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Because the Internet
by
Because the Internet Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 388 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length studio release for actor/rapper Donald Glover as Childish Gambino features guest appearances from Jhene Aiko, Azealia Banks, and Chance the Rapper.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. XXL
    Dec 17, 2013
    80
    Because The Internet shows off his full array of talent (writer, musician, comedian) and makes him stand out from the rest.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Dec 10, 2013
    80
    He hasn't quite perfected his talents, but it's far and away the best work he's done as Gambino yet.
  3. Under The Radar
    Dec 30, 2013
    75
    The surrounding flutter of puzzle pieces adds depth, but the record still stands on its own as a bold statement on modern life and the cold distance technology places between human relationships.
  4. The A.V. Club
    Dec 10, 2013
    67
    Because The Internet finally shows that Donald Glover is serious about his music, and he’s willing to take some chances to make sure that Childish Gambino can grow as an artist.
  5. CMJ
    Dec 9, 2013
    60
    Even though Because The Internet is kind of strange and kind of a bummer, it does show Glover’s range as a musician.
  6. Pitchfork
    Dec 12, 2013
    58
    Because the Internet is a nobly expansive attempt at plumbing the catacombs of social media for meaning and exploring the gap between the performative avatars we present as our online selves and the offline realities of our lives, but like the Twitter hounds and comment section warriors it speaks to and about, it could ultimately do well with a little less multitasking.
  7. Spin
    Dec 10, 2013
    20
    Maybe the entire album is a meme itself, a grand existential joke critiquing the all-conquering rise of Internet culture by parodying its overwhelming randomness. Whatever it is, though, it's a bad rap record.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 72
  3. Negative: 5 out of 72
  1. 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 theI 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
  2. DavidCall360
    Mar 1, 2018
    10
    DONALD GLOVER IS A GENIUS! He is the definition of can't stop, won't stop. That is all.
  4. 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. theArguably 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,… Expand
  5. chippythekid
    Oct 11, 2014
    9
    This album is amazing it is filled with well produced instrumentals to the songs Gambino also dabbles into some new flows with this album thatThis album is amazing it is filled with well produced instrumentals to the songs Gambino also dabbles into some new flows with this album that he delivered very well, the features (Problem, Chance the Rapper, Jhene Aiko) are on point. But the best way to listen to the album and get a full understanding and visual of what he's saying read the script, becausetheinter.net… Expand
  6. 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 theThis 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.… Expand
  7. 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 isBecause 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
  8. senordinosaur
    Dec 13, 2016
    0
    This isn't a rap album which is a bummer. Glover can be amazing when he isn't being self-indulgent both in lyrics and flow. His clever lyricsThis isn't a rap album which is a bummer. Glover can be amazing when he isn't being self-indulgent both in lyrics and flow. His clever lyrics drive a flow he iterated from Drake, but was still good. This album seems designed to a appeal to hipsterhop heads who will call it the most innovative rap album of the year because Glover is a rapper. It's Glover screaming "I'm a serious adult." Glover doesn't actually "spit a verse" anywhere on this weird 70's inspired album. The result is epically boring. Maybe if you're high and need a soundtrack for a nap this is the record of the rear, but if you're looking for something like old Childish Gambino then this will massively disappoint.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

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