Indicud Review: The Return Of The Man On The Moon

by Andre Bunn

The Cleveland native formally known as Scott Mescudi, or Kid Cudi as the hip hop world knows him, has just released his newest album “Indicud”. Some would say this is the third chapter of Cudi’s coveted Man on the Moon albums but the artist himself noted that “Indicud” would be fashioned with a different style than his freshmen and sophomore performances. This undoubtedly left some fans wondering if they would still enjoy the unorthodox Cudi they had grown to love.

I’ve been a fan of Kid Cudi since I heard “Day N’ Nite” and I absolutely fell in love with his freshmen debut “Man on The Moon: The End of Day”, which chronicled a man unique in his own right, a man on the moon aloof from the world. It was relatable for me and those of us that aren’t as socially competent as our peers.

Then Man on the Moon II dropped and it was much of the same but the second chapter of the Man on the Moon was definitely traveling through a black hole. It took on a much sinister version of the life that lives secluded with silence, as Cudi’s dark thoughts contemplated their interior world mixed with riveting bass and sonorous vocals. The production was absolutely gripping and spellbinding.

Then we travel to “Indicud” and our Man on the Moon is in a much different space than his counterparts. This man isn’t in as much contemplation as before. Instead our new man is boasting about his eccentric personality while he inspires himself and his listeners when “Unfuckwittable” drops after an eerie introduction. I immediately understood that this man on the moon was in a word content with himself as understood in one of my favorite songs, the standout “Just the Way I Am.” The track opens with that classic intergalactic Cudi sound, written with self examined lyrics but this time he recognizes he is exactly what the title suggests and he’s perfectly okay with it. In fact he welcomes it. Cudi becomes so enveloped with his new sense of awareness on his hit single “Immortal” that he feels he is capable and ready to rule the night and the world: “I can’t explain this sudden peace in my walk.” This fresher Cudi has definitely reached new heights of self –assurance and confidence. 

The new Kid Cudi is no longer stressing about how he fits in to the norm. Instead, he chooses to forge his own lane and he’s driving full throttle with a great many flavor of “Girls” featuring who else but
Too $hort, who is still showing us how to mack.

However, even with all the braggadocious antics this new man isn’t without digression, going back to his wandering and pensive self when “Solo Dolo, Pt. II” featuring Kendrick Lamar pops or “Lord of the Sad and Lonely” marches across the stage. The triumph of the album is the way Kid Cudi owns who he is with upbeat and bodacious tempos. The box he once felt himself to be stuck in is now marked V.I.P Only and if you’re not with the posse then you’re just out of luck.

I personally like this revamped Kid Cudi; it’s always a good thing for us reclusive souls to find peace and some sense of self-actualization. Kid Cudi is now occupying a larger portion of the canvas to display his ever growing artistry, not only musically but personally as well.  Its great music to raise your hand and jam to. It’s the type of music to lay back and contemplate man to man and man to self relationships while floating away in thought. It’s the kind of music that will help one understand themselves and adore who they are naturally. I implore you to close your eyes and vibe to “Indicud” and walk with the Man on The Moon.