Common

After dropping two of the best mixtapes of the past year, Kid Cudi had a lot to live up to for his first album. Frankly, he delivered. Man on the Moon: The End of the Day, Kid Cudi’s first full-length studio album, is a testament to not just his musical talent but also his incredible versatility as an artist. From the emotional and lonely “Soundtrack 2 My Life,” to the upbeat and catchy “Up Up and Away,” this album captures every dimension of Kid Cudi’s complex mind. In addition, Cudi sets out to silence the many critics who claim that his lyrical and rhyming ability aren’t good enough to allow him to last in the rap game. In “Cudi Zone,” perhaps the best track on the album, Cudi delivers an emotionally charged and lyrically ingenious track with a flow that is sure to silence all those critics. 

Cudi’s many collaborations on this album, including Kanye West, MGMT, Ratatat, and Common display his ability to connect with an extremely wide range of artists. The album also features a collaboration with a certain “Billy Cravens,” which is actually an alias for an artist who, according to a tweet by Kid Cudi, “wants to keep his identity private.” Rumors have circulated claiming that Cravens is anyone from Lupe Fiasco to Michael Jackson. According to Cudi, however, “the world will never know.” The production team on this album, including Kanye West, Dot da Genius, and Emile, is top of the line. One of the album’s best tracks is the Ratatat-produced “Alive,” which features Cudi rapping over a trippy electronic Ratatat instrumental. The combination couldn’t be better. He also continues to put Cleveland, Ohio on the map by partnering with fellow Cleveland MC Chip tha Ripper on the laid-back stoner track “Hyyer.” Dat Kid From Cleveland has succeeded in creating one of the best albums of the year, but this is just the beginning. He’s got much more work on the way, so keep your ear out. You’ll be hearing from him again soon. 

Kid Cudi set out to prove something with this album, and he succeeded. Even given the success of his mixtapes, there were many people who expected Cudi’s first album to be a faliure. In fact, it’s just the opposite. This is an album that you MUST have. He showed the world that he’s not just in this for 15 minutes of fame. He’s here to change hip-hop, and so far, he’s doing a good job. Kid Cudi’s here to stay in the rap game, and we couldn’t be happier. 

Download these songs: 

1. “Cudi Zone”

2. “Alive” ft. Ratatat

3. “Up Up and Away”

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