Because the Internet
{{short description|2013 studio album by Childish Gambino}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Distinguish|Because Internet{{!}}Because Internet}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Because the Internet
| type = studio
| artist = Childish Gambino
| cover = Childish-gambino-because-the-internet.gif
| alt = A man wearing a tropical-themed shirt stares at the viewer. After a few seconds, the animated image fuzzes out quickly, showing strong brush-like strokes. The image becomes blurred and eventually quickly turns back to its original image.
| caption = Album cover GIF
| released = {{Start date|2013|12|10}}
| recorded = 2012–2013
| venue =
| studio = The Temple, Los Angeles, California
| genre = Hip hop
| length = {{Duration|m=57|s=52}}
| label = Glassnote
| producer =
- Childish Gambino
- Christian Rich
- Ludwig Göransson
- Pop Levi
- Stefan Ponce
- Thundercat
| prev_title = Royalty
| prev_year = 2012
| next_title = STN MTN / Kauai
| next_year = 2014
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Because the Internet
| type = studio
| single1 = 3005
| single1date = October 22, 2013
| single2 = Crawl
| single2date = February 7, 2014
| single3 = Sweatpants
| single3date = June 9, 2014
| single4 = Telegraph Ave.
| single4date = August 19, 2014
}}
}}
Because the Internet is the second studio album by American rapper Donald Glover, under the stage name Childish Gambino. It was released on December 10, 2013, by Glassnote Records. The recording process began in 2012 and ended in October 2013. Recording primarily took place at a mansion owned by basketball player Chris Bosh, which Gambino rented. The album features guest appearances from Chance the Rapper, Problem, Jhené Aiko, and Azealia Banks, with production primarily handled by Gambino himself, Stefan Ponce, and Ludwig Göransson, among others.
Because the Internet was supported by four singles: "3005", "Crawl", "Sweatpants", and "Telegraph Ave.". Gambino also released a short film titled Clapping for the Wrong Reasons and a 72-page screenplay to go along with the album in promotion of it.
Because the Internet received generally positive reviews from critics. It also performed well commercially, debuting at number seven on the US Billboard 200 and number 12 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in February 2016. As of November 2016, the album has sold 992,000 album-equivalent units in the United States.
Background
In July 2013, Gambino signed on to create a music-themed show for FX titled Atlanta, a series which premiered on September 6, 2016, and which he stars in, writes, and executive produces. Consequently, he decided to reduce his work for NBC, and only appeared in five episodes of Community{{'}}s 13-episode fifth season. His role was reduced in order to work more on his music career.{{cite web |last=Phaneuf |first=Whitney |url=http://www.hitfix.com/news/childish-gambino-releases-first-single-3005-official-date-for-new-album-listen#HPzhbzyeExMFW5AS.99 |title=Childish Gambino releases first single 3005, official date for new album: Listen |work=HitFix |date=October 23, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027034039/http://www.hitfix.com/news/childish-gambino-releases-first-single-3005-official-date-for-new-album-listen#HPzhbzyeExMFW5AS.99 |archive-date=October 27, 2013 }}{{cite web|last=Itzkoff|first=Dave|date=July 9, 2013|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/09/donald-glover-reduces-his-course-load-on-community/|title=Donald Glover Reduces His Course Load on 'Community'|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 17, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714124053/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/09/donald-glover-reduces-his-course-load-on-community/|archive-date=July 14, 2013}}{{cite magazine |author=Erin Coulehan |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/donald-glover-to-create-and-star-in-new-comedy-series-20130806 |title=Donald Glover to Create and Star in New Musical Comedy Series for FX | Culture News |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=August 6, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005103953/http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/donald-glover-to-create-and-star-in-new-comedy-series-20130806 |archive-date=October 5, 2013 }}{{cite web |last=Adalian |first=Josef |url=http://www.vulture.com/2013/07/donald-glover-will-spend-less-time-on-community-season-five.html |title=Donald Glover Will Spend Less Time on Community |date=July 8, 2013 |publisher=Vulture |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017192219/http://www.vulture.com/2013/07/donald-glover-will-spend-less-time-on-community-season-five.html |archive-date=October 17, 2013 }}
On October 4, 2013, Gambino announced on Twitter that his second studio album was completed.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/childish-gambino-reveals-sophomore-album-is-done-news.7534.html|title=Childish Gambino Reveals That Sophomore Album Is Done|work=hotnewhiphop|access-date=October 27, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013114859/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/childish-gambino-reveals-sophomore-album-is-done-news.7534.html|archive-date=October 13, 2013}} He further revealed details at Homecoming Week at Penn State on October 7, stating that "I got a new album coming out soon, so this is the last time we're gonna play a lot of this shit."{{cite web |url=http://onwardstate.com/2013/10/07/childish-gambino-kicks-off-homecoming-week/ |title=Childish Gambino Kicks Off Homecoming Week |publisher=Onward State |date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013225910/http://onwardstate.com/2013/10/07/childish-gambino-kicks-off-homecoming-week/ |archive-date=October 13, 2013 }} The same day, he premiered a new song titled "Yaphet Kotto".{{cite web |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/10/watch-childish-gambino-debuts-song-from-new-album/ |title=Watch: Childish Gambino debuts song from new album |work=Consequence |date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030073109/http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/10/watch-childish-gambino-debuts-song-from-new-album/ |archive-date=October 30, 2013 }}
On October 8, 2013, Gambino released a teaser video for the album, which he announced as being titled Because the Internet and that it would be released in December 2013.{{cite web |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/10/childish-gambino-to-release-new-album-because-the-internet-this-winter/ |title=Childish Gambino to release new album Because the Internet this winter |work=Consequence |date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020142511/http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/10/childish-gambino-to-release-new-album-because-the-internet-this-winter/ |archive-date=October 20, 2013 }} Gambino told MTV that singer Beck gave him the idea for the album title.{{cite web |last=Alexis |first=Nadeska |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1716148/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-beck.jhtml |title=Childish Gambino's Because The Internet Started As A Punch Line With Beck – Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028225555/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1716148/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-beck.jhtml |archive-date=October 28, 2013 }} He explained the title, saying: "Because the internet I'm here, because of the internet we're all here. It's the language of earth. Everyone keeps saying by this or that year, Mandarin or Spanish will be the most dominant language, but the internet is already a language we are all connected to; even my dad can understand the meme format. But the thing is, there are no rules, which is also the awesome thing."{{cite web |last=Weekes |first=Jabbari |url=http://exclaim.ca/News/childish_gambino_discusses_because_internet_complexity_of_web-era_issues |title=Childish Gambino Discusses 'Because the Internet' and the Complexity of Web-era Issues • News • |work=Exclaim! |date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113235230/http://exclaim.ca/News/childish_gambino_discusses_because_internet_complexity_of_web-era_issues |archive-date=November 13, 2013 }}
