In the past year, we've talked a lot about mixtapes, and their ever-growing importance in the burgeoning hip-hop scene. Smaller budgets aside, artists put almost as much time and energy into these collections of tracks as they do their full-length studio albums. Mixtapes speak just as loudly about emcees' individual talents, and in many cases are even more readily accessible and widely listened to, as well as a first impression of their work. Due to this, recent mixtapes have been full of many hidden (and not so hidden) gems, that are sometimes a harder act to follow than the artists ever could have expected. Some of the songs we've listed here were hits, and others will only see the light of day as part of the pack. Top 40 or not, these are our favorites. Check out our picks below.
Showing posts with label Kid Cudi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kid Cudi. Show all posts
2.18.2010
Weekly Top 10: Mixtape Rap Songs
In the past year, we've talked a lot about mixtapes, and their ever-growing importance in the burgeoning hip-hop scene. Smaller budgets aside, artists put almost as much time and energy into these collections of tracks as they do their full-length studio albums. Mixtapes speak just as loudly about emcees' individual talents, and in many cases are even more readily accessible and widely listened to, as well as a first impression of their work. Due to this, recent mixtapes have been full of many hidden (and not so hidden) gems, that are sometimes a harder act to follow than the artists ever could have expected. Some of the songs we've listed here were hits, and others will only see the light of day as part of the pack. Top 40 or not, these are our favorites. Check out our picks below.
12.31.2009
Best Albums of 2009: A Recap
Below is the full list of albums we covered this December as our best of the year. If you missed any of these, feel free to just follow the links over, for a full review.Animal Noises' Best Albums of 2009
12.28.2009
Best of 2009: Mixtapes
Recently, the buzz surrounding mixtape releases has almost surpassed that of albums themselves. This seems like a lot to make out of a promotional variety-pack of original and recycled beats, topped with off-the-cuff rhymes. Yet, in the past year or so, we've seen more and more examples of artists who blur these lines. Emcees have put increasing amounts of time energy into these releases, sometimes even landing top radio hits like Kid Cudi with last year's "Day 'N' Nite", and "Best I Ever Had" off of this year's number one, Drake's So Far Gone. Check out our picks for Best of 2009 below.
7. Dat Kid From Cleveland, Kid Cudi
3. B.o.B. vs. Bobby Ray, B.o.B.
1. So Far Gone, Drake
12.24.2009
Best Albums of 2009: #7, Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Rank: #7Album: Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Artist: Kid Cudi
Label: G.O.O.D. Music/Universal
Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon: The End of Day could truly represent a shift in hip-hop, but that's something we won't know until his second release, at the earliest. From his daring, experimental approach, to his introspective lyrical set, Cudi's debut could very well be the opening of a new chapter of hip-hop. Of course, we've seen plenty of hip-hop this decade that was very decisively not hip-hop (look no further than Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak for the proof). Yet, Cudi's first record seems different from those, too. Unlike the others, he's not attempting to be different, but instead, has simply become different by ignoring industry standards completely.
Rather than harp on hip-hop's usual themes, Man on the Moon presents us with a much more refreshing alternative. He acknowledges his hardships, his quirks and weaknesses, and then embraces them. The album has two distinct personalities-- night and day-- as exemplified by both the cover, and hit single "Day 'n' Nite." Minus the heavy bass that rules over the track is the story of someone who struggles for inner peace and content. Cudi has only recently become comfortable in his own skin, unlike many of his peers, yet he is proud of that fact, and it shows in his music. Already slated to team up with Ratatat for an upcoming full-length, Kid Cudi is already on the road to reinventing an entire genre.
