Multimedia Analysis of Because the Internet: A Video Essay

Because the Internet is the second album from hip-hop artist Childish Gambino AKA Donald Glover. Glover, who has blown up recently for his music, writing, directing, and acting, is known for the considerable depth of his work. Every one of his projects, from his Emmy-winning show Atlanta to his Grammy-nominated album “Awaken, My Love” are esteemed for being artistically groundbreaking while presenting significant social commentaries and deeper understandings.
Because the Internet, although a popular and well-regarded album, has not received the critical analysis and exploration that it invites. Inspired by the acclaimed music analysis podcast Dissect, I wrote and produced a video essay analyzing Because the Internet and picking it apart piece by piece to gain a deeper understanding of it. My video essay is an all-encompassing analysis, that not only covers the music of the album, but also explores Childish Gambino’s music videos and his other relevant work.
Through the creation of this video, I gained a greater appreciation of Because the Internet. By deconstructing the album, I realized how meticulously and precisely Glover assembled this album. Every musical, sonic, and visual element is connected and conveys the greater concept of the album.
Creating this video has allowed me to hone the skills of narrative analysis and video production that I have learned throughout high school. I see it as a capstone and pinnacle of my work.

[@TheKnicks2012]

It’s a shame that this video has less than 200 views. Easily one of the best explanations to a very complex and abstract album. I just listened to this album for the first time since it first released and I was blown away by it. I knew there was a deeper meaning to it and i discovered his screen play, theories and short films. This video summarized and explains how it all coexists and gives us an idea of the world he has created. Not sure if you still make videos but keep going!

[@aidanturnip]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@hahajaxsontv]

It picked up

[@fatimaaaaaaaaaa4]

​@@hahajaxsontv as it should

[@KidJaeProductions]

51k views now 🔥

[@ThisIsReadyMade]

This is one of the best essays I’ve seen on the site. Seriously, knocked it out of the park.

[@aidanturnip]

thank you very much :)

[@yamzuh]

I struggle with understanding my self worth, and appreciating the nothingness of life- which may just be the journey of a teen, but it doesn’t help when adults are constantly telling you “rrr you shouldn’t be tired”. This album allows me to indulge in the anxiety of living, while also coming to terms that not every day is worth that anxiety and sometimes I can just shamelessly live my life. This is such a good analysis and helped me love this album so much more, from an enjoyer and artist’s perspective. I hope more people see this in the future and appreciate Glover’s works! And I hope you’re doing well sir

[@andremaines]

I read the screenplay and it reminded me a lot of the catcher in the rye. The way the "boy" floats through all these surreal encounters with an air of detachment while he slowly recognizes patterns.

[@shidditiddis]

This album, screen play, and the short films have such a special place in my heart. They basically molded my personality as a senior in high school.

[@sozzll]

Great video and analysis, this is definitely one of the best albums of the decade, especially with the message being extremely relevant when anonymity, the only thing separating the internet from the real world, is being taken away. It's a real shame how underrated this album is, but I'm glad there are still other people who care about it after seven years. I hope you got a good grade for this, it's a very well made video!

[@aidanturnip]

Thank you, I very much agree!!

[@alexthekid1538]

Listen man, I’ve listened to this album 1 thousand times and am just now realizing it’s a story behind the album.(after getting high)

[@ualreadykno4420]

I’ve been waiting for someone to explain BTI since 2015 and you did that masterfully. Thank you!

[@vuzgvibonm3365]

i'm from germany and even though i'm good at speaking and understanding english it was always difficult for me to get the meanings of english songs or albums and i always wanted to understand the meanings and storys of because the internet so this video was great. thank you for making it.

[@yarnwolf]

Such an underrated video essay, thank you for this.

[@antneziac]

This analysis is beautiful and a nice commentary on the internet. Thank you

[@nolifealex]

Literally the video I’ve been needing for this album. Perfect job my man!