After the release date announcement, Gambino stated he was upset since Glassnote Records wanted to push back its release to 2014, which he said was because "it's not a holiday record and I'm not a big artist".{{cite web |url=http://www.grantland.com/blog/hollywood-prospectus/post/_/id/90103/maybe-donald-glover-is-having-a-harder-time-than-we-realized |title=Maybe Donald Glover Is Having a Harder Time Than We Realized – Hollywood Prospectus Blog |work=Grantland |date=October 18, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184401/http://www.grantland.com/blog/hollywood-prospectus/post/_/id/90103/maybe-donald-glover-is-having-a-harder-time-than-we-realized |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }} He responded to this, saying: "If it wasn't gonna be released then, I was gonna release it myself. What's the point of waiting? I feel like that's the only time people would be able to listen to it. December is the perfect time. Albums made a really big impact on me when I was alone and everything was quiet, and I know that's when students go home, that's when everything is closed, so it's a good time to just listen to something and be yourself." On October 21, he announced a release date of December 10, 2013, for the album.{{cite web |last=Mayorga |first=Dean |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25727/title.childish-gambino-because-the-internet-release-date |title=Childish Gambino 'because the internet' Release Date | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |work=HipHopDX |date=October 21, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025214736/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25727/title.childish-gambino-because-the-internet-release-date |archive-date=October 25, 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/childish_gambino_premieres_new_single_3005_announces_because_the_internet_r |title=Childish Gambino premieres new single, "3005," announces 'Because The Internet' release date |work=Alternative Press |date=October 22, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029222413/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/childish_gambino_premieres_new_single_3005_announces_because_the_internet_r |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }}
Recording and production
File:Azealia Banks 2012 NME Awards cropped.jpg made an appearance on the album track "Earth: The Oldest Computer (The Last Night)".]]
On November 4, 2012, producer Ludwig Göransson said in an interview, he and Gambino were in his studio coming up with new ideas for Gambino's next album. Göransson said it was to be a bigger album than his debut, Camp, with more people involved.{{cite web|url=http://portable.tv/culture/post/meet-ludwig-goransson-the-dude-behind-the-music-on-community-happy-endings-and-the-new-girl/ |title=Meet Ludwig Goransson: The Dude Behind The Music On Community, Happy Endings And The New Girl |last1=Morrow |first1=Sean |date=November 1, 2012 |publisher=Portable |access-date=February 1, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127030939/http://portable.tv/culture/post/meet-ludwig-goransson-the-dude-behind-the-music-on-community-happy-endings-and-the-new-girl/ |archive-date=January 27, 2015 }} Over the following months, Gambino disappeared from social media, remaining reclusive while recording material for the album.{{cite magazine |last=Dodds |first=Eric |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2013/07/29/where-is-donald-glover/ |title=Where is Donald Glover? |magazine=Time |date=July 29, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192239/http://entertainment.time.com/2013/07/29/where-is-donald-glover/ |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }} The album was primarily recorded in Miami Heat player Chris Bosh's mansion in Los Angeles, which Gambino dubbed "The Temple". There, he kept strict rules, which included "no tweeting or instagramming", "no shoes", and "work begins at 10 am". In October 2013, he revealed that he had collaborated with Kid Cudi on a song, but the song would not be featured on the album.{{cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/10/childish-gambino-and-kid-cudi-are-making-a-song-together/ |title=Childish Gambino And Kid Cudi Are Making A Song Together |work=XXL |date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019114910/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/10/childish-gambino-and-kid-cudi-are-making-a-song-together/ |archive-date=October 19, 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://hiphopwired.com/2013/10/14/kid-cudi-childish-gambino-track-works/ |title=KiD CuDi & Childish Gambino Have A Track in the Works? |work=hiphopwired |date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015093536/http://hiphopwired.com/2013/10/14/kid-cudi-childish-gambino-track-works/ |archive-date=October 15, 2013 }} In October 2013, during a Toronto listening session, Gambino revealed Jhené Aiko as one of the album's guest appearances.{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/11/childish-gambino-toronto-listening |title=Childish Gambino Toronto Listening |work=Complex |date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112202107/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/11/childish-gambino-toronto-listening |archive-date=November 12, 2013 }} He also collaborated with American rappers Chance the Rapper and Azealia Banks on the album.{{cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/check-childish-gambinos-album-cover-internet/ |title=UPDATE: Check Out Childish Gambino's Album Cover & Track List For 'Because The Internet' |work=XXL |date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212040726/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/check-childish-gambinos-album-cover-internet/ |archive-date=December 12, 2013 }}
Cover art
The cover is an animated GIF of Gambino staring at the viewer, which quickly fuzzes out after a few seconds (with strong brush-like strokes blurring his features to the point where he is unrecognizable) as if it had jumped at the viewer, in a process similar to zooming in. The GIF format is a reference to the internet, which made it popular.{{cite web|last=Eakin|first=Marah|date=November 7, 2013|title=The art for Childish Gambino's Because The Internet is a GIF, because the Internet|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/the-art-for-childish-gambinos-embecause-the-intern-105312|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219124038/http://www.avclub.com/article/the-art-for-childish-gambinos-embecause-the-intern-105312|archive-date=February 19, 2014|access-date=February 4, 2014|work=The A.V. Club}} Certain physical versions of the album function with lenticular printing to mimic the animation effect.{{cite web|date=December 1, 2013|title=Childish Gambino Reveals 'Because The Internet' Album Packaging|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/childish-gambino-reveals-internet-album-packaging/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002942/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/childish-gambino-reveals-internet-album-packaging/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=March 18, 2016|work=XXL}} The cover was shot by American photographer Autumn de Wilde.{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2244868/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-turns-10/reviews/the-anniversary/|title=Because The Internet Turns 10|website=Stereogum|last=Srour|first=Yousef|date=December 8, 2023|access-date=April 17, 2025}}
