Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon: the End of Day

Kid Cudi’s debut album, ‘Man on the Moon: the End of Day’ jumps straight into the deep, introverted, self-reflexiveness that makes this more than just another RnB record. The chorus of the first track begins with the line, “I’ve got some issues that nobody can see, and all of these emotions are pouring out of me...this is the soundtrack to my life.” This life apparently includes the co-existence of ‘Scotty’ the person and his alter ego Kid Cudi the artist. Both personalities are present in this album which combines a diverse range of hip hop and Rnb beats with the kind of clever lyricism that is akin to poetry and doesn’t resort to the lowest common denominator that has become typical, and let’s face it – tiresome, of this genre of music.

For instance, even though he raps about the ubiquitous topic of sex, the lyrics are neither basic nor two-dimensionally derogatory; instead, sex is explored and discussed in a stylistically sophisticated, yet un-esoteric, manner. This approach is accompanied by some very clever double-entendres, and well-placed pop cultural allusions. One of my favourites of this is, “I’ve got 99 problems, and they all bitches...” ‘Make Her Say’, a good example, is a collaboration with Kanye West and Common, with Lady Gaga’s ‘Poker Face’ in the background, which explores the pursuit of women in this more subtle and humorous way. The song, believe it or not, actually has layers.

Kid Cudi also comments on the clichéd/stereotypical rap culture, neither denouncing nor glorifying it, but rather acknowledging that he is both inside and outside this controversial environment. He also acknowledges its very real effects on both his creative and personal psyches – as he is trying to “find peace somewhere.”

Of course, all the subject matter of this record is not deeply autobiographical. In fact, some of my favourite songs are a partnering of great, unique-sounding beats with some more light-hearted topics. One is ‘Day N Night’, a song about a “lonely stoner” rapped to a really funky beat. Another good one is ‘Hyerr’, an unconventional slow-jam about a familiar first love –weed.

Considering this is his debut, Kid Cudi’s album has the stylistic sophistication and depth of meaning that is expected from someone more mature and experienced. This record reflects the potential for this genre of music to be so much more than what many of its ‘artists’ are lowering it to, and what many of its critics have come to expect –the overly-sexualised, highly violent and basically unintelligent crap that appeals to the lowest common denominator in not only subject matter, but audience alike. Kid Cudi’s album not only has great beats and doesn’t ‘dumb down’ its contents, it also realises a more intelligent audience who can appreciate the multi-layered character that hip hop/RnB music can be. [Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_Cudi]