Camp
by Childish Gambino
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 235 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 185 out of 235
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 235
  3. Negative: 16 out of 235
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  1. brockcheese
    Dec 3, 2016
    7
    A pretty solid debut album, Gambino shows that he can match flow and lyrics to any mainstream rapper. However, one major downside is that his own insecurities strangle a lot of his deeper messages and truths.
  2. axelkoch
    Sep 19, 2012
    9
    Actually one of the top 5 rap albums ever released. Glover is an awesome rapper and he shows that in every single moment of the album. You have to admit, that it's most of the time about the same stuff: his childhood and that he showed it to all of his haters. But rap technically this is great! 'Bonfire' is one of the very best rap songs I know and I'm looking straight forward to his nextActually one of the top 5 rap albums ever released. Glover is an awesome rapper and he shows that in every single moment of the album. You have to admit, that it's most of the time about the same stuff: his childhood and that he showed it to all of his haters. But rap technically this is great! 'Bonfire' is one of the very best rap songs I know and I'm looking straight forward to his next studio album!… Expand
  3. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    7
    this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7
  4. ben_zo77
    Jul 31, 2014
    7
    It's rough around the edges, but it's clear that Gambino has worked hard at his craft. Also, the production is, at times, inconsistent with Gambino's lyrics, and the one-liners get tiring. The lyrics, while not terribly insightful, are carefully constructed. It's laughable to call this album a classic, though.. Overall, Camp is a good (but definitely not great) album. ~ 7.4/10

    Best    It's rough around the edges, but it's clear that Gambino has worked hard at his craft. Also, the production is, at times, inconsistent with Gambino's lyrics, and the one-liners get tiring. The lyrics, while not terribly insightful, are carefully constructed. It's laughable to call this album a classic, though.. Overall, Camp is a good (but definitely not great) album. ~ 7.4/10

