For long-time fans of Donald Glover, and more specifically of his musical alter-ego, Childish Gambino, the idea of seeing his music become popular enough to warrant a performance at the Grammy Awards is a bit surreal. The guy’s been pushing out incredible R&B and hip-hop for years. But the best part of Gambino last night was watching 10-year-old JD McCrary trade riffs with the Glover during a performance of the song “Terrified” off Childish Gambino’s most recent album “Awaken! My Love.”
At only 9-years-old, McCrary is already a force to be reckoned with. He’s already logged a few guest roles on television shows and will be the voice of young Simba in the upcoming remake of The Lion King, with Glover voicing the more senior Simba. The two Simbas connected for “Terrified!” after McCrary sent Glover a recording of his rendition of The Jackson 5’s “Who’s Loving You?” Glover was so impressed, he invited McCrary to his studio so that he could do some vocals for Glover’s album.
McCrary teamed up with Gambino and was one of only three guest performers on “Awaken! My Love” The two connected when McCrary sent Glover a recording of his rendition of Michale Jackson’s “Who’s Loving You?”. Glover was so impressed, he invited McCrary to his studio and riff on some vocals. The rest is history — and makes for some sweet, sweet music.