‘This Is America’ Is the No. 1 Song in America

Donald Glover’s “This Is America” was inescapable last week—whether it was the video itself (it’s been viewed over 109 million times since it debuted on May 6) or in the public discourse around the video (and, by extension, Glover, aka Childish Gambino, himself). Suggested Reading Spades? What Diddy Will Be Doing In Prison This Fourth…

Donald Glover’s “This Is America” was inescapable last week—whether it was the video itself (it’s been viewed over 109 million times since it debuted on May 6) or in the public discourse around the video (and, by extension, Glover, aka Childish Gambino, himself).

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

Now “This Is America” debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, unseating Drake’s “Nice for What.”

https://twitter.com/chartdata/status/996004702503493632

This also marks Childish Gambino’s first No. 1 song. Previously, his highest outing on the Billboard Top 100 was “Redbone,” which peaked at No. 12.

The success of “This Is America” may just fuel ticket sales to see Childish Gambino’s final tour with Rae Sremmurd and Vince Staples this fall. Glover recently announced that he was retiring his musical alias once he releases his final Childish Gambino album, also due this year.

Interestingly, “This Is America” is a stand-alone track; as The Fader reports, the song is not an official single from Glover’s upcoming album.

For more thoughts on Glover, check out The Root’s Judge of Characters with Danielle Young, who tackles black art and white spouses:

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.