    Best track: "Backpackers": the flow, the beat
    Other notable tracks: "Fire Fly", "Bonfire", "L.E.S." & "You See Me"    … Expand
  5. C_dot
    Dec 3, 2018
    8
    Gambino's debut project is definitely one of the better debuts in modern hip hop. Camp is a fresh sound relative to the music released at the same time.
  6. iamtrent424
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    This is one of the best hip hop album of the year that I heard. I didnt't even know Donald Glover rap until I seen this name on I Tunes. Everyone should give him a chance. Listen to this album. A very nice Underground Hip Hop Album
  7. Labarron
    Nov 22, 2011
    8
    First time hearing Gambino. I'm impressed. He's very aggressive with her lyrics. I clearly understand his story and theme. He's telling us a message and I advise everybody to hear it. The only thing I don't like is that he's too aggressive.
  8. blogfirstlast
    Jul 24, 2013
    7
    It's a damn good album, but I feel like a little girl listening to it. I mean this stuff is really weak. From the lyrics to the beats. While they are good, they are a little soft and the fact that it's like that for almost every song, makes it a bit harder to like. However Donald's squeaky voice fits these beats and it makes Camp a pretty enjoyable release.
  9. JamesJennings
    May 2, 2022
    7
    Didn't age well, but I still had a good time. The last track is easily the best. Fantastic. You see me sucks though.
  10. TTW107
    Apr 8, 2012
    7
    There is something about Childish Gambino, I actually want to hear what this guy has to say. I know he's a comedian and actor and all that but with this music I feel the passion in his voice and that is why i truly like him. He is lyrically on his freakin grind. I can see a bigger and more substantial album from him in the future.
  11. dijavantewow
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    One of the best debut albums in awhile. This is the first album I've bought a physical copy of in a long time, and it's well worth it. The bonus tracks are from the last EP, and they are a great addition. If you like great lyrics, and solid production, go get this.
  12. master_sebo
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    Camp wasn't my first time with Childish Gambino's music, but it got me so shocked and pleasantly marvelled like no other Glover's project I had already listened to made me feel. As it is further explained in the ending track, Camp is neither a mainstream hip hop album where the artist raps about the hood and gang life, nor a sophisticated concept album. It is voluntarily a record whereCamp wasn't my first time with Childish Gambino's music, but it got me so shocked and pleasantly marvelled like no other Glover's project I had already listened to made me feel. As it is further explained in the ending track, Camp is neither a mainstream hip hop album where the artist raps about the hood and gang life, nor a sophisticated concept album. It is voluntarily a record where Gambino vents his pent-up feelings, his thoughts about girls, schools, friends, family, and every single thing that made him struggle throughout his life so far. It's a debut album, so you would expect some roughness, some musical unripeness, but what you get is something that is filled with peaceful songs whose melodies hide raw lyrics, songs with boosted sounds that immediately get you in an angry or exasperated mood. There's not a fictional enemy, there's not the depiction of the battle between the artist and some non-existing machine that eventually prevents him from succeeding in life. It is the simple description of the mind of a tormented boy, and while the concept behind the record refers to a summer camp trip made by a pre-adolescent, the thoughts and feelings vented are stressed in relation to different phases of life. Not all the tracks are perfect (I didn't quite enjoyed LES, and Backpack has not got a high level quality), but the surprise Camp made me feel is definitely worth the highest vote that can be given.… Expand
  13. Cobweb
    Apr 20, 2013
    10
    This is a fantastic album. Seriously. Just listen to it. It's utterly brilliant, ranging from heartbreaking ("All the Shine") to hilarious ("You See Me") to just straight-up badass ("Bonfire"). There are a few songs where he delves into typical hip-hop subjects, but he does it so extraordinarily well that even people who don't like those topics will enjoy it.
  14. Eon2323
    Feb 23, 2013
    10
    Camp proves to be a fresh take on interesting and sometimes subversive topics while adding a bit of his comedic flow to the mix. I definitely enjoyed listening to this album and I expect music just as great as this is the near future.
  15. SolidMantis
    Nov 10, 2013
    10
    This album is simply amazing. I just found about Childish Gambino recently, and I've been loving his music ever since. This album gets a 10/10 from me. I can't wait for his next album.
