“Man on the Moon: The End of Day,” the debut album from KiD CuDi, doesn’t sound like a conventional hip-hop album. Whereas most hip-hop albums feature heavy drums and soul samples, CuDi’s is filled with psychadelic synths and surreal melodies.
“MotM” is a dark, moody experience. CuDi, a Cleveland native, explores themes including death, drug use, depression and night terrors. The album is divided into five acts and is narrated by hip-hop artist Common. Aside from Kanye West, Common and fellow Clevelander Chip Tha Ripper, the record features psychadelic rock group MGMT and electronic duo Ratatat.
The album could be best described as “alternative,” but regardless of the genre CuDi makes quality music.
In “Pursuit of Happiness,” featuring the MGMT and Ratatat, CuDi explores the dark recesses of his mind.
“Tell me what you know about dreamin’, dreamin’/you don’t really know about nothin’, nothin’/tell me what you know about them night terrors every night/5 a.m., cold sweats, wakin’ up to the sky,” CuDi croons over the Ratatat production.
While the wordplay can be overly simplistic, CuDi’s material never comes across as false or forced. Because he is signed to West’s record label, G.O.O.D. Music, one would think that CuDi’s inaugural disc would be littered with beats from West, but the album only features two songs with his production.
The disc isn’t all dark. “Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part I)” has a house music feel to it, and CuDi details the experience of taking mushrooms with a girl.
“Hyyer,” which features Chip Tha Ripper, sounds different from anything on the album, but it’s hard to deny the syrupy-smooth sound of the production.
With this album, CuDi does something most artists are afraid to. Instead of making something to appease the audience, he makes something no one can deny. And that’s G.O.O.D. music.