Music

Donald Glover Says His Son Legend Is a ‘Performer’ Despite Not Wanting Him to Enter Music Industry: ‘He’s an Artist on Some Level’

Glover, who has three sons, collaborated with Legend on 'Bando Stone & the New World' song "Can You Feel Me."

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 17: Childish Gambino performs during The New World Tour at Little Caesars Arena on August 17, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan
Scott Legato/Getty Images

Donald Glover sees a mini-star in his eldest son, Legend, although he doesn't want the eight-year-old to enter the music business.

Glover, who's the latest Wall Street Journal Magazine cover star, spoke to the publication about his three sons, including his youngest, Drake and Donald Glover III, whom he shares with wife Michelle White. As the Bando Stone & the New World artist puts it, "in a perfect world," his children wouldn't have an interest in being in the spotlight as music acts. But Legend makes an appearance on Glover's new album, featured on the calypso-influenced track "Can You Feel Me."

"I don’t love the industry, it does something to people…. So it was hard, but he’s really good and I was super proud of him," Glover said about Legend.

He continued, "I wanted to share that joy with people—which is scary, because in general, when a large group of people sees something beautiful, they want to destroy it."

After hearing Legend's vocalizations, Glover told WSJ that it was a must for his son to be on Bando Stone, and that naturally, the child is quite the "performer." Glover, who said that Legend "was always interested" in his professional life, first observed his son's knack for entertaining while attending his soccer game.

"In the middle of bringing it down the field, he grabbed his chest and falls to the ground, pretending he’s dying," Glover said. "I remember thinking, 'Oh, he’s a performer.' He’s not going to be [Lionel] Messi. He’s an artist on some level, he values experience."

Glover will likely have a break to spend at home with his wife and children, as he recently postponed the remainder of his final tour as Childish Gambino.

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