Kobalt signs Donald Glover; Childish Gambino retirement still likely

Kobalt has signed Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover, to a worldwide deal that includes publishing administration, global sync and creative support services.

It covers all new material after the Awaken, My Love! album.

Released in December 2016, the record was nominated for five Grammys and won one, in Traditional R&B, for its hit single ‘Redbone’.

Al McLean, Kobalt Music SVP for creative, creative, said: “Donald is one of those rare multi-talented artists who can do it all.”

Glover is a Grammy-winning actor, comedian, writer, director, producer, singer, songwriter, rapper and DJ.

The deal also includes Glover’s creative agency Wolf + Rothstein Collective, which is based in Temple Studios in Los Angeles and made up of Glover, Wolf Taylor and Fam Rothstein.

They said in a statement, “Wolf and Rothstein is excited to partner with Kobalt for publishing.

“We’re looking forward to growing the roster together.”

Glover’s Gambino rap creation signed to indie Glassnote Records in mid-2011 and released the Camp and Because The Internet albums

He recently joined forces with RCA Records, with new music expected by the end of 2018. Childish Gambino is also going on the road, with a North American tour with Rae Sremmurd and Vince Staples, and European festival slots as Bilbao BBK Live in Spain and the Lovebox in London.

As if that wan't enough, Glover also produces the FX series Atlanta, which he also created and occasionally directs.

He is set to appear on Saturday Night Live on May 5 as host and performer.

Glover recently stated: “I am the new Tupac in a strange way. I grew up similar.

"I didn’t have a mom in the Black Panthers, but my parents were very pro-black.

“Also, my mom made me go to performing-arts high school. She was like, ‘That’s where you need to be.’”