Promotion
On January 11, 2012, Gambino announced he would be releasing a new mixtape soon.{{cite web|url=http://iamdonald.com/post/15682866827/childish-gambino |title=Mixtape Coming Soon |work=iamdonald |date=January 11, 2012 |access-date=July 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630051011/http://iamdonald.com/post/15682866827/childish-gambino |archive-date=June 30, 2012 }} The mixtape Royalty was released on July 4, 2012, to positive critical reception.{{cite web |url=http://www.stereogum.com/1083922/download-childish-gambino-royalty-mixtape/mp3s/ |title=Download Childish Gambino Royalty Mixtape |work=Stereogum |date=July 4, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191325/http://www.stereogum.com/1083922/download-childish-gambino-royalty-mixtape/mp3s/ |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://stereogum.com/1090462/mixtape-of-the-week-childish-gambino-royalty/franchises/mixtape-of-the-week/ |title=Mixtape of the Week: Childish Gambino Royalty |work=Stereogum |date=July 11, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191524/http://www.stereogum.com/1090462/mixtape-of-the-week-childish-gambino-royalty/franchises/mixtape-of-the-week/ |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }}{{cite web |author=at on |url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/07/childish-gambino-royalty.html |title=Childish Gambino: Royalty :: Music :: Reviews :: Paste |work=Paste |date=July 10, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101205830/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/07/childish-gambino-royalty.html |archive-date=November 1, 2013 }} The mixtape featured guest appearances by Nipsey Hussle, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Danny Brown, Tina Fey, Chance the Rapper, Beck, Ghostface Killah and RZA, among others.{{cite web |url=http://www.djbooth.net/index/albums/review/childish-gambino-royalty |title=Childish Gambino – Royalty – Download & Stream |work=DJBooth |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193455/http://www.djbooth.net/index/albums/review/childish-gambino-royalty |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }}
On July 23, 2013, Gambino released a promotional single named "Centipede".{{cite web |last=Dionne |first=Zach |url=http://www.vulture.com/2013/07/childish-gambino-centipede.html |title=Childish Gambino Releases 'Centipede' for Free |publisher=Vulture |date=September 5, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190546/http://www.vulture.com/2013/07/childish-gambino-centipede.html |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }} The song opens with Gambino singing a cappella before "giving way to a spacey beat built around a chunky piano riff" and Gambino's confident rap delivery.{{cite magazine |last=Ross |first=Dalton |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/07/24/childish-gambino-centipede-donald-glover/ |title=Childish Gambino gives away awesome new song 'Centipede': Hear it here | EW.com |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=July 24, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926101221/http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/07/24/childish-gambino-centipede-donald-glover/ |archive-date=September 26, 2013 }} The outro of "Centipede" samples a part from an online mini-documentary about and featuring Charles Hamilton, "Behind the Lava Lamp".{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/4433216/childish-gambino-releases-new-song-centipede-listen |title=Childish Gambino Releases New Song, 'Centipede': Listen |magazine=Billboard |date=July 25, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906022030/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/4433216/childish-gambino-releases-new-song-centipede-listen |archive-date=September 6, 2013 }} On August 15, 2013, Gambino released a short film, Clapping for the Wrong Reasons. In the film Gambino previews new music and it features cameo appearances by producer Flying Lotus, actor Danielle Fishel, porn star Abella Anderson, and fellow rappers Trinidad James and Chance the Rapper.{{cite web |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/08/watch-childish-gambinos-short-film-clapping-for-the-wrong-reasons/ |title=Watch Childish Gambino's short film, Clapping for the Wrong Reasons |work=Consequence |date=August 15, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030023242/http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/08/watch-childish-gambinos-short-film-clapping-for-the-wrong-reasons/ |archive-date=October 30, 2013 }}{{cite magazine |last=Ross |first=Dalton |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2013/08/16/donald-glover-clapping-wrong-reasons/ |title=Donald Glover short film is weird and thought-provoking | EW.com |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=August 16, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211032010/http://popwatch.ew.com/2013/08/16/donald-glover-clapping-wrong-reasons/ |archive-date=December 11, 2013 }}
On October 25, 2013, in an interview with Power 105, Gambino stated he wanted to have a "dope roll out" for the album, which he said would also include a film.{{cite web |author=Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) |url=http://allhiphop.com/2013/10/25/childish-gambino-nothing-was-the-same-felt-like-it-was-here-and-then-gone/ |title=Childish Gambino: "Nothing Was The Same" Felt Like It Was Here And Then Gone |date=October 25, 2013 |publisher=AllHipHop |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026175933/http://allhiphop.com/2013/10/25/childish-gambino-nothing-was-the-same-felt-like-it-was-here-and-then-gone/ |archive-date=October 26, 2013 }} Later that week, he told XXL that the album would also come with a screenplay.{{cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/childish-gambino-afraid-future/ |title=Childish Gambino Is Afraid of the Future |work=XXL |date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207051844/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/childish-gambino-afraid-future/ |archive-date=December 7, 2013 }} On December 6, 2013, Gambino released a 72-page screenplay designed to sync up with the album. It was revealed on the website becausetheinter.net. The screenplay, which is light on dialogue and involves stage directions that are written out Internet-speak and emojis, was accompanied by short, silent clips from Clapping for the Wrong Reasons, and songs from the album were included to be played as the story unfolds. The central character, The Boy, lives in a mansion and spends his days tweeting at celebrities and posting videos to WorldStarHipHop. Everywhere The Boy goes, he sees the words "Roscoe's Wetsuit." Eventually, he's forced to sell drugs.{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-screenplay |title=In Case 'Because The Internet' Didn't Make Sense, Childish Gambino Wrote A 75-Page Screenplay To Go With It |work=Complex |access-date=December 9, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209210506/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-screenplay |archive-date=December 9, 2013 }} Gambino prefaces the screenplay with a notice indicating that Clapping for the Wrong Reasons is considered a prelude, intending it to be viewed before reading the screenplay.{{cite web|url=http://becausetheinter.net |title=because the internet : script |work=becausetheinter |access-date=December 7, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205092914/http://becausetheinter.net/ |archive-date=December 5, 2014 }}
