Childish Gambino has described his forthcoming release, STN MTN / KAUAI, as a bridge between his latest album, Because the Internet, and his next full-length release. Speaking to interviewers backstage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the rapper shared more details of the mysterious new release.
“We have the Gangsta Grillz mixtape coming out. I feel like it’s the first concept mixtape ever,” Gambino told Billboard. “It’s a mixtape that goes into the EP but they’re connected. It’s the same character and the same story from Because the Internet and Camp. It’s kind of like a nice in-between for the next album.”
The multi-talented rapper, actor, and stand-up comedian announced that he would release a new mixtape via DJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz imprint late last month, though no release date is set. The project’s title is presumed to be a tribute to Glover’s hometown of Stone Mountain, Georgia and Hawaii’s Kauai island.
In a recent interview with Pete Rosenberg on Stateside hip-hop station Hot97, the rapper, whose real name is Donald Glover, explained that STN MTN / KAUAI is in fact a two-part project, which will be comprised of a free mixtape, titled STN MTN, and an EP, KAUAI, which will be available for purchase.
Last week, Glover unveiled the first track to be taken from the project, an R&B-style ballad titled Sober, which features Glover singing in a style reminiscent of The Weeknd and Michael Jackson, with an ’80s-style beat that channels Frank Ocean. According to a tweet from Glover, Sober will appear on KAUAI.
Childish Gambino Backstage Q&A at iHeartRadio Music Festival 2014
Childish Gambino Interview with Pete Rosenberg on Hot97
