"This Is America" is a song by American rapper Childish Gambino, the musical stage name of Donald Glover. Released in May 2018, the song addresses themes of systemic racism, gun violence, police brutality, and the struggles of black culture in the United States. The song is noted for its contrast between joyful gospel-style melodies and menacing trap beats, representing the complex realities of being black in America. Its music video, directed by Hiro Murai, features powerful and provocative imagery illustrating these issues while also commenting on how violence is consumed as entertainment in American culture. The song debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, winning multiple Grammy Awards and becoming a significant cultural phenomenon.
