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This Is America

"This Is America" is a 2018 song by American rapper and singer Childish Gambino, the musical project of Donald Glover.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"This Is America" is a 2018 song by American rapper and singer Childish Gambino, the musical project of Donald Glover. Released with a widely discussed music video, it became known for its commentary on gun violence, racism, and entertainment culture in the United States. The song won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

Background and release

"This Is America" was released by Childish Gambino on May 6, 2018, and appeared with a music video released at the same time. The song was issued during a period of intense public discussion about violence and race in the United States.

Composition and themes

The song has been described as a commentary on American gun violence, racism, and the use of entertainment as distraction. Analysts have also linked the video’s imagery to Black history, media spectacle, and social unrest. The song was written by Donald Glover, Ludwig Göransson, and Jeffery Lamar Williams (Young Thug).

Music video

The video is a single-take-style performance set in a warehouse-like space and contains abrupt shifts between dancing and violence. It became the subject of widespread interpretation and discussion online and in the media. The video was directed by Hiro Murai.

Reception and awards

The song was a major commercial and critical success and won four Grammy Awards at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019. Its wins included Record of the Year and Song of the Year, a first for a rap song. It also won Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Music Video.

Key facts

  • The song was released in 2018 and debuted alongside a high-profile music video.
  • Its lyrics and video are widely interpreted as addressing gun violence, racism, and social inequality in the United States.
  • The video features striking imagery and choreography that drew extensive public analysis.
  • The song won four Grammy Awards at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.
  • It became the first rap song to win both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

Frequently asked questions

Who performs "This Is America"?
It is performed by Childish Gambino, the musical project of Donald Glover.
When was "This Is America" released?
It was released on May 6, 2018.
What is "This Is America" about?
It is widely interpreted as a commentary on gun violence, racism, and social conditions in the United States.
Did "This Is America" win Grammy Awards?
Yes. It won four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Who directed the music video?
The music video was directed by Hiro Murai.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_America
    Supports: Release date, artists, songwriting credits, themes, and Grammy wins.
  2. TIME — https://time.com/5267890/childish-gambino-this-is-america-meaning/
    Supports: General interpretation of the song and video as commentary on race and gun violence in America.
  3. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_LIP7qguYw
    Supports: Commentary on symbolism in the music video, including entertainment as distraction and violence.
  4. University of Rochester Digital Scholar — https://gcornish.digitalscholar.rochester.edu/mhs123_spring2019/assignments/music-power-politics/childish-gambinos-this-is-america-an-analysis/
    Supports: Director Hiro Murai, political themes, and awards-related discussion.