Donald Glover shocks fans with 'disturbing, violent' video

Donald Glover in the video for This Is America.

Donald Glover has dropped a controversial rap video that is quickly going viral.

Glover, who raps under the name Childish Gambino and is due to perform in New Zealand at the end of the year, released the video for his new song This is America over the weekend

The shocking video shows Glover being handed guns to execute people, including a full choir, while rapping and dancing at the same time.

A scene from Donald Glover's shocking new music video. Photo/YouTube

It sent fans into a frenzy trying to determine its message, quickly racking up six million views in the process.

One called it: "Mesmerizing. Disturbing. Violent. Beautiful. Tragic. Materialistic. Melodic. Chaotic."

Others, including Trent Reznor, suggested viewers watch the clip multiple times to catch everything that happens in the background.

The more you watch the #ThisIsAmerica video, the more you realize that there's so much going on in the background and that Donald is just a distraction - and that's the whole point. #StayWoke (don't catch you slippin' now)

— Siyabonga Mahlaba (@sabu_mahlaba) May 6, 2018

Honestly, Childish Gambino intended for people to be disturbed, shocked, and angry when they watched this video. This is what so many black people deal with EVERY DAY, and you can’t handle it in a music video.
Wake up. #ThisIsAmerica

— emilia (@PoliticalEmilia) May 6, 2018

I can't remember the last time I watched a music video all the way to the end, let alone one five times in a row. Incredible work! #ThisIsAmerica

— Trent Reznor (@trent_reznor) May 6, 2018

#ThisIsAmerica references mass shootings & hysteria, guns handled with respect & care, yet many will not watch this video as they will find it too graphic and offensive! The truth hurts America! Donald Glover you nailed it. 😢

— Paula Jones (@LoveBeingNanny) May 6, 2018

Donald Glover's #ThisIsAmerica is such a cool music video for showing how many split personalities America actually has + how the culture puts blackness in several narrow boxes at the same time.

— Monique Jones (@moniqueblognet) May 6, 2018

The video continues Glover's reputation as a provocateur, with the second season of his hit show Atlanta including scenes in which he dressed as a character in whiteface.

He's due to perform in New Zealand at his Pharos festival in November.