As “Childish Gambino,” Donald Glover performs on Arsenio, explains his current thoughts and goals

The artist formerly known as Donald Glover made an appearance Tuesday night on The Arsenio Hall Show in his sleepwear and slippers, performing one of his new songs (“Shadows”) and chatting with Arsenio beforehand.

Arsenio introduced Glover as Childish Gambino and waited for the audience to figure it out. Just as Glover himself explained in listing “N/A” under his occupation when filling out forms for taxes or other purposes. “I don’t know what you want me to say here, but whatever it is, you’ll figure it out.”

If you’re looking for answers, here’s what Childish Gambino had to offer last night…

On leaving NBC’s Community this season: “I just wanted to do something else. That was it. I don’t think there’s really much more to it. I wish I could say something other than that, but, I just wanted to do other stuff. Just other stuff.”

On how the Internet can give you evidence you need to prove any theory, no matter how false it may be: “Everybody thinks I’m Danny Glover’s son. I am not.”

On leaving acting to pursue a rap career: “I don’t consider myself a rapper. I don’t think I’m a rapper. I can rap. But I don’t think I’m a rapper. I want to do a bunch of stuff.” And: “Rappers don’t want to be rappers…I don’t think any rapper wants to be just a rapper.”

On the reactions to his recent Instagram confessional: “I didn’t think that would be a big deal at all.”

“It’s always important to care about what other people think, because that’s what connects us. I want to do the best thing I can, but sometimes, it stops. I’m insecure. I feel weird about a bunch of stuff. I mean, I’m awkward about stuff. But. I just. I wish I didn’t feel that way so much that it stopped me from doing what I really love doing. Because everybody’s afraid. You know. Everybody’s so afraid now of offending, or being misunderstood, and that’s gonna happen.”

He noted that “Katt Williams kind of does it,” too, in reference to stand-up comedians who also rap.

And as for Glover’s confessed fear of becoming like Tyrese? “I’m surprised he hasn’t like said anything yet to me, yet.” He clarified: “I just don’t want to be OK with wherever I’m at. I never want to settle. I never want to be like just happy with where I’m at. I always want to be going for better. So like, that’s all I meant. I just always want to get better at stuff.”

Put on your T-shirt and boxers, or strip down, if need be, and embrace the future.

Roll the clips!

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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