On January 7, 2014, Gambino used a video chat with Abella Anderson to announce The Deep Web tour. The tour featured 22 concerts and ran from February 27, through May 3, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/childish-gambino-deep-web-tour-dates|title=Childish Gambino Releases Upcoming Tour Dates Through Web Chat with Former Adult Film Star Abella Anderson|author=Edwin Ortiz|work=Complex|access-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101220850/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/childish-gambino-deep-web-tour-dates|archive-date=November 1, 2014}}
Singles
On October 21, 2013, Gambino released "3005", the album's first official single.{{cite web |author=Luis Tovar |url=http://prettymuchamazing.com/music/childish-gambino-3005 |title=Childish Gambino – "3005" " PMA |work=prettymuchamazing |date=October 21, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021172503/http://prettymuchamazing.com/music/childish-gambino-3005 |archive-date=October 21, 2013 }}{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Gregory |url=http://exclaim.ca/MusicVideo/ClickHear/childish_gambino-3005 |title=Childish Gambino – "3005" • Music / Video • |work=Exclaim! |date=October 21, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024093254/http://exclaim.ca/MusicVideo/ClickHear/childish_gambino-3005 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 }} The following day it was released for digital download on iTunes.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/3005-single/id730989541 |title=iTunes Music – 3005 – Single by Childish Gambino |publisher=iTunes Store |date=October 22, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108032816/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/3005-single/id730989541 |archive-date=November 8, 2013 }} The introspective song was produced by Gambino himself, along with Stefan Ponce and Ludwig Göransson.{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/10/childish-gambino-3005 |title=Childish Gambino "3005" |work=Complex |date=October 21, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028151121/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/10/childish-gambino-3005 |archive-date=October 28, 2013 }} On November 15, 2013, the song's lyric video was premiered on Vevo.{{cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/childish-gambino-web-cams-porn-star-new-video/ |title=Childish Gambino Video Chats With Porn Star in New Video |work=XXL |date=November 15, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000845/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/childish-gambino-web-cams-porn-star-new-video/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 }} The music video was released on December 6, 2013.{{cite web |url=http://atlantablackstar.com/2013/12/06/peep-childish-gambino-3005-worst-guys-videos/ |title=Peep This: Childish Gambino Unveils "3005" And "The Worst Guys" Videos |work=atlantablackstar |date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=December 9, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209130243/http://atlantablackstar.com/2013/12/06/peep-childish-gambino-3005-worst-guys-videos/ |archive-date=December 9, 2013 }}
On February 7, 2014, one of the album's promotional singles "Crawl", was serviced to urban contemporary radio in the United Kingdom as the album's second official single.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist/ |title=BBC Radio 1Xtra Playlist |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204143220/http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist/ |archive-date=February 4, 2014 |url-status=dead }}
On November 25, 2013, "Sweatpants" which features ad-libs from rapper Problem was leaked online, which Gambino responded unfavorably to.{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/25/childish-gambino-sweatpants_n_4338141.html |title=Childish Gambino Not Happy With 'Sweatpants' Leak, Ironic 'Because The Internet' |work=HuffPost |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=December 9, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209165113/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/25/childish-gambino-sweatpants_n_4338141.html |archive-date=December 9, 2013 }} Shortly after, it was made available to those who pre-order the album on iTunes, as the album's first promotional single.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/because-the-internet/id742449868 |title=iTunes Music – Because the Internet by Childish Gambino |publisher=iTunes Store |date=December 10, 2013 |access-date=December 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206084146/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/because-the-internet/id742449868 |archive-date=December 6, 2013 }} The music video for "Sweatpants" was released on April 14, 2014, which concludes with a dream sequence for "Urn".{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/04/childish-gambino-loses-mind-new-video/|title=Childish Gambino Loses His Mind in New Video|work=XXL|date=April 14, 2014 |access-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230111134/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/04/childish-gambino-loses-mind-new-video/|archive-date=December 30, 2014}} "Sweatpants" would later be serviced to urban contemporary radio in the UK as the album's third official single on June 9, 2014.{{cite web|title=Radio 1Xtra Playlist|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist|publisher=BBC|access-date=June 9, 2014|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1402345156UDCEYRALKM?url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist|archive-date=June 9, 2014|date=June 9, 2014}}
On August 19, 2014, the song "Telegraph Ave.", was serviced to rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States as the album's fourth single.{{cite web|title=Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases|publisher=All Access|access-date=August 7, 2014|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1407441342LDYFLFKBDG?url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases|archive-date=August 7, 2014}}
Critical reception
{{Album ratings
| title = Because the Internet ratings
| MC = 64/100{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/because-the-internet/childish-gambino|title=Reviews for Because the Internet by Childish Gambino|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=January 10, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122220145/http://www.metacritic.com/music/because-the-internet/childish-gambino|archive-date=January 22, 2014}}
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|last=Jeffries|first=David|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/because-the-internet-mw0002586630|title=Because the Internet – Childish Gambino|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=December 10, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206054132/http://www.allmusic.com/album/because-the-internet-mw0002586630|archive-date=December 6, 2013}}
| rev2 = The A.V. Club
| rev2Score = B−{{cite web|last=Framke|first=Caroline|url=http://www.avclub.com/review/donald-glover-grows-up-a-bit-with-childish-gambino-200602|title=Donald Glover grows up a bit with Childish Gambino's Because The Internet|work=The A.V. Club|date=December 3, 2013|access-date=December 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404111645/http://www.avclub.com/review/donald-glover-grows-up-a-bit-with-childish-gambino-200602|archive-date=April 4, 2014}}
| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly
| rev3Score = B−{{cite magazine|last1=Smith|first1=Grady|last2=Anderson|first2=Kyle|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2013/12/13/albums-december-20-2013|title=Albums: December 20, 2013|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=December 13, 2013|access-date=December 13, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128011034/http://www.ew.com/article/2013/12/13/albums-december-20-2013|archive-date=November 28, 2015}}
| rev4 = The Guardian
| rev4Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/05/childish-gambino-because-internet-review|title=Childish Gambino: Because the Internet – review|work=The Guardian|date=December 5, 2013|access-date=December 9, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208194309/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/05/childish-gambino-because-internet-review|archive-date=December 8, 2013}}
| rev5 = Los Angeles Times
| rev5Score = {{Rating|2.5|4}}{{cite news|last=Brown|first=August|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-childish-gambino-because-internet-review-20131210,0,3176986.story|title=Review: Childish Gambino's 'Because the Internet' plugs tech life|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=December 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212012427/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-childish-gambino-because-internet-review-20131210,0,3176986.story#axzz2n6YAwK4o|archive-date=December 12, 2013}}
| rev6 = Pitchfork
| rev6Score = 5.8/10{{cite web|last=Jenkins|first=Craig|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18817-childish-gambino-because-the-internet/|title=Childish Gambino: Because the Internet|work=Pitchfork|date=December 12, 2013|access-date=December 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215024118/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18817-childish-gambino-because-the-internet/|archive-date=December 15, 2013}}
| rev7 = Q
| rev7Score = {{Rating|2|5}}{{cite journal|title=Childish Gambino: Because the Internet|journal=Q|issue=331|date=February 2014|page=121}}
| rev8 = Rolling Stone
| rev8Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite magazine|last=Trammell|first=Matthew|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/because-the-internet-20140103|title=Because the Internet|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=January 3, 2014|access-date=January 3, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109033534/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/because-the-internet-20140103|archive-date=January 9, 2014}}
| rev9 = Spin
| rev9Score = 2/10{{cite web|last=Mlynar|first=Phillip|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-worst-new-music/|title=Childish Gambino's Sloppy, Erratic 'Because the Internet' Offers Only Unintentional LOL's|work=Spin|date=December 10, 2013|access-date=December 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211014248/http://www.spin.com/reviews/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-worst-new-music/|archive-date=December 11, 2013}}
| rev10 = XXL
| rev10Score = 4/5{{cite web|last=C. M.|first=Emmanuel|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2013/12/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-album-review/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216231535/http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2013/12/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-album-review/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 16, 2013|title=Childish Gambino Shows His Growth On 'Because The Internet'|work=XXL|date=December 16, 2013|access-date=January 30, 2014}}
}}
Because the Internet was met with generally positive reviews. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received an average score of 64, based on 26 reviews. Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 5.5 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.
Writing for The Boston Globe, Franklin Soults said, "Love Donald Glover or hate him, this writer/actor/comedian/rapper unquestionably ranks among America's most accomplished performers. [...] The production is as rich as the raps, spanning pop, underground R&B, club music, and psychedelic experimentation. The project is further heightened by Glover's knowing irony, his gift for hooks, and his visionary theme. Without making it a burdensome concept to explain and belabor, the Internet figures prominently throughout the disc in ways empowering and emasculating."{{cite web|last=Soults|first=Franklin|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2013/12/10/album-review-childish-gambino-because-internet/HzglYdBKNldwnK6oB47YQJ/story.html|title=Album Review: Childish Gambino, 'Because the Internet'|work=The Boston Globe|date=December 10, 2013|access-date=December 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211192218/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2013/12/10/album-review-childish-gambino-because-internet/HzglYdBKNldwnK6oB47YQJ/story.html|archive-date=December 11, 2013}} Killian Fox, writing for The Observer, said, "Glover reflects on some unsettling phenomena of our internet-addled age, such as the 3D printing of guns – and his restless delivery is matched by jerky, off-kilter production. The results are intriguing, occasionally frustrating, rarely boring."{{cite news|last=Fox|first=Killian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/08/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-review|title=Childish Gambino: because the internet – review|work=The Observer|date=December 8, 2013|access-date=December 9, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208183019/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/08/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-review|archive-date=December 8, 2013}} Jabbari Weekes of Exclaim! said, "Because the Internet is a vast improvement over his debut effort, showcasing an artist who has confidently found a way to coalesce his love for music and films into one hybrid effort."{{cite web|last=Weekes|first=Jabbari|url=http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/HipHop/childish_gambino-because_internet|title=Childish Gambino – Because the Internet|work=Exclaim!|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211032533/http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/HipHop/childish_gambino-because_internet|archive-date=December 11, 2013}} Christian Lee of HipHopDX said, "He raps because, well, he can. Most of all, in his ambitious second album Because The Internet, he raps as if to pass the time. Anxious introverts may recognize what Childish Gambino does here, repeatedly: flit around, try to be sociable, but then flee. Childish Gambino still manages to mostly hold our attention, though, because he concerns himself instead with his own terms."{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Christina|url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2194/title.childish-gambino-because-the-internet|title=Childish Gambino – Because The Internet|work=HipHopDX|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625023307/https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2194/title.childish-gambino-because-the-internet|archive-date=June 25, 2016}} David Jeffries of AllMusic said, "Connecting with the album is nearly impossible, understanding it is difficult, and often enough, its inflated ego is irksome, but Because the Internet is too free and fascinating to be dragged down by these complaints, so if a Yeezus with more flash and fun is what's required, Gambino's got the good stuff."
