Childish Gambino made major waves in the music world back in May when he released the single 'This is America'.
Coupled with the powerful video, the rapper and actor's statement on his country was seen as an era-defining statement on modern America that condemned its treatment of black and less affluent citizens.
Now, however, people have been pointing out the undeniable similarities between 'This is America' and the song 'American Pharoah', released by Jase Harley two years ago, with some people throwing accusations of plagiarism around.
Gambino’s “This is America” turns out to sound oddly like “American Pharaoh” by Jase Harley.
Awkward.
— Kristi (@CinderSlays) June 25, 2018
They sound an awful lot alike... pic.twitter.com/1HOKFfJsxW
— Trouble ðŸ?? (@LongDonnSilver) June 24, 2018
Yall really think Childish Gambino stole “This Is America”? Those songs are similar as FUCK. But I feel like it’s not just as cut-and-dry as “he stole it”.
— Action Hank (@_BushidoB_) June 25, 2018
One of Donald Glover's collaborators, Fam Rothstein, denied the accusations, saying: "The internet is a place of no consequences. I hate that Toronto Akademiks/every white blogger can say something as gospel and y’all take it. This song is 3 yrs old, and we have Pro Tools files to prove it.”
Harley, meanwhile, took to Instagram to say that he was 'humbled to be recognized and labeled as one or the original inspirations for one of the most important pieces of music and visual art of our time", but urged fans not to let the controversy "dilute the message" that both he and Glover were trying to convey.
The problem is that Harley has not been officially credited as an inspiration for the song.
What do you think - is it a rip-off or not? Hear both below:
