around 10. Donald Glover has created THE most creative rollout for an album. Take the time to watch the short film, Clapping for the Wrong Reasons, watch some pre album interviews, then read the full screenplay on becausetheinter.net. This is how the artist intended on people to listen to his album. He has stated manyThis album is amazing. From the music to the storyline it is an all around 10. Donald Glover has created THE most creative rollout for an album. Take the time to watch the short film, Clapping for the Wrong Reasons, watch some pre album interviews, then read the full screenplay on becausetheinter.net. This is how the artist intended on people to listen to his album. He has stated many times he isn't just a rapper. He doesn't want to be labeled that. Before you go and hate on this album do some research. This is my favorite album that has been released this year, beating Yeezus. Go out and check out the deluxe physical. It's really nice.… Expand
  18. Cobweb
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    This is the best album Donald Glover has ever made and is one of the most unique and fascinating albums of the year. It's a hip-hop album the way Radiohead's Kid A is a rock album.
  19. Stan_Darsh
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    love this album...wasnt expecting much from this...i had only seen his acting but this is def one of my favorite rap albums of the year. Shadows, 3005, sweatpants, worldstar, all dope songs
  20. Courtland
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    Donald Glover has revolutionized concept albums with Because The Internet. Along with literally living out the character of "The Boy" that the story of this album is based on for the past year, having brief "skits" in some tracks to add to the realism of The Boy's life, and completely capturing the timid, anxious, and sporadic personality of the boy; he also wrote a 72 page interactiveDonald Glover has revolutionized concept albums with Because The Internet. Along with literally living out the character of "The Boy" that the story of this album is based on for the past year, having brief "skits" in some tracks to add to the realism of The Boy's life, and completely capturing the timid, anxious, and sporadic personality of the boy; he also wrote a 72 page interactive online screenplay to go along with the album. Safe to say a skit about Domino's pizza has nothing on this man's creative authority. The production on this album is much improved and very inventive compared to the typical trap beats heard on the radio. "Crawl" not only features an incredibly well done beat, but an addictive chorus and an eerie vibe. "WorldStar" captures the instantaneous coverage and media overload that we encounter on the web every day in this generation. "Sweatpants" has one of the best "textbook" flows of any song I've heard in the past few years in hip hop, along with songs like "No Exits" expanding the creative side of rap, and almost giving a dazed acid washed vision of being infatuated and afraid of yourself and your immediate surroundings. The last song I'd like to touch on is "Flight of the Navigator"; it is truly one of the most beautiful songs and sends me to a meadow on some perfect world, with friends, drinks, and truly a deep happiness burning inside of me. Every song on this album is a gem, but I'd recommend for anyone who wants to branch out of their usual brand of hip hop, or any genre truly, to check out this album.… Expand
  21. Eon2323
    Dec 10, 2013
    9
    One of the most creative experiences I've had the pleasure to witness in a while. He's created a whole world centered around "The Boy" that rests on the aura of spectacular creativity. The album itself is amazing. When you add in the screenplay as well as his short film "Clapping for the Wrong Reasons" to the equation, you start to connect this long woven and complex thread that makes yourOne of the most creative experiences I've had the pleasure to witness in a while. He's created a whole world centered around "The Boy" that rests on the aura of spectacular creativity. The album itself is amazing. When you add in the screenplay as well as his short film "Clapping for the Wrong Reasons" to the equation, you start to connect this long woven and complex thread that makes your brain wonder how something this genius could be created.… Expand
  22. Rosewood
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    This has to be my favorite album of this year because he took a concept that we all know and made it different and succeeded .For me, the album didn't have any skipable tracks which was a surprise because in every album I have listen to this year had skipable tracks, but this didn't. Gambino has been called a water down Drake but if you think about it he has better wordplay then drakeThis has to be my favorite album of this year because he took a concept that we all know and made it different and succeeded .For me, the album didn't have any skipable tracks which was a surprise because in every album I have listen to this year had skipable tracks, but this didn't. Gambino has been called a water down Drake but if you think about it he has better wordplay then drake ,he also can sing better then Drake. Beats in this album are fantastic and mesmerizing if this album was just beats ,this album would have the same outcome with me because they are that good., Overall this album is better then his previous project and is a most hear for everybody for hip hop heads and no hip hop heads… Expand
  23. JKLin
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    This album deserves to be in the conservation as one of the best Hip-Hop/Rap albums of the year, but in many ways it is more than that. There is a true authentic voice within the music, something that many rap artists lack these days. Even though it may not be your typical "hardcore" authenticity, it is still his true take on life at the current moment. Musically, it brings a heavierThis album deserves to be in the conservation as one of the best Hip-Hop/Rap albums of the year, but in many ways it is more than that. There is a true authentic voice within the music, something that many rap artists lack these days. Even though it may not be your typical "hardcore" authenticity, it is still his true take on life at the current moment. Musically, it brings a heavier flavor then Camp and the beats are similar to that of Royalty. The punchlines that make him unique are still there, but the tone has gone down a more serious route. Although the music is great, the way he ties the album to the 72-page screenplay is incredible. He entranced me with the beats into the "the boy's" point of view and how lost he felt throughout the story.