Perry Kostidakis of the FSView & Florida Flambeau wrote, "From a purely musical standpoint, Because the Internet finds itself in contention for best rap album of 2013. Produced almost solely by Gambino (with help from Community composer Ludwig Goransson), it seems as if BTI is the first rap album this year that is completely confident in what it is."{{cite news|last=Kostidakis|first=Perry|url=http://www.fsunews.com/article/20131209/FSVIEW0107/131208021/Gambino-offers-poignant-musical-experience/|title=Gambino offers poignant musical experience|work=FSView & Florida Flambeau|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215050903/http://www.fsunews.com/article/20131209/FSVIEW0107/131208021/Gambino-offers-poignant-musical-experience/|archive-date=December 15, 2013}} Lizzie Plaugic of CMJ stated in a mixed review, "Because The Internet is not easily dismissible, because it's so self-awarely annoying. It trips over its own feet hoping the cool kids will roll their eyes at it, because behind those eye rolls is a jealousy that Gambino can fall with such nonchalance. Even though Because The Internet is kind of strange and kind of a bummer, it does show Glover's range as a musician."{{cite web|last=Plaugic|first=Lizzie|url=http://www.cmj.com/reviews/childish-gambino-internet/|title=Childish Gambino – Because The Internet|work=CMJ|access-date=December 9, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323005351/http://www.cmj.com/reviews/childish-gambino-internet|archive-date=March 23, 2015}} Craig Jenkins of Pitchfork stated, "With Gambino's wordplay ping-ponging from caustic wit to message board snark, the enduring strength of the album is its production. Gambino and Göransson handle the bulk of it here alongside usual suspect Stefan Ponce and alley oops from twin act Christian Rich and Flying Lotus associate Thundercat. Because the Internet{{'}}s production team not only ensures the sounds are pretty, spacey, and jarring in all the right places, but they also effortlessly nail the album's Dark Side of the Moon/Wizard of Oz synchronicity gambit."
Dom Sinacola of Slant Magazine said, "More than that, it furthers the general message of the whole album, which is that for all his posturing and charm, Glover may not have it in him to participate in the kind of bacchanalia required of his position as a young, burgeoning, multi-talented rap star. Halfway between throwaway wordplay and trenchant comment about fame, the lyric says a lot about where Glover's head is at: As a former sketch comedian, writer on 30 Rock, and star of the sitcom Community, he leans on his wit as his most formidable weapon."{{cite web|last=Sinacola|first=Dom|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/childish-gambino-because-the-internet|title=Childish Gambino: Because the Internet|work=Slant Magazine|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212112238/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/childish-gambino-because-the-internet|archive-date=December 12, 2013}} Philip Cosores of Consequence stated, "Yes, the dedication that Glover has seemingly displayed in the project is admirable. But he just doesn't seem to get music on this album. Maybe it's because of his taste, or because he is trying too hard to stand out, or because of his hubris, or because he has lost touch with reality, or maybe it is because of the internet."{{cite web|last=Cosores|first=Philip|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/12/album-review-childish-gambino-because-the-internet/|title=Childish Gambino – Because the Internet|work=Consequence|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=December 9, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209072810/http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/12/album-review-childish-gambino-because-the-internet/|archive-date=December 9, 2013}} Phillip Mlynar of Spin said, "The only reaction that Because the Internet elicits is the uncontrollable urge to skip to the next song, in hopes that things couldn't possibly get any sloppier. But they do, beginning with the cod-wailing that blights "Crawl" and volleying with the psychedelic muzak of "The Worst Guys" (co-starring Chance the Rapper) and "Zealots of Stockholm (Free Information)," which sounds like Glover has inadvertently locked himself in his practice space and is attempting to muster up a loud enough mess so that some kindly passerby will hear his cries for help. As the album collapses into itself with the closing cut, "Life: The Biggest Troll (Andrew Auernheimer)," we're resigned to existence as a gloopy mess of random thoughts. "Where's the line between Donny G and Gambino?" the rapper muses, but it's unclear whether this is meant as a genuine identity crisis or an all-knowing middle finger to critics. Maybe the entire album is a meme itself, a grand existential joke critiquing the all-conquering rise of Internet culture by parodying its overwhelming randomness. Whatever it is, though, it's a bad rap record."
