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I want to point out that, in my opinion as a culture critic, true originality is rare (if it exists at all). Furthermore, true genius is not often about originality but the ability to copy or translate or interpret or associate. The way we often think of genius, however, is not that different from the way we think of God—as having brought the universe into existence from nothing at all. The classic form of this kind of thinking pictures a watch that’s found in a forest. Its intricate and miniature machinery, which has a complexity that refers to an organ that very much impressed 18th century natural theology, the eye, would lead one to conclude that someone made it, that there is an ultimate creator. But this kind of thinking is completely wrongheaded. The inside of a watch is a history of inventions by thousands of human minds.

Writes Peter J. Richerson and Robert Boyd in Not By Genes Alone: How Culture Transformed Human Evolution:

The eighteenth-century theologian William Paley’s famous Argument from Design would better support a polytheistic pantheon than his solitary Christian Creator; it takes many designers to make a watch.

For humans, genius is a point at which other lines extending from other geniuses intersect. We are many gods, not one.

That said, it was revealed on Twitter this past weekend that Donald Glover’s politically powerful and chart-topping “This Is America,” which I consider to be his best track, is very close in feel, form, and even content to a track by NYC rapper Jase Harley, American Pharaoh.

Just listen to them. They are not only alike but it’s clear that one of them knew of the other during its production; it is inconceivable that they both were made in complete ignorance of the other. That would be something like a miracle.

And that’s what’s in question: the fact that one of these tracks was aware of the other. Harley dropped “American Pharaoh” in 2016. Glover dropped “This is American” a few months ago. But Glover’s manager, Fam “Rothstein” Udeorji, claims the former was three years in the making and he has the “pro tool files to prove it.” If such is the case, then Jase Harley is the biter. But Harley says he did no such thing and is even fine with Glover biting his style, beats, and even message.

He tweeted:

I feel extremely 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. I appreciate all the love and support! But PLEASE DON’T let this controversy dilute the message me and @childishgambino are trying to convey. We are speaking about injustices we’ve encountered and he’s helped to provide a platform for all our voices to be heard.

Harley says he just wants some credit for being the source of “This Is America.” In this situation, I’m siding with Harley. There is no shame in the replication game. Just admit you took without asking and give the less-known rapper some of your glitter.

With that established, I want to point out that the probable source of “This Is America” is a better work.

Charles Mudede—who writes about film, books, music, and his life in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, the USA, and the UK for The Stranger—was born near a steel plant in Kwe Kwe, Zimbabwe. He has no memory...