Hollywood Popular Artists

Jun 26th 2012, 17:35

Bimonthly, we'll take an artist on the rise on the MTV Music Meter and, to help you discover them a little more, detail some of their philanthropic tendencies -- from Mika to Ellie Goulding. This week, Childish Gambino!

"Community" star and MTV Music Meter regular Donald Glover would be my dream man if he were 6 inches taller. Yes, I am one of those obnoxious short girls who holds men to unfairly high standards, literally. But what he lacks in height, he makes up for in heart…and rap skills. Donald is a writer, an actor, and now a musician whose rapping alter ego, Childish Gambino, has hit this year's music festival circuit by storm. And if being good at everything isn't enough, Donald is also a really good person. Like, really good. Here are a few reasons why:

+ He raps for charity.

Tonight, Childish Gambino is playing a benefit concert at the Celebrate Brooklyn! event in Prospect Park, NY. The event will benefit BRIC, a non-profit organization that offers free and low-cost music entertainment and arts education programs to people of all ages.

+ He raps about real stuff.

From brokenness, to bullying, to racism and racial stereotypes, Childish Gambino's debut album "Camp" speaks openly about his life and struggles, and reminds us -- not only that he is a real person -- but also that real people can do unreal things. Listen to "Outside" for some especially deep and inspiring lyrics about his childhood.

+ He Tweets at his dad.

Childish Gambino obviously got his amazing sense of humor from Grownup Gambino. I have yet to come to terms with the fact that my parents are watching my every Twitter move, but Donald fully embraces it.

+ He helps struggling and upcoming artists.

Childish Gambino recently sold a personalized vinyl copy of his album "Camp" on celebrity charity auction site Charity Buzz. Proceeds from the sale went to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, an organization that provides financial assistance to ill and disabled career musicians.

+ He thinks that Super Mario 64 is the best videogame ever.

If you don't know what Nintendo 64 is, please don't ask because I'm not ready to feel old yet. If you are old were a kid before video game controllers began to resemble the inside of an alien spaceship, Donald Glover will totally 1UP the competition after you read this.

+ He raps about famous poets.

Has any other rapper ever mentioned E.E. Cummings in a song?! Childish Gambino's lyrics are always laced with meaning and punch lines that make our inner nerds blush and giggle simultaneously. If there was ever a short man I'd wear flats for, it's Troy Barnes…I mean Donald Glover…I mean Childish Gambino…I mean…

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