Kid Cudi Is Back With ‘MOTMIII’
Over 10 years later, rapper Kid Cudi drops his most anticipated album, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen. This album release is a monumental moment for Cudi’s career and fans.
I first discovered Cudi in high school, and he became someone I predominately listened to, even through college. He has this unique beat, lyrical flow, and infamous hum that no other artist can mimic. I can still envision myself listening to his music in high school parking lots and my college apartment. Times were a lot simpler then. Now years later, I’m listening to his new music with a more mature mindset. He spoke to me then, and he still does to this day. His music is universal and timeless.
Cudi still raps about sadness, overthinking, and depression but in a different light. He shares how he’s overcome the darkness before and now he’s fighting the pain once again. Cudi’s been making people not feel alone since he hit the scene, and that’s why he remains one of my favorite artists. He’s been open about mental health and has helped a generation of kids.
I watched Cudi’s new music video, “She Knows This,” before I had a listening party of one. Because social distancing, duh. The beginning of the video opens up with Will Smith’s infamous The Pursuit of Happyness speech when he’s lecturing his son about not letting anyone tell him he can’t do something. The speech has a slight twist as Will Smith starts talking to Cudi. Then Cudi yells, “It is my destiny, Will Smith!” And the music drops. The video is iconic, so I knew this album would be great.
I felt like I was back in 2009 when I played the first song on his album. “Beautiful Trip,” just 37 seconds long, takes listeners into an alternate universe. With that intro, you know you’re in for a ride. Why do the shortest songs on the album always end up the greatest and leave you wanting more? Every piece flows seamlessly to the next as Cudi tells his story through the songs. I’ve listened to the tracks from start to finish five times already. Just like his previous MOTM records, I didn’t skip a song. I just let it play until the end. His MOTM trilogies deliver a unique message and different vibe, yet all connect with one another. His timing is impeccable with this album release. It feels like a holiday present to me, and I’m sure other fans. And the art cover is the chef’s kiss to this project. I think Cudi has more in store for fans as he ends his album with his daughter whispering, “To be continued.” Does this mean we’ll get another MOTM in the future? Guess we’ll have to wait and see. Till then, I’ll be listening to this album on repeat. I have no doubt the MOTM trilogy will go down in history as the greatest.
See Cudi talk about what he’s been up to and the making of MOTMIII in his interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe here. Hear his familiar melody fans love on all streaming platforms now! If you’re not a fan, this album will convert you to one.
“I told myself I cannot grow without loving me.” — Scott Mescudi, aka Kid Cudi.