[@saintwinona]

loved this video dude! this is my favorite album and i truly loved your analysis of it. i actually also had an idea for a video essay on it from about 2018. haven't completed it, but now im fully motivated to. this album DESERVES more analysis, and it's a crime that this video isn't more popular. cheers

[@aidanturnip]

Thank you and thanks for watching! I absolutely agree, BTI deserves the same critical exploration that albums like To Pimp A Butterfly and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy so often receive. I'd love to see more people exploring it through video essays :)

[@abbybohac3986]

Very well written and analyzed. Thank you for helping me understand the small Easter eggs and wider ideas/views of this genius album

[@postwrigley5155]

after listening to Dissect Podcast's S7 on Because the Internet (which really pulled me back into Childish's rabbit hole), it lead me to this video. hope to see that more people come to this video after listening to the episodes on Spotify. you and and Dissect Podcast team rocked it.

[@Infinite_Repeat]

Childish Gambino truly doesn't get talked about enough as an artist. Great video

[@dariusmcclain6355]

Great work. I think the lyric “Got a house full of homies why it feel so the opposite” explains the core theme of Clapping for the Wrong Reasons. Loneliness in the midst of popularity and vanity. Thank you for the great analysis

[@TheGarden19]

Honestly, this is really good content

[@LostlnTexas]

I’m soo glad this video was recommended to me, thanks KZbin you finally did something right. Well this album is special to me because I still remember listening to it and reading along with the screen play on his website. Great video man.

[@hwi6306]

Yoo dude thank you so much for this video! Unbelievable job on breaking it down even tho like u said theres still so much more to be explored and thats what makes it so great! Blessings

[@Caboose-kw2tl]

I would consider this album a masterpiece. It’s just an overarching lyrical journey with references and incredible beats, vocals, and lines that you can think on for hours. Anything that promotes deeper thinking and a way to relate to others with similar thoughts of existentialism is just so helpful to people who feel alone in that aspect. I have had this album on repeat for years and years. I love it. Thankful for Gambino and this art piece.

[@dodgerboy812]

This was amazing! Great work.

[@pizzza_salad]

fav album ever

[@davidbattles2865]

this was beautiful on a different level. thank you for making this

[@mickflurryy7200]

This is beautiful bro. This deserves so much more attention

[@recordedbylp]

You mentioned The Boy's death in the screenplay but if I am not wrong (I read it for the first time last summer) it isn't clear if he surives or not after he's shot. However, you did a great job with this video. Even though english isn't my mother tounge, you got my support from Italy.

[@aidanturnip]

I've always interpreted that The Boy died, but you bring up a good point that is is indeed written ambiguously. However, regardless of wether or not he dies, I think an ambiguous death would still reinforce the motif of "life-after-death", which is probably Donald's intent. Thanks for watching :)

[@Pizgo]

Thank you so much man! had a hard time understanding this album but you made it clear!

[@tommyprogress]

Your channel is criminally underrated, amazing analysis of an amazing album

[@sfgkate]

This is so underrated!! Please keep making videos like this :)

[@bohdan1364]

Damn, this is the best album analysis I've ever seen. Great job!

[@AlayciaRae20]

Thank you so much for sharing your research! What a moving watch. I cried and 🤯🤯 so many times. What a brilliant human.

[@Lu-ig3hc]

Beautiful. Thank you, so much.

[@Loomdawg2000]

Thank you for making this! This is probably my favorite album of all time.

[@wimpykid0_0]

same

[@erinr5848]

why is this video not more popular?? man, you deserve way more subscribers. you did an amazing job with this.

[@anishreddybaddam2837]

Holy shit. You nailed this analysis. I have used multiple assignments in my university as opportunities to explore and analyse this album, but you made it look so much better. You were cogent, comprehensive, and concise. Thank you for this video.

[@stuffincrust]

This video deserves at least a million views

[@TheGreatCarlosBudeeny]

Damn, I know this is late, but this shit is GOLD. Meticulously well written. Thank you for this.

[@billyk3682]

Wow, incredible video! Great job 👏🏻

[@mistershepard3482]

Great vid! Wish you made more video essays 😞

[@benoturi9132]

This was very helpful, thanks! You deserve more views

[@zuriahwalsh143]

Why the FUCK does this not have more views this project is so special to me and has had such an impact on my life than you for this!

[@Jem_80s]

This is amazing! I was invested in his music early last year and your video came out a little after my obsession, so I'm glad I got curious again and I'm here now :)

[@khale1591]

this was a killer video dude

[@jamesmccool4092]

This video is phenomenal. I really hope this blows up

[@narutodudeism]

Amazing work brother

[@theholmesbear]

This shit deserves so many more views. Amazing video

[@moisesflores5479]

Awesome video! Just finished 3.15.20 and despite the mixed response, he did exactly what he said he would and created a world that you can explore. Such an inspiration.

