It's perhaps one of the great examples of coincidence that I started listening to Kid Cudi around the same time as I began to struggle with my mental state. Random or not, I've collected Kid Cudi songs over the years that make irreplaceable marks on my mental music map. Cudi, who himself has admitted to issues with his mental state and has pursued treatment, has become a major part of the way I approach my own placement. Here are my top five. Give 'em a listen.
1. All Along - Man On The Moon II (2010)
Some, myself included, would say that "All Along" is Cudi's saddest song to date. In many ways, the song is an open letter to both the mind and the world. Its lyrics are melancholy to the end, featuring self-reflections like "I'm addicted to highs, would you like to know why?", and its beat is as far from the quick club speed associated with hip hop. The song, sad as it is, can bring a smile to my face. The song is about accepting your life. The song is about moving on.
2. Solo Dolo (nightmare) - Man On The Moon (2009)
Down to the last lyric, "Solo Dolo" is a song questioning itself and its artist; this is it's beauty. As an audio piece it's low energy and simple. The verses are a mix of self depreciation and accusations. Yet just when you think you know what kind of song "Solo Dolo" is, that last verse emerges. Without a drop of instrumental Cudi utters some of his most important lyrics, "when will I ever learn from the words in my songs."
3. Mr. Rager - Man On The Moon II (2010)
Perhaps the second-most energetic track on this list, "Mr. Rager" moves at a medium speed, a far more radio-friendly track than others. The internet is full of stories as to who "Mr. Rager" is, but at its core the song is about fighting for something. It's about fighting oneself and finding the part of you that can move on. It's about taking the next step forward.
4. Pursuit of Happiness (nightmare) - Man On The Moon (2009)
There was a time when "Pursuit of Happiness" was known simply as a signature song of parties, this led to it being labeled as a party song that it never was. If you listen in, if you pay attention, you see that it's a song about trying your best and regretting your worst. Lyrics like, "I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know... I'll be fine once I get it, get it in, I'll be good" are only the bait to drag to until the song's end, where a damaged and hungover Cudi struggles to get out the last words after making it through yet another attempt at party-happiness.
5. love. - (released 2015)
"Love." was a leftover from recordings, one that was deemed worth releasing only after missing the cut for an album. Instead "love." found itself spread through sites like Youtube and Soundcloud. To me "love." is a cross between "All Along" and "Mr. Rager". It tackles the hardships of sadness and discusses the need to move on and stay strong. It's a true work of beauty, perhaps it is best it can stand along. Perhaps it's better if I just present you with the chorus, a piece of modern poetry I plan on never forgetting.
"Don't be so down, c'mon young home
You'll be okay, you'll find real love
All of the stories, the hero gets lonely
Now is the time to show what you're made of"
