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
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  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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".....
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. not_steve
    Dec 10, 2013
    10
    CG made a huge leap forward with this album. I find that Because the Internet sounds better after watching Clapping for the Wrong Reasons and reading the screenplay. It's very creative and top tier!
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. glasses1
    Jun 14, 2014
    10
    i appreciate everything about this album and Donald himself- the immense effort and honesty put into this album. Everything is relatable to your life and not just if you're a celebrity. I believe that was the whole point about his Instragram posts. It might need a couple of times to listen too, since it's an experimental and personal album, but you will end up appreciating it as art, noti appreciate everything about this album and Donald himself- the immense effort and honesty put into this album. Everything is relatable to your life and not just if you're a celebrity. I believe that was the whole point about his Instragram posts. It might need a couple of times to listen too, since it's an experimental and personal album, but you will end up appreciating it as art, not just music. This album could be the next step in the right direction for a crumbling music industry. This album could definitely be the next level as music is concerned, and definitely in the genre of rap. Also, the flow and lyrics showcased on several tracks, including Zealots of Stockholm and Sweatpants proves undeniable mastery and brilliance added to an album that tells a wonderful, brutally true story. The clapping for the wrong reasons short film and screenplay shows a true sense of ambition, in which i admire and respect. Forever my favorite album and artist. Give this a lesson. Please.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. fahmeedx
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    Greatest concept album to date. My advice is to read the screenplay while listening to the album, really creates an experience to remember. Combines everything good about Yeezus with everything good about Chanel Orange. Simply amazing experience. There is definitely a song on this album for everyone.
  17. 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
  18. TylerTheRager
    Jan 15, 2014
    10
    Every track on this album is truly amazing and original. The multi talented Glover comes through on this album with amazing production quality. Like truly beautiful stuff here. The song "3005" is probably getting the most buzz around. Even getting some radio play, which is a little odd for Gambino's music. Some of my favorite tracks on the album are: Zealots of Stockholm, Crawl, The Party,Every track on this album is truly amazing and original. The multi talented Glover comes through on this album with amazing production quality. Like truly beautiful stuff here. The song "3005" is probably getting the most buzz around. Even getting some radio play, which is a little odd for Gambino's music. Some of my favorite tracks on the album are: Zealots of Stockholm, Crawl, The Party, and Pink Toes. He also got some great features on this album. People like Chance the Rapper and Jhene Aiko. All and all this is one of my favorite albums of 2013… Expand
  19. MyNamesCody
    Mar 16, 2014
    10
    this album is years beyond todays music. not only is the concept something so innovative and REAL, but something that makes you think. It makes you think about the internet..something we all use and has integrated its way into all of our lives and our world. On top of that, he is a great rapper with incredible beats and perfectly fit production. This is an album that will stay one of mythis album is years beyond todays music. not only is the concept something so innovative and REAL, but something that makes you think. It makes you think about the internet..something we all use and has integrated its way into all of our lives and our world. On top of that, he is a great rapper with incredible beats and perfectly fit production. This is an album that will stay one of my personal favorites… Expand
  20. Airjunior23
    Mar 5, 2014
    10
    Progress alone this album is a dope. The effort is there, the innovation is there and the elevation swag for lack of a better term is on point. A little emo, a little swag, and actual real words and thoughts make it awesome. Doors left open
  21. WillemArdui
    Apr 24, 2014
    10
    My favorite album of 2013 !
    This album is so deep, it has so many layers. At first I didn't like it THAT much, but the more you get into it, the more you dig into the stories and the more you understand the lyrics the better it gets.
    The instrumentals are awesome and so divers, his lyrics and flow are great, and despite what others say, I really like the singing on this album. Fav.    My favorite album of 2013 !
    This album is so deep, it has so many layers. At first I didn't like it THAT much, but the more you get into it, the more you dig into the stories and the more you understand the lyrics the better it gets.
    The instrumentals are awesome and so divers, his lyrics and flow are great, and despite what others say, I really like the singing on this album.
    Fav. Songs:
    1. Life: The Biggest Troll
    2. Telegraph Ave.
    3. ... what am I doing? All of the songs are amazing !
    ( watch the review Dead End Hip Hop did for this album! )    … Expand
  22. TrianoMusic
    Sep 8, 2014
    10
    One of the better albums out there. This was an experimental album, but he delivered, and covered different types of hip hop. The end of the album is very experimental, but follows through with the overall theme that Gambino delivers throughout the whole album. If you only like listening to some songs and not the whole album straight through, I recommend 3005, The Other Guys, Sweatpants,One of the better albums out there. This was an experimental album, but he delivered, and covered different types of hip hop. The end of the album is very experimental, but follows through with the overall theme that Gambino delivers throughout the whole album. If you only like listening to some songs and not the whole album straight through, I recommend 3005, The Other Guys, Sweatpants, and Telegraph Rd. Overall, this album is a beautiful piece of artwork, and if you can see him live, I HIGHLY recommend it. One of the best live performers out there.… Expand
  23. 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,
  24. DavidCall360
    Mar 1, 2018
    10
    DONALD GLOVER IS A GENIUS! He is the definition of can't stop, won't stop. That is all.
  25. tomsmith7
    Nov 15, 2016
    10
    This is one of the best albums ever in my opinions. The songs are absolutely gorgeous and the production is some of the best I've ever heard. The songs are so diverse and experimental that it's almost not impossible to get at least intrigued by this album.
  26. 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
  27. MrWolfy_
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Despite what reviews say, I would say this is one of the best hip-hop projects of 2013. Nevertheless, it's definitely one of my favorites.