[@quazireshoanyazdi7938]

Beautifully made man

[@The-Great-Sleep]

This is the best video essay i’ve ever watched, i’m speechless, amazing good fucking job

[@aidanturnip]

that is very high praise my friend :) i appreciate it tremendously

[@Name-oopsies]

Regurgitation of other comments but this was a very nice watch, kudos for creating art in and of itself.

[@Tristan-vg5ed]

Wow... this was really good

[@aidanturnip]

thank you!

[@spaceimplosion]

Amazing!

[@clarkysparky]

I was confused about the overarching storyline for this album and you cleared things up

[@vuzgvibonm3365]

great video!

[@okok9715]

You’re wrinkling my brain

[@SMMC333]

my favorite album OF ALL TIME

[@wimpykid0_0]

same there isnt anything quite like it

[@Kill3r12341]

Dude please do more analysis videos. Keep up the amazing work

[@taciprince7400]

Bro dropped this banger and then dipped

[@THRTNZ]

This video was beautiful your time will come for sure this is such a good video essay.

[@shaggytoph]

I loved this video, thanks for your efforts!

[@jacksonj3888]

youtube algorithm blessed me with this video thanks for this man 💙

[@prodchriscarr]

Fire video

[@lotsclosed19]

I've always loved the album but I've never understood the story or the screenplay behind it, thank you very much

[@antneziac]

Please make more of these

[@GeloNegron]

Because The Internet starts with Camp, Continues with the DJ Drama Mixtape and gives origin/backgrounds with Kuwait.

[@PapiPoole]

Wonderful video man

[@goodmusic4389]

After like 700 listens to this album I'm still confused on what it means lol. My best take is live life. for good or for bad its gonna end so experience things. It's not all gonna be good but at least itll be. This is an interesting intersection with you bring up regarding is the internet real

[@bair8016]

Great video man and what a great topic Donald glover is a genius

[@Tboots1]

I think one of the most interesting things with the hotel notes is that the paper states “ideas worth saving” in the bottom left corner.

[@GxllzArchive]

This album seriously influenced me

[@mertholomy8414]

Great analysis

[@elikurtyka131]

This is a banger

[@zacharyyanes2471]

Awesome video

[@gero2241]

5:50

[@fishmonger5026]

My king 🫡👑

[@davidrey4183]

Great vid

[@MartinTHoffmann]

I have watched several videos on BTI, this is by far the best and deepest analysis, awesome and insightful video!

[@musicjones4078]

underrated asf

[@202reece5]

Hey where you been man?

[@parrishdays]

new age great gatsby

[@davidadebayo912]

Incredible

[@_madebymilli_]

How I watch the movie cuz

[@narutodudeism]

Inspiring

[@btibryan5536]

Nice vid bro

[@It-Will-All-Be-Okay-I-Promise]

16:30

[@ConflictedIm]

have you thought about coming back to youtube

[@WhaleManMan]

They said he was a wannabe Drake" Drake is a wannabe Gambino.

[@TranscendMob]

The hook in 3005 is ironic because all of the sentences could be seen as wedding vows

[@ucFJhnukZjfLtc3dPfZrh4qThSg3o]

Ah the diner part was interesting when he was so shallow that everone around became himself because he got so self centered that everyone basically became a reflection of him, nothing more

[@bottify9390]

w video

[@BSKOIN]

is there other albums like this

[@dominicyoussef7476]

Great video! Can someone tell me what the name of song is at the beginning? (The piano)

[@aidanturnip]

It's Centipede by Gambino himself. Incredible song!

[@juniorBigBoss745]

Muito bom

[@itsjustrain6328]

Welcome to the algorithm.

[@vistra9027]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@silasbaxter0409]

where did u get the videos at 0:56 and 1:27 , making an edit and those little clips are fire

[@aidanturnip]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnrdZHuLeZiNgMU

[@ucFJhnukZjfLtc3dPfZrh4qThSg3o]

I never knew Danny Glover and childish gemini were the same person, or its probably Danny Glovers son

[@ReyhanJoseph]

Moar videos plz I love it

[@CalaveraKyd]

Noice

[@danielburow8538]

How many listen throughs did this take?

[@aidanturnip]

countless