  16. Tranquilbez22
    Jul 19, 2012
    9
    Probably one of my favourite hip-hop acts at the moment. Childish Gambino aka Communitys Donald Glover releases his first album and man is it awesome. His flow, his lyrics and his ability to rap and he raps HARD! Take Lil Wayne, remove the auto-tune and add better lyrics and Presto it's Childish Gambino. His Debut album Camp is a must have if you love hip-hop and also have a nerdy sense ofProbably one of my favourite hip-hop acts at the moment. Childish Gambino aka Communitys Donald Glover releases his first album and man is it awesome. His flow, his lyrics and his ability to rap and he raps HARD! Take Lil Wayne, remove the auto-tune and add better lyrics and Presto it's Childish Gambino. His Debut album Camp is a must have if you love hip-hop and also have a nerdy sense of humour (me of course). GO BUY IT NOW!!!!!… Expand
  17. JoshuaStDenis
    Jun 5, 2012
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. Camp provides his best work yet, mixing amazing beats, original lyrics, and nerdy references into one brilliant album. The studio quality track along with his major label debut provide good new music to attract new fans to the wonder that is Childish Gambino.
  18. TheSauce
    Nov 16, 2011
    7
    This is more of a 7.5 than a 7, but it was a pretty good cd. Obviously the 3 popular tracks (bonfire, all the shine, heartbeat) are great songs, but some of the other songs got a little dull. I commend CG for doing what he wanted to do, and i hope he tours near me
  19. Dr_Ubersexy
    Nov 27, 2011
    10
    Absolutely fantastic outing from Childish Gambino. Every song on the joint (excluding You See Me) is a 10/10, UN-freakin-believable. Must Downloads:
    - All The Shine
    - Heartbeat
    - Bonfire
    - That Power
    - Sunrise
  20. glasses1
    Nov 1, 2013
    10
    Donald Glover is literally everywhere, with writing on 30 Rock, 1/5th of Derrick, and Community. If you listened to his earlier mix tapes starting with "Sick Boi", you can tell that his rhymes and themes in music are maturing, as he is. Camp was a classic rap album with much more to it than you'd expect with many classic punchlines with a completely fresh style of rap thats not completelyDonald Glover is literally everywhere, with writing on 30 Rock, 1/5th of Derrick, and Community. If you listened to his earlier mix tapes starting with "Sick Boi", you can tell that his rhymes and themes in music are maturing, as he is. Camp was a classic rap album with much more to it than you'd expect with many classic punchlines with a completely fresh style of rap thats not completely deprived like others. A hidden gem for hip-hop fans. Watch out for Because the Internet, coming out next month. Give it a chance… Expand
  21. AmazinKazin
    Jan 11, 2012
    10
    Glover is hilarious on almost every track and has great lyrics. Beats are awesome and the hook's are the best parts. Most of the hooks are singing which, in my opinion, is awesome for rap music. Camp really shows Gambino's pure talent.
  22. WorstReviews
    Jan 19, 2014
    7
    There is a lot of potential from Childish Gambino. Donald Glovers production and lyrics provide a suprising and actually really good debut hip-hop album. I don't think I would ever see such a nerd and different type of person provide such an emotional and outlandish album. The album suffers from odd placement and a generic rapper standpoint (but still manages to do it better) and it's justThere is a lot of potential from Childish Gambino. Donald Glovers production and lyrics provide a suprising and actually really good debut hip-hop album. I don't think I would ever see such a nerd and different type of person provide such an emotional and outlandish album. The album suffers from odd placement and a generic rapper standpoint (but still manages to do it better) and it's just fun. Potential. 7/10 Good.… Expand
  23. allanvanvliet
    Nov 20, 2011
    9
    "Camp" is Childish Gambino's strongest offering yet, hands down. His songs are real reflections on the real life of a real dude, and he has no problem calling it like he sees it. Donald Glover is honing his musical style, and this album shows how very close he is to perfection.
  24. Michaelkirkpat
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    One of the better commentaries of the world through the medium of hip-hop. Blends funny with intensity better than any album ever, if not at least in a long time. Once Donald glover gets someone to make him decent beats, the sky is the limit, which may not be a good thing.
  25. PaperCoversRock
    Dec 9, 2011
    10
    To be honest I hated Childish Gambino before "Culdesac" was released. This is due to the fact that EVERYTHING that's said in Pitchforks "review" can be applied to all of Mr.Glovers music prior to that record.

