5. Solo Dolo (Nightmare) (Man on the Moon: The End of Day)
The track that displays the power of pure vocals and vulnerable sincerity, while also proving the fertility of classical music instruments in rap beat-making, something highly present in Kanye West songs. Scott eats the flow like a dessert and switches from levels of narration effortlessly, making this complex song seem like a compact entity. The relatability and the realness of lyrics is what earned Cudi the popularity he still enjoys.
4. Alive (Nightmare) ft. Ratatat (Man on the Moon: The End of Day)
Inexplicably lesser known Cudi track, as it should be the ultimate pre-game hype up track, the anthem of all the weekend warriors out there. The hazy, electronic instrumental takes a step back during the verses, and explodes with originality with the verses, proving that Cudi is a master of feature tracks and genre-mixing within rap. Deeply, relaxing and energizing at the same time, Alive is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be.
3. Soundtrack 2 My Life (Man on the Moon: The End of Day)
The track that lured to Cudi those who were refusive of rap because of its aggressive, macho reputation, as it is sensitive, mellow, and exposed. Basically, Cudi was Drake before Drake, and on more distinctive beats with far more melodic flows. While the song is a depresion anthem for some, it’s quite powerful and invigorating thanks to the tone of the chorus, which is a great way art can pull people out from the depressed state.
2. Day ‘n’ Nite (Man on the Moon: The End of Day)
The breakout hit of the Cleveland rapper was also the lead single from the first and best Kid Cudi album Man on the Moon: The End of Day. Scott revealed that the song was inspired by his relationship with his uncle, and also by the R. Kelly song Real Talk. Adored by the audiences and the critics, it might still be the most recognizable Kid Cudi track. Produced by Dot da Genius and Cudi, Day’n’Nite is still a unique track, one that has surely made its mark on the young century.
1. Pursuit Of Happiness ft. MGMT (Man on the Moon: The End of Day)
Truly a perfect mixture of three different musical entities and genres. An electronic duo from Brooklyn Ratatat produced the track with a legendary, recognizable instrumental, the neo-psychedelic act, MGMT sang the chorus, and Cudi delivers on the verses. There’s bonus Drake in the video too. Another highly-relatable track from the best of the Kid Cudi albums, the one that makes you conscious of that empty feeling everybody is constantly trying to fill with alcohol, drugs, or another poison of their choice. And those are the songs that remain relevant throughout the years, those who combine the catchiness with a strong, timeless message.
Kid Cudi taught us it’s perfectly acceptable and desirable to vent your feelings, so tell us what you feel about this list in the comments bellow.