    In 'Because the Internet', Donald Glover evolves from his debut album and refines his music. He shows ambition as he embarks on amazing flows and lyrics. Ludwig Göransson and Glover's beautiful production accommodate the singing and rapping on the    Despite what reviews say, I would say this is one of the best hip-hop projects of 2013. Nevertheless, it's definitely one of my favorites.

    In 'Because the Internet', Donald Glover evolves from his debut album and refines his music. He shows ambition as he embarks on amazing flows and lyrics. Ludwig Göransson and Glover's beautiful production accommodate the singing and rapping on the album. It takes a step towards experimentation with some R&B influence. There are flaws here and there such as the singing but as a rapper at the time, he did a pretty good job.

    The album's singles are among the best tracks on the album. Honestly, the whole album is full of good songs. Even some of the album's 'worst tracks' can be looked upon as alright.

    My top three songs right now:
    'Telegraph Ave.', a thrilling and exciting experience featuring Lloyd's soothing hooks.
    'Flight of the Navigator', a moody and depressing song to listen late at night.
    'Sweatpants', a great example of Glover's extraordinary wordplay and flow.

    The 72-page screenplay attached is the basis of this album. Glover, as an experienced writer and actor at the time, excelled greatly with this interesting screenplay. It brings more enjoyment towards to album.

    Overall, it's just magical. There are no words to describe how amazing the album is. Glover showed intense passion for this piece of art. Personally, I listened to this album countless times on repeat. It has great replay value. 'Because the Internet' is still a classic to this day. To conclude this review, I DEFINITELY recommend this album to anyone that likes music.    … Expand
  28. behzatgoren
    Aug 30, 2018
    10
    ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it ı like it
  29. quincycreator
    Dec 11, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. child gamblino albume good



    ummmmmmmmmm mmmmmm Tylur the Created is bettur do    … Expand
  30. jimmybob7172
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    “i. flight of the navigator” by childish gambino is easily the most beautiful song to exist. its haunting instrumentals, elusive melody paired with its mellow lonely feeling vocals help create childish gambino’s best and most vulnerable song to date. the one thing gambino fears the most is loneliness and as he transcends through the planes of this universe, the one thing he longs for is“i. flight of the navigator” by childish gambino is easily the most beautiful song to exist. its haunting instrumentals, elusive melody paired with its mellow lonely feeling vocals help create childish gambino’s best and most vulnerable song to date. the one thing gambino fears the most is loneliness and as he transcends through the planes of this universe, the one thing he longs for is someone for him to hold close to as he leaves everything and everyone behind. he knows the one thing he fears most - loneliness - is inevitable and this song is his final cry, scream, and plea for help before he leaves forever. the song itself is nothing short of a masterpiece, and as time flies by this song and album will only age better.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
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