What makes Because the Internet by Donald Glover notable?

Because the Internet received widespread acclaim upon release, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 and solidifying Glover's presence in the hip-hop scene. The album's innovative storytelling format and integration of internet culture resonated with audiences, influencing both hip-hop and pop artists who followed. Released on December 10, 2013, Because the Internet marked Donald Glover's transition from a rising star in television and comedy to a serious contender in music. This album followed his debut studio album, Camp (2011), and showcased his evolution as a multifaceted artist, further establishing his unique blend of humor and introspection.

Who is Because the Internet for?

Because the Internet works well if you're into introspective late-night reflections, dynamic emotional journeys and experimental and playful exploration.

How many songs are on Because the Internet?

Because the Internet has 19 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Because the Internet

Donald Glover · 2013

58 min · 19 tracks · contemporary R&B

A genre-blurring exploration of identity and modern life layered over intricate production and sharp lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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3005 — This track encapsulates the album’s themes of loyalty and existential dread, featuring a catchy chorus that contrasts with its deeper lyrical content.
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The Worst Guys — With its laid-back vibe and playful lyrics, this track highlights Glover's ability to blend humor with introspection, embodying the album's duality.
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Telegraph Ave. (“Oakland” by Lloyd) — The song uniquely combines nostalgia with modern production, illustrating Glover’s narrative style while paying homage to personal connections and cultural roots.
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I. Flight of the Navigator — This track features an expansive soundscape that mirrors the theme of seeking escape and adventure, showcasing Glover’s ambition as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album blends genres with a strong narrative but has some uneven pacing due to its length.

What we noticed

The album features a narrative structure, with interludes and skits that connect the tracks thematically.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements and unconventional song structures, often blending genres like hip-hop, R&B, and electronic.
The production employs intricate layering of sounds, with varied instrumentation that shifts between minimalist beats and lush arrangements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective late-night reflections
dynamic emotional journeys
experimental and playful exploration
short bursts of creativity

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Glover's presence in music, marking his transition to a serious artist.
Themes: digital loneliness· Oakland nostalgia· modern identity crisis
Career context: Released on December 10, 2013, Because the Internet marked Donald Glover's transition from a rising star in television and comedy to a serious contender in music. This album followed his debut studio album, Camp (2011), and showcased his evolution as a multifaceted artist, further establishing his unique blend of humor and introspection.
Stylistic neighbors: Anderson .Paak· Thundercat· Frank Ocean