Passion, Pain, & Demon Slayin': A Moment of Clarity
A bag of edibles and 16 hours later, Kid Cudi is still my hero. Burdened with a spell of depression I run back to my vices (music and drugs) for a last ditch effort to retain my sanity. In a year of extreme highs and devastating lows his music has been a constant reminder to BREATHE. From politics to personal affairs last year has been shit but we all must remember, “from shit grows the most beautiful flower.” Passion, Pain and Demon Slayin' is 2016’s flower. Way back in march, Cudi released the first single 'The Frequency" from a new project. fans and overall music enthusiast held their breath. This would be the start of a new musical chapter after the release of his under reviewed 'Speeding Bullet to Heaven'. Even though the album was well put together, it was too far left from what we were all expecting from the Man on the Moon. we failed to realize this was a man on a journey to find himself musically and in my opinion, personally. The reception was favorable, with everyone in the sonic world still on edge to give one of their artist their undivided attention for another experimentation. I couldn't remember my initial reaction to the song but remember speaking with a friend stating that I was "optimistic" and accepting of Cudi's next project. Fast forward to August at Trillectro, a Maryland based festival for our intercontinental readers, where Scott closes out the day with breathtaking set. Performing the newly titled Frequency dropping 'The' from a titled equation, he gives us an emotional performance of what would be the first track of the announced album. Before the conclusion of his set, he asks the crowd if they would like to hear a new song or jam to classics, collectively we all agreed to the new song unprepared for what to expect. A few songs later and the nostalgia level at maximum capacity Scott keeps to his word. With the help of King Chip and his drummer/friend who's name escapes me (apologies), Cudi's debuts Surfin' (previously titled Ear Candy or Magic) but not before sharing shots of Jameson.
Little did we know that this Pharrell-infused song would be the end to his upcoming album. More upbeat than the first single, this track gives off an aura of positivity and individuality with the chorus constantly reminding us he's on a personal wave that isn't replicated. At this point, this is where the world collectively expelled a deep sigh of relief. Anticipation isn't the word. Clamoring for more Cudi, we finally get a release window for his now highly anticipated album but would have to wait a little longer for a release due to sample clearance. After a few tweets directed at fellow artist and checking himself into rehab we thought of this album to the likeliness of a benchwarmer, never to be released. Like the superhero we've needed, Scott releases the third and final single 'Baptized in Fire' featuring a scorching Travis Scott (who's had an amazing year), track-list and a release date for the album. From the first play through, the production reminds me of the well done Netflix series 'Stranger Things' with its ominous tone. A Phoenix born from fire is what I envisioned, beautiful but disastrous. This was shaping up to be another classic from the wizard. With all three singles out to for the world to interpret, December 16 rushes to get here.
We. Weren't. Ready.
With only a handful of features the 19 tracked, hour and twenty seven album appears... finally. 'Swimming in the Light' & 'Releaser' puts you through an emotional journey with low drone sounds with a cathedral feel. Mesmerizing and painful (best possible way) are the two with Releaser reminding me of the feeling one gets from searching for their worth to the world. Tugging on your Heart strings tempting water ducts to shed tears of realization. Married with a beautiful feature from Andre' Benjamin and a island feel, 'By Design' does it's job to bring you out of the dark and helps ease the eyes to new light followed by 'All In', a journey to the new metaphorical world of one's sanity reminding whatever happens, happens but in a vague way speaks on the beginning of a relationship where you give it your all.
"To the demons in my head, so long!" screams 'Illusions'. This track is of one removing the 100 pound weight from your neck causing a buoyancy through a wave of negativity. Remember to be FREE and above all of this shit that has led to this point of our lives. Always remember that we are 'Rose Golden'. Accompanied by a superb addition to the album, Willow Smith helps guide our minds to see our full potential and never be categorized by those who've lived their lives to their fullest only to vicariously live through the mind of the unexplored. We are the chosen.
'Flight at First Sight/Advanced' is the answer to the question, is there such thing as love at first sight? As one who's on the fence, I do know what love is and that feeling has been captured in the greatest way. All you want to do is dance and vibe as if you're in the mirror with the shower running at full blast for 35 plus minutes. You do not know that water bill got so high.
With 'Does It', Cudi tells you to not gloss over everything he has done and the sanity he's sacrificed in the media industry for use to express ourselves. He has done it, straight up.
Where 'Flight at First Sight/Advanced' is the love at first sight, 'Dance 4 Eternity' is the honeymoon stages of any relationship. The elevation you feel with that one missing puzzle piece to your life causing a dreamlike state. It's an awesome feeling. Then there's the rockiness. My second favorite song off of this album, 'Distant Fantasy' is what those in long (mostly stable) relationships know and feel about their partner once there's a break or break up. There will be no one quite like I, as much as you want to think. Once you've explored your options and have taken that break, you remember what that person has brought out of you. It is the intense passionate sex once reunited where 'Wounds' is the unavoidable conversation you have after to mend the bond you've once shared that was broken by some force. 'Mature Nature' is the return to the romantic solidarity you've once shared but, matured. The string heavy song brings you to that costing, mid June/late may feeling of peace and warmth. 'Kitchen' is the intensity, the brevity of searching for the right fit to you, falling in and out of love with every hookup but harmonized to cushion the messiness of that point of your life.
'Cosmic Warrior' is the theme song to be played when you've defeated your demons. this is the victory music at the end of the heroic journey you've taken partnered with a bad ass eagle sound bite. This your personal Diago moment concluded with the harp of life.
To all of the strong wonderful women out there, 'The Guide' is here to remind you to never let anyone or anything stop you from your greatness. You are worth more than the world and this is Scott's form of thank you with a return of Andre' with a background of electric guitar and synths that give off a Victorian age Vibe.
Cudi reminds us that he's 'The Commander' to the ship of a new voyage we're all taking. We are all destined for greatness but we will need guidance and who better than the space traveler. This song gives off a feeling like Raury's 'God's Whisper' or the band Fun's 'We Are Young' and if we're speaking visually, the coming of age story 'Perks of Being a Wallflower'.
If 2016 taught us anything, it was mostly if not all, about ourselves and how we all can deal with the worst of times. From Brexit to Trump, constant bombings and shootings like pulse nightclub; Last year was one of self reflection. Kid Cudi has ended the year on a beautiful note. Numbers never lie but it never overshadows personal feeling and this is one of the greatest albums of that year.