=Accolades=
It was named the tenth best album of 2013 by Complex. They commented saying, "Because The Internet is unlike any other rap album this year. Musically, it's as ambitious as something Kanye might do. [...] It only leaked last week, but it's some of the most engaging, rewarding music we've heard all year."{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/the-50-best-albums-of-2013/childish-gambino|title=10. Childish Gambino, Because The Internet – The 50 Best Albums of 2013|work=Complex|date=December 10, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212210857/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/the-50-best-albums-of-2013/childish-gambino|archive-date=December 12, 2013}} XXL ranked it at number 15 on their list of best albums of 2013. They elaborated saying, "One of the most creative albums of the year, actor/rapper Childish Gambino meshes both his talents together for a very innovate and impressive album. He ditches the goofy-comedic rap lyrics with introspective bars that tell a story about a boy who is trying to find himself in life. [...] The music itself is really polished and well-produced, showcasing his growth lyrically and musically as he frequently sings on records."{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/the-25-best-albums-of-2013/4/|title=The 25 Best Albums of 2013|work=XXL|date=December 23, 2013|access-date=January 30, 2014|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106184011/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/the-25-best-albums-of-2013/4/|archive-date=November 6, 2014}}
The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2015 Grammy Awards.{{cite web|last=Thompson|first=Paul|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/12/57th-annual-grammy-awards-nominees/|title=57th Annual Grammy Awards Nominees|work=XXL|date=December 5, 2014|access-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209205520/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/12/57th-annual-grammy-awards-nominees/|archive-date=December 9, 2014}}
Commercial performance
Because the Internet debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 96,000 copies in the United States.{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26666/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-12-15-2013 |last=Tardio |first=Andres |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 12/15/2013 |work=HipHopDX |date=December 18, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219031704/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26666/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-12-15-2013 |archive-date=December 19, 2013 }} This would be an 84% increase in first week sales in his home country, compared to his debut album Camp.{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-sales-analysis|title=Not Just Because the Internet: What Childish Gambino's Success Means|author=David Drake|work=Complex|access-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102031846/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/childish-gambino-because-the-internet-sales-analysis|archive-date=November 2, 2014}} In its second week, the album dropped to number 25, selling 28,000 more copies.{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26774/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-12-22-2013 |last=Tardio |first=Andres |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 12/22/2013 |work=HipHopDX |date=December 26, 2013 |access-date=December 26, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227174654/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26774/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-12-22-2013 |archive-date=December 27, 2013 }} In its third week, the album rose to number 20 selling 33,000 more copies in the United States.{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26843/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-12-29-2013 |last=Tardio |first=Andres |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 12/29/2013 |work=HipHopDX |date=January 2, 2014 |access-date=January 2, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102234446/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26843/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-12-29-2013/ |archive-date=January 2, 2014 }} In its fourth week, the album moved up to number 18 on the chart, selling 16,000 more copies in the United States.{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26938/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-1-5-2014 |last=Tardio |first=Andres |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 1/5/2014 |work=HipHopDX |date=January 8, 2014 |access-date=January 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108162825/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26938/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-1-5-2014 |archive-date=January 8, 2014 }} Due to Record Store Day, the week ending April 20, 2014, the album peaked at number one on the US Top Vinyl LPs, selling 3,000 vinyl copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.28478/title.vinyl-sales-record-store-day-week|title=Vinyl Sales: Record Store Day Week|author=HipHopDX|date=April 26, 2014|work=HipHopDX|access-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210004735/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.28478/title.vinyl-sales-record-store-day-week|archive-date=December 10, 2014}} On February 18, 2016, Because the Internet was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over 500,000 copies. As of November 2016, the album has sold 992,000 album-equivalent units in the United States, and on-demand audio and video streams that totaled 1.1 billion.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/magazine-feature/7580497/donald-glover-childish-gambino-atlanta-star-wars |title=Hot Off 'Atlanta,' Donald Glover Prepares for 'Star Wars' & Childish Gambino's Funkadelic-Inspired Return |magazine=Billboard |date=November 17, 2016 |access-date=November 19, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118224518/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/magazine-feature/7580497/donald-glover-childish-gambino-atlanta-star-wars |archive-date=November 18, 2016 }}
Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Because the Internet track listing
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 57:52
| title1 = The Library (Intro)
| writer1 = Donald Glover
| extra1 = Glover
| length1 = 0:04
| title2 = I. Crawl
| writer2 = {{hlist|Glover|Taiwo Hassan|Kehinde Hassan}}
| extra2 = {{hlist|Glover|Christian Rich}}
| length2 = 3:29
| title3 = II. Worldstar
| writer3 = {{hlist|Glover|Ludwig Göransson}}
| extra3 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| length3 = 4:04
| title4 = Dial Up
| writer4 = Glover
| extra4 = Glover
| length4 = 0:44
| title5 = I. The Worst Guys
| note5 = featuring Chance the Rapper
| writer5 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Chancelor Bennett}}
| extra5 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| length5 = 3:39
| title6 = II. Shadows
| writer6 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Stephen Bruner|K. Muhammad}}
| extra6 = {{hlist|Thundercat|Glover|Göransson}}
| length6 = 3:51
| title7 = III. Telegraph Ave. ("Oakland" by Lloyd)
| writer7 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Rochelle Jordan}}
| extra7 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| length7 = 3:30
| title8 = IV. Sweatpants
| note8 = featuring Problem
| writer8 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Jason Martin}}
| extra8 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| length8 = 3:00
| title9 = V. 3005
| writer9 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Stefan Ponce}}
| extra9 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Ponce}}
| length9 = 3:54
| title10 = Playing Around Before the Party Starts
| writer10 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| extra10 = Göransson
| length10 = 0:54
| title11 = I. The Party
| writer11 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Jonathan Levi}}
| extra11 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Pop Levi}}
| length11 = 1:31
| title12 = II. No Exit
| writer12 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Miguel Pimentel}}
| extra12 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| length12 = 2:51
| title13 = Death by Numbers
| writer13 = Glover
| extra13 = Glover
| length13 = 0:43
| title14 = I. Flight of the Navigator
| writer14 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| extra14 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| length14 = 5:44
| title15 = II. Zealots of Stockholm (Free Information)
| writer15 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Lakisha Robinson}}
| extra15 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Sam Spiegel{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length15 = 4:50
| title16 = III. Urn
| writer16 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| extra16 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| length16 = 1:13
| title17 = I. Pink Toes
| note17 = featuring Jhené Aiko
| writer17 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Ponce|Jhené Chilombo}}
| extra17 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Ponce}}
| length17 = 3:27
| title18 = II. Earth: The Oldest Computer (The Last Night)
| note18 = featuring Azealia Banks
| writer18 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson|Azealia Banks}}
| extra18 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| length18 = 4:42
| title19 = III. Life: The Biggest Troll (Andrew Auernheimer)
| writer19 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| extra19 = {{hlist|Glover|Göransson}}
| length19 = 5:42
}}
Notes
- {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies an additional producer
- "3005" is not denoted with a numeral on streaming services.