Best Track: "Day 'n' Nite"
12.21.2009
Best of 2009: Debut Albums
For the remainder of the year (save holidays and weekends, of course), we'll be sharing some additional lists of our favorites in music from 2009. To start things off, our list today consists of our favorite debut albums from the year. All of these are the artists' first full-lengths-- so we're not counting mixtapes or EPs, nor are we considering those who have recorded under another name previously (just for you, the reader's information).8. jj n° 2, jj
[Previously on Animal Noises: Most Prolific Artists of the Decade: #1-10]
12.04.2009
Best Songs of 2009: #1-10
And we've finally reached the end. Chances are some of these were predictable, but there were probably a few that caught readers by surprise. Regardless, to us, these are the top 10 songs of 2009. Enjoy them all below, and be sure to check out all of the top tracks, albums and other end-of-year coverage we're putting up all month.9. "Lust For Life" -- Girls
8. "Beach Demon" -- Wavves
6. "Empire State of Mind (Feat. Alicia Keys)" -- Jay-Z
5. "Little Secrets" -- Passion Pit
4. "My Girls" -- Animal Collective
3. "Day 'n' Nite" -- Kid Cudi
2. "Two Weeks" -- Grizzly Bear
1. "Best I Ever Had" -- Drake
11.30.2009
Best Songs of 2009: #41-50
Yes, it's that time of the year again. Just as we did at the end of 2008, all of Animal Noises' coverage in December will be about the best music of the past year-- plus, we'll also be touching on best-of-decade material as well. Along with a day-by-day countdown of the top 30 albums of 2009 (which starts tomorrow, by the way), we'll be rolling out lists like this one, at 10 items per day. So stay tuned all December. It's going to get pretty busy around here.50. "Buddy" -- Iran
49. "Fangela" -- Here We Go Magic
48. "Silver Trembling Hands" -- The Flaming Lips
47. "Winter Games" -- Foreign Born
46. "I'm On a Boat (Feat. T-Pain)" -- The Lonely Island
45. "Laura" -- Girls
44. "Autumn Beds" -- Modest Mouse
43. "Soundtrack 2 My Life" -- Kid Cudi
41. "Lisztomania" -- Phoenix
11.09.2009
Music Video Monday: "Day 'N' Nite"
Track: Day 'N' Nite
Artist: Kid Cudi
Album: Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Year: 2009
There's nothing new about Kid Cudi's "Day 'N' Nite," I know that. Everybody's heard the song at least once since it premiered many months ago. However, since realizing its video was never featured here on the blog, I felt it was appropriate.
The lead single off of Cudi's stellar debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, "Day 'N' Nite" pulses with a club beat that shot it to instant radio play. In actuality though, the song has a much more somber subject matter, as exemplified in this video (rather than the Crookers remix video).
We start with Cudi walking toward us in an almost cartoon form-- a theme of the entire video. He is alone, but we soon discover him to truly be on a street. It is with that representation, and similar ones that appear throughout, that the true meaning of the song comes out. On the track, Cudi addresses loneliness and insecurities, and these factors come out in the isolation and hallucinations of the video. Though some are more realistic than others (imagining playing a concert is believable, but the pirate guy, not so much), the point is still made quite well. Check it out below.
9.11.2009
Pre-Screening: Kid Cudi
Album: Man on the Moon: The End of DayArtist: Kid Cudi
Label: G.O.O.D. Music/Universal Motown
Due Out: September 15th
If you know rap at all, then you definitely know Kid Cudi. The Clevelander, who astutely attached himself with the Kanye West/Lil' Wayne hit parade, already has two hit tracks, and his first album hasn't even dropped yet. Admit it. Any event you were at from March to June involved somebody blasting "Day 'n' Nite." Yet, with all of that radio hype, and the inherent noise that always accompanies anyone boasted by either big acts, Cudi still appears to be a different type of rapper. Be it the subject matter he focuses on, the name of the album (Man on the Moon: The End of Day sounds more like a 1990s alt-rock album than hip-hop) and even the album cover, Cudi is decidedly different. But that's what makes his debut record such a unique and refreshing effort.
