In a time when most television networks, radio stations, news sources and other informational platforms have been curated for audience reaction and become more and more polarized by the second, Donald Glover is giving us the real deal in one of the most palatable ways possible for this generation: a music video. After hosting Saturday Night Live and later performing as Childish Gambino in the same show, the multi-talented artist delivered yet another gem (aka a wakeup call for the United States) by way of a song/visual offering for his brand new track, “This is America.”

Directed by Hiro Murai (who many of you may recognize as a frequent collaborator of Glover’s) with choreography from Sherrie Silver, Gambino’s fresh music video weaves viewers in and out of scenes of joy and chaos, all relative to the current state of the country. Touching on themes such as gun control, police brutality, the entertainment industry, effects of slavery and capitalism on the black community, resisitance, society’s reactions (or lack thereof) to surrounding turbulence and so so much more (honestly there is so much to unpack folks), “This is America” is one piece of art that's directly targeting societal contradictions. After a week of (in my opinion) excessive conversation surrounding tweets and interviews with rapper Kanye West, it’s a refreshing breath to turn our heads to something new. Or something familiar, rather. A bit too real to turn away from. Press play above to watch the video in full and listen out for features from Young Thug, Quavo, Blocboy JB, Slim Jxmmi and 21 Savage throughout.

Words: Vanessa Feder