- Physical versions divide the album into seven acts: 1 (tracks 1-3), 2 (tracks 4-9), 3 (tracks 10-12), 4 (tracks 13-16), 5 (track 17), 6 (track 18) and 7 (track 19).
- Early physical versions erroneously note Macklemore as a featured artist on "II. Earth: The Oldest Computer (The Last Night)".
- "III. Life: The Biggest Troll (Andrew Auernheimer)" is noted as featuring Donald Glover on physical versions.
Personnel
Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Because the Internet|type=CD liner notes|others=Childish Gambino|publisher=Glassnote Records|year=2013|id=02046-0}}
{{Div col|colwidth=35em}}
- Jhené Aiko – featured artist (track 17)
- Erik Arvinder Orchestra – strings (track 19)
- Chris Athens – mastering
- Azealia Banks – featured artist (track 18)
- Chance the Rapper – featured artist (track 5)
- Childish Gambino – primary artist, creative director, executive producer; producer (tracks 1–9, 11–19)
- Andrew Dawson – mixing
- Autumn de Wilde – photography
- Doc Allison – cello (track 2)
- Jens Filipsson – alto sax (track 3)
- Ludwig Göransson – guitar (track 5), producer (tracks 3, 5–12, 14–19)
- Chris Hartz – drums (track 17)
- Rochelle Jordan – background vocals (track 7)
- Kai – additional vocals (track 2)
- Kilo Kish – additional vocals (track 15)
- Pop Levi – producer (track 11)
- Lloyd – additional vocals (track 7)
- Steve G. Lover – backing vocals (track 3)
- Riley Mackin – engineer
- Miguel – additional vocals (track 12)
- Mystikal – background vocals (track 2)
- Edvin Nahlin – fender rhodes (track 3)
- Yesi Ortiz – additional vocals (track 7)
- Stefan Ponce – producer (tracks 9, 17)
- Problem – additional vocals (track 8)
- Christian Rich – producer (track 2)
- Ruben Rivera – engineer
- Brian Roettinger – art direction
- Sam Spiegel – additional production (track 15)
- Swank – background vocals (track 3)
- S-X – additional drum programming (track 5)
- Thundercat – bass, background vocals (track 17); producer (track 6)
- Fam Udeorji – creative director, executive producer
{{div col end}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for Because the Internet ! scope="col"| Chart (2013–2014) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{album chart|Australia|37|artist=Childish Gambino|album=Because the Internet|rowheader=true|access-date=December 21, 2013}} |
| scope="row"| Australian Urban Albums (ARIA){{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue%201242.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20131216034200/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20131216-1442/Issue%201242.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 16, 2013|title=ARIA Report|publisher=ARIA|access-date=July 14, 2014}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
| 3 |
|---|
| {{album chart|BillboardCanada|12|artist=Childish Gambino|rowheader=true|access-date=December 19, 2013}} |
| {{album chart|UKR&B|6|date=20131215|rowheader=true|access-date=December 18, 2013}} |
| {{album chart|Billboard200|7|artist=Childish Gambino|rowheader=true|access-date=December 19, 2013|refname=Billboard 200}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|3|artist=Childish Gambino|rowheader=true|access-date=December 19, 2013}} |
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+2013 year-end chart performance for Because the Internet ! scope="col"| Chart (2013) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| Australian Urban Albums (ARIA){{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-urban-albums-2013.htm|title=Top 50 Urban Albums 2013|publisher=ARIA|access-date=July 14, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126042909/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-urban-albums-2013.htm|archive-date=January 26, 2014}}
| 50 |
|---|
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+2015 year-end chart performance for Because the Internet ! scope="col"| Chart (2015) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| US Billboard 200{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/top-billboard-200-albums|title=Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 8, 2020}}
| 123 |
|---|
| scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 8, 2020}}
| 48 |
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for Because the Internet}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Childish Gambino|title=Because The Internet|award=Gold|relyear=2013|certyear=2019|access-date=September 2, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Canada|artist=Childish Gambino|title=Because The Internet|award=Platinum|relyear=2013|certyear=2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|title=Because the Internet|artist=Childish Gambino|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2021|id=10266|access-date=October 1, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|title=Because the Internet|artist=Childish Gambino|award=Gold|relyear=2013|certyear=2021|access-date=December 26, 2021|id=14628-4249-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|title=Because the Internet|artist=Childish Gambino|award=Gold|relyear=2013|certyear=2016|refname="RIAA"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true | nosales=true | noshipments=true}}
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Release dates and formats for Because the Internet ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Label(s) ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Ref. |
| scope="row"| United States
| December 10, 2013 | {{hlist|Glassnote Records|Universal}} | {{hlist|CD|digital download|LP}} |
|---|
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Childish Gambino}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Island Records albums