    Cant Miss Tracks: Telegraph Ave., Flight of the Navigator    … Expand
  24. himynameisart
    Dec 10, 2013
    7
    I'm not a fan of hip hop/ Rap I'm more of a rock and indie guy and i actually like This dudes music! his new album is experimental (in the way that many of his songs range from hip hop beats, to having guitar, dustep or electro synths) it feels weird in a good way, there are many short songs though that just feel like fillers (they're 30 seconds to 1:30 long) But there's also a few goodI'm not a fan of hip hop/ Rap I'm more of a rock and indie guy and i actually like This dudes music! his new album is experimental (in the way that many of his songs range from hip hop beats, to having guitar, dustep or electro synths) it feels weird in a good way, there are many short songs though that just feel like fillers (they're 30 seconds to 1:30 long) But there's also a few good ones. My favorite tracks are Flight of the navigator, 3005, no exit, Zealots of stockholm) Also CG includes a scrip and a few videos to go along with his album because it all connects to eachother and makes your overall listening experience better! and i like that its very new, interesting unique. MY GRADE IS A HIGH 6.5 low 7. In my opinion CHildish Gambino stands out from all the mainstream cliched hip hop acts.… Expand
  25. M3TA-TRON
    Dec 10, 2013
    8
    I felt Donald's latest was definitely worth the hype. It's creative, catchy, and definitely an experimental album, proving that Gambino can do a variety of styles and show off his potential successfully. I Definitely felt because the internet was a huge step up from his camp album, but truthfully a step back and somewhat of a bummer compared to his royalty mix tape. Overall, because theI felt Donald's latest was definitely worth the hype. It's creative, catchy, and definitely an experimental album, proving that Gambino can do a variety of styles and show off his potential successfully. I Definitely felt because the internet was a huge step up from his camp album, but truthfully a step back and somewhat of a bummer compared to his royalty mix tape. Overall, because the internet is easily one of my favorites this year and a great way to end 2013… Expand
  26. DavidCall360
    Mar 1, 2018
    10
    DONALD GLOVER IS A GENIUS! He is the definition of can't stop, won't stop. That is all.
  27. proreview0
    Aug 15, 2021
    7
    tillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 300 and 5 holl up
  28. CassioSanfelice
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    Great conceptual work. Because the Internet is such a personal album but it has the power to reach great highs when understood. It may try patience... but we're rewarded after all.
  29. SolidMantis
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    One of the best albums I've heard this year. Don't listen to the critics, they talk a lot of BS. My favorite song on this album is "The Worst Guys".....
  30. ben_zo77
    Jul 30, 2014
    8
    Because the Internet is a beautifully artistic (yet undeniably flawed) album. Gambino is at his best when his character's mind is introspectively wandering the heavens. In a genre filled with posers, Childish Gambino Kanye-ishly created something different and bizarre. ~ 8.4/10

    Best track: "I. The Party": the imagery, the tension, the singing, the brief rap verse Other notable    Because the Internet is a beautifully artistic (yet undeniably flawed) album. Gambino is at his best when his character's mind is introspectively wandering the heavens. In a genre filled with posers, Childish Gambino Kanye-ishly created something different and bizarre. ~ 8.4/10

    Best track: "I. The Party": the imagery, the tension, the singing, the brief rap verse

    Other notable tracks: "I. Crawl", "II. Worldstar", "I. Flight Of The Navigator", "II. Zealots Of Stockholm (Free Information)", "II. Earth: The Oldest Computer (The Last Night)" & "III. Life: The Biggest Troll (Andrew Auernheimer)"    … Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2013
27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 28, 2014
    40
    This is a luxurious but ultimately hollow Faberge egg of a record. [Feb 2014, p.121]
  2. The Source
    Jan 8, 2014
    70
    Because The Internet stands on its own musically. The project undoubtedly stands much taller when put in context of all the additional material released in order to create something bigger. [Dec 2013/Jan 2014, p.89]
  3. Rolling Stone
    Jan 3, 2014
    70
    As a concept album on man's most abstract concept, Because the Internet is more than worth the download.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »