Monday is gone already! I really wanted to do this particular post as a MCM but on top of having so much going on and wanting to make sure I gave you guys a quality post, I needed an extra day to put this one together…
Kid Cudi
Scott Mescudi bka Kid Cudi is definitely a Music Crush and Man Crush for me. Over the years, I didn’t really know a whole lot about him other than his music and the persona behind it. This past year, I, along with many others, we definitely saw a more vulnerable Cudi. Back in October he released a statement where he talked about his fight with severe anxiety and depression. He announced that he would be entering into rehab before he ended up doing something to himself.
I remember reading that not long after he posted it. It really hit me hard especially since I suffer from anxiety and mild depression. I really felt for him but I admired him because just like one of my other favorites Zayn, he came out with it and explained exactly what was going on inside of his head. He didn’t have to at all. He could’ve just told people that he was checking into rehab and let them believe what they wanted as to why. But he put it out there and gave people access to his fight with his inner demons. I adore him so much for that, you have no idea…
The Album: Passion, Pain, and Demon Slayin’
Before I end up making this post about anxiety and depression sufferers, I want to get to his new album Passion, Pain, & Demon Slayin’ that was released last Friday (December 16th). When it was announced that he would be releasing this album I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to hear it. I, of course, had no idea what we were going to get after everything that has happened with him since he dropped his last album back in 2015. Nonetheless I was still very eager and excited.
I was hooked after the first 3 songs, especially “Swim in the Light” and “Releaser”. I got chills listening to those 2 songs and the album had hardly even gotten started. When an artist can make me feel that and give me that emotional connection, I am sold 100%. This whole album did that for me.
It didn’t hurt that he had some amazing features in a handful of songs from this record. He got the king of features himself, Andre Benjamin aka Andre 3000 aka 3 Stacks, on 2 songs “By Design” and “The Guide”. He even has Willow Smith on the song “Rose Golden” which is a heavenly collaboration. Though Willow is still very young, she has a very mature sound, and her voice fits Kid Cudi’s vibe perfectly.
Then we come to “Baptized in Fire” with Travis Scott which hits a little harder sound-wise as well as lyrically than the other songs. The last feature is one of my favorite artists/ producers/ creative minds/ people in general Pharrell Williams. He is on 2 songs, “Flight at First Sight/Advanced” and “Surfin”. “Surfin” is the last track on this album and definitely the most upbeat and fun song, in my opinion; along with one of my other favorites “Does It”.
Final Thoughts
This album has so many different themes and musical elements to it. But he gives us what we’ve always loved from him, the range that his voice offers including his singing and humming. I love all 19 tracks of this project from Cudi. It’s definitely different than most of the music I’ve been listening to lately but that’s why I love it so much. I respect him so much as a person and as an artist. He is someone I can relate to and connect with for sure.
Whether you are a Kid Cudi fan or not, I hope you get a chance to listen to this album. Also, you should check out his other albums and really get a feel for him as an artist…
Check Out His Video for “Surfin'” featuring Pharrell Williams! 🙂
Follow Him!
Twitter & Instagram @KidCudi
