I grew up with Kid Cudi from his first hit single “Day n Nite” to now. Following the Man on The Moon saga religiously and even researching the lyric meanings and more. The original album, Man on The Moon (MOTM), dropped in 2009, with part two being released a year later in 2010. The announcement for MOTM III release in December 2020, was a huge full circle moment for fans.
After 10 years, the saga would continue, and fan theories could take a break.
Let’s Take It Wayyy Back
For me, I was in middle school when MOTM II dropped and remember staying up that night. Just so I could download the entire album off LimeWire and load it onto my iPod (or phone.) Surviving another day of school thanks to the energy Kid Cudi’s album provided.
MOTM II was groundbreaking to me, because Kid Cudi’s lyrics fearlessly and unapologetically explored mental health. Admitting that he faced anxieties many musicians, let alone rappers, did not admit to in 2010. I was 10 years younger than Cudi, yet related intensely to his music because of struggles with my mental health.
Humans connect over many things, but emotions, specifically trauma, are more powerful than many imagine.
Teens already feel awkward and moody, and having hormones running through you doesn’t help. LOTS of built-up angst and negative emotions. So as teen listening to Kid Cudi, I felt every negative emotion possible, since his music empowered me to explore those dark areas.
Crying. Screaming. Anger. Depression. You name it Kid Cudi’s music helped me examine those emotions in-depth.
To watch the Prime Day show this morning, and hear Kid Cudi perform not one but several songs from the MOTM saga was huge. The attention to details for the set design, costumes, etc. connected the entire MOTM saga perfectly.
Today, Kid Cudi Radiates Peace & Joy
As a longtime fan, seeing Kid Cudi so happy and positive while performing gave me goosebumps. The second to last song, “Mr. Rager,” showed how joyous Cudi is about life and the journey it brings. I felt a rush of memories of Kid Cudi’s career flood my mind in the most charming way.
As if he was receiving a lifetime achievement award, and there’s a PowerPoint presentation.
Then, the last song began, “Pursuit of Happiness”. An instant classic from the OG MOTM album, that still moves crowds today. The beats, lyrics, music video, and every detail in-between for this song, defined an entire generation.
I cried, but not out of sadness or something negative. Instead, from a place of joy and peace, like Kid Cudi. I had a gigantic realization. Not only did Kid Cudi make it out of a dark-hellish place, he also found the light again. While also helping random fans find that too, as they listened to his music over the years.
I’m One of Them
When Kid Cudi announced the album’s release date last year, mentally I was in a weird space. So, waiting for the album’s release kept me going, per se. The wait was worth it to hear Kid Cudi’s album, and others, released late 2020. The last song on the album has Kid Cudi saying, “to be continued.”
Many fans took that as a sign to keep fighting, despite their mental health struggles. Fans even figured out when to play the album on New Year’s Eve. So, the first thing you heard going into 2021, was “to be continued.”
I originally saw the trend, thought it was weird, but ended up doing it myself. And it was a quirky yet pleasant New Year experience, to be honest!
Kid Cudi’s Prime Day Show performance is an incredible full circle moment for me.
Sure, it’s the type of thing one brushes off lightly. Saying, “that’s just a coincidence.”
You’re still left puzzled though….
But, just as the MOTOM saga continues, so will life.
And, its weird moments.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