    I hated his voice, His lyrics and word-play were weak at best, and he used the indie-hipster thing has a novelty crutch. Even he's admitted to all of these things. But since he's    To be honest I hated Childish Gambino before "Culdesac" was released. This is due to the fact that EVERYTHING that's said in Pitchforks "review" can be applied to all of Mr.Glovers music prior to that record.

    I hated his voice, His lyrics and word-play were weak at best, and he used the indie-hipster thing has a novelty crutch. Even he's admitted to all of these things.

    But since he's gotten better every step of the way. Is he the greatest rapper of all time? absolutely not, nor does he ever claim to be *cough* lil' wayne*cough*. But the honesty in his lyrics, and his innate ability to just be himself regardless of what everyone else thinks or says *cough* Pitchfork *cough* more than makes up for his ever growing yet still very young talent.

    What everyone hates about Camp, I love. His ability to be serious one second but then talk about the nastiest most vulgar things the next is amazingly sincere. Tupac,Biggie, Talib, Mos Def, Black Thought, Common, Kanye, Jay-z...everyone does this. Everyone has party tracks and deep retrospective tracks, everyone has clever wordplay and awful one-liners.

    Camp is just another step on CG's step toward becoming a better artist. Is it a perfect album?far from it. But it was perfect for Childish at the time that he made it, and that's all that matters.    … Expand
  26. Torontonaut
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Better than I thought it would be! In terms of down sides, his raps do tend to get actually Childish, he says a few silly things, he needs to work on his singing- it's good, but not good enough, lyrics could stand to switch up in terms of flow and content- delivery is sometimes a bit weak. Other than that, Childish is a monster when it comes to one-liners that u cant help but tell all urBetter than I thought it would be! In terms of down sides, his raps do tend to get actually Childish, he says a few silly things, he needs to work on his singing- it's good, but not good enough, lyrics could stand to switch up in terms of flow and content- delivery is sometimes a bit weak. Other than that, Childish is a monster when it comes to one-liners that u cant help but tell all ur friends, the production value of the album is phenomenal, and his ability to speak so freely to the listener makes you want to listen to what he's actually saying, it's not just a bunch of crap. All in all, very entertaining album, some good music, great replay value !… Expand
  27. JMaG420
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Honestly, i heard about Donald rapping a couple years ago & truthfully thought nothing of it, didnt take it too serious. Recently, I had caught wind of the Bonfire song, and it really opened my eyes. Childish Gambino as he calls himself is far cries away from his TV character on Community. That said with his experience in comedic writing, he brings that his rhymes which makes for some veryHonestly, i heard about Donald rapping a couple years ago & truthfully thought nothing of it, didnt take it too serious. Recently, I had caught wind of the Bonfire song, and it really opened my eyes. Childish Gambino as he calls himself is far cries away from his TV character on Community. That said with his experience in comedic writing, he brings that his rhymes which makes for some very clever lines. Some of the songs are not as strong as others, some feels a bit uneven. This album is definitely worth the listen and some respect of the hip-hop game. Favorite Tracks - Backpackers, Bonfire, Hold You Down, You See Me… Expand
  28. BenUrbs
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    This CD has been worth the wait. Out of all the rap artists I listen to, which is about 4, Gambino is hands down the best. I love his lyrics, as some of them make you think. I also like how each song has a different sound and flow to them. This is, in my opinion, some of his best work yet. If only Freaks and Geeks was on this CD, then it would be even better.
  29. ffd123
    Nov 29, 2011
    10
    A really good album the only disappointment is that childish gambino didn't debut this album on a big record label. He has a way with story telling and his beats have a way of staying in your head way after the songs over. The album is filled wit songs that fit whatever mood your feeling. When your ready to take a break from mainstream rap/hip-hop give this album a listen I promise youA really good album the only disappointment is that childish gambino didn't debut this album on a big record label. He has a way with story telling and his beats have a way of staying in your head way after the songs over. The album is filled wit songs that fit whatever mood your feeling. When your ready to take a break from mainstream rap/hip-hop give this album a listen I promise you won't regret it.… Expand
  30. theslenderman
    Aug 1, 2012
    9
    To be honest I didn't have high expectations for this album, but after a listen through I realized that Donald Glover can really rap, to listen to topics in songs like racial intolerance, growing up in the projects, working hard, and lyrics that relate to his experience with racial groups not accepting him, about losing people close, and family, I find my self rather enjoying the album.itTo be honest I didn't have high expectations for this album, but after a listen through I realized that Donald Glover can really rap, to listen to topics in songs like racial intolerance, growing up in the projects, working hard, and lyrics that relate to his experience with racial groups not accepting him, about losing people close, and family, I find my self rather enjoying the album.it deviates from a lot of rap today, dont get me started about how its on the other side of the spectrum if young money is on one side. its genuine music that has had effort put into it, and it shows. Good Work.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2011
9
#9 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Mojo
    May 31, 2012
    80
    The identity-crisis themed Camp trumps through whip-smart intelligence, comic brio and bristling malign intent. [Jan 2012, p.90]
  2. Under The Radar
    Jan 19, 2012
    70
    The star here is Glover's malleability, as he can move from a club banger such as "Heartbeat" to something as sensitive as "All the Shine," a plaintive, yearning song about his own shortcomings. [#39, p. 75]
  3. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Jan 4, 2012
    91
    It's less surefire than Culdesac. But it's more satisfying emotionally.
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