Childish Gambino's new album Awaken, My Love! is a musical departure for the rapper, who uses multiple singing voices throughout. He's even had to reassure fans that that's him on the album, saying, “I think people hear ‘Redbone’ and they’re like ‘Oh he switched all his vocals.’ And like, there was no vocal pitching on the album. I just sang differently… some sounds on it aren’t instruments at all. They’re just my voice, or just clicks on my tongue.”

One person feeling the new sound is Parliament and Funkadelic founder George Clinton who spoke to Hip-Hop DX about its influences, among which is Clinton's own P-Funk sound. “I just heard it one time and I like the songs,” he said. “I’m aware of his music and know he’s into P-Funk, so I know it’s going to be some good music. I haven’t had a chance to get all the way into it. When I did hear it, it sounded like a cross between P-Funk and Prince influence. I’m proud that he’s into the funk and glad him and others are bringing some new funk back.”

To understand some of Gambino's new sound and aesthetic look no further than his recent Tonight Show performance in which he sung "Redbone" sans shirt or shoes. As he promotes the new album, Gambino’s other outlet, his FX show Atlanta, continues to rake in the recognition, the Critics’ Choice Awards crowning him Best Actor in a Comedy Series. Atlanta was recognized by the Golden Globes as well, nominated for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy.

The musician has gone on record to attribute funk as an influence on the new album with Clinton repaying the respects.

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