"In My Dreams (Cudder Anthem)" starts us off as if we're floating in space, looking out into the horizon at the endless scenery surrounding us. The strings, effects and synths create the perfect ambience for the beginning of an album sure to surprise with its depth. "Soundtrack 2 My Life" pops in immediately after, with Cudi giving us an introduction as to who he is as a rapper, and some insight to his personal life as well. He actually sings quite a bit on this album, mainly on the choruses, but nonetheless, more power to him. Not only does the singing work for the mood, but it also makes the personal insights more genuine and believable to the audience. "Simple As..." drifts more towards mainstream hip-hop, but gets held back by the interesting military drum beat, and looping samples in the background. This is a good thing. Cudi's appeal lies in his ability to toe the line expertly between alternative and mainstream appeal, and this track exemplifies that better than most. "Solo Dolo" seems to embrace a new aesthetic all its own however, as he turns in what amounts to an experimental ballad about loneliness and the struggle to acceptance. Weird, but it works.
"Heart of a Lion (Kid Cudi Theme Music)" is another earnest attempt at defining who Cudi is as a rapper. The need for so many such attempts at definition is debatable, but the track does well towards the overall mood of the album. Experimentation continues on "My World." An ominous piano and electronic keyboard part flits around in the back as Cudi and contributor "Billy Cravens" (it's a pen name) employ vocal effects to the slower, toned-down rapping. Next, "Day 'n' Nite" needs no introduction whatsoever. The track is the closest you'll find to a full embrace of radio hip-hop, and even at that, if you listen attently, it is more of an alternative jam (as well as a song of the year nominee). "Sky Might Fall" is another up-tempo track, yet it also reserves itself enough to prevent any real club appeal.
"Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part 1)" is a bright R&B number, set to (of course) more synths. Of all the tracks, this one may lean the closest towards a John Legend song, of the many that allude to that sound. If you recognize the style of the background beat on "Alive" immediately, it's probably no shock to you that Ratatat is a contributor. Just as we discussed Jay-Z pushing to redefine hip-hop last week, Cudi is executing to a much higher level on this week's featured album. "Cudi Zone" at first may come off at another attempt at some self-promotion, but after further evaluation, it comes off as one of the stronger songs on the record, with a distinct, catchy hip-hop beat accompanying quality rapping. From there, it's pure pop. Many are acquainted with "Make Her Say," a remix of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." The song, which leaked months ago, and hit the radio waves over the summer has been talked up for the past few months, and even the less astute can probably surmise the comical subject matter.
As the album winds down, Cudi puts several appropriate closing notes on the effort. The first of which is "Pursuit of Happiness," the third single off of the record. Featuring MGMT and Ratatat, the song has a distinct indie vibe, uncharacteristic of a hip-hop single, but appreciated just the same. The track is one of the major highlights on a collection full of them, and shows his versatility as an artist. "Hyyer" next slows it down to another R&B crawl. Though not as spacious, or as daring as most of the other songs on the album, it's a fair change-of-pace, once again showing the range Cudi possesses as an artist. We then conclude with "Up Up & Away," the triumphant pseudo-rock track. You can tell by the opening notes alone that Kid Cudi knows he's turned in an effort sure to be entered into the contest for hip-hop album of the year. Spanning from electronic music to rap to rock to pop, Man on the Moon: The End of Day is everything he could have strived for, and is a superior debut.
As I mentioned, Man on the Moon: The End of Day is one of the most impressive rap albums of 2009, and easily one of the best debuts as well. For all the hype we've heard, Cudi delivers, passing every test with flying colors. His range as an artist is already at a level most in the game for years have yet to master, so it would seem that the sky is the limit for any future release. Trust me. If you have any affinity for alternative hip-hop, mainstream rap, electronic music or literally, any music whatsoever, Cudi's album is sure to please, and impress. Similarities, though they probably won't do this release much justice, include Drake, Clipse and Common.
Rating: 8.5/10
Best Track: "Day 'n' Nite"
9.09.2009
New Kid Cudi, "Pursuit of Happiness" (Feat. Ratatat & MGMT)
Kid Cudi makes a curious, but welcome choice for his third single off of the upcoming Man on the Moon: The End of Day. After releasing two pop hits in "Day 'n' Nite" and "Make Her Say," you'd think another one was definitely in the offering. However, Cudi shows why he's different here, going with one of the more experimental and slower tracks on the record. Plus, there's the surprising collaboration with indie darlings Ratatat and MGMT. It's just another reason why he's a different type of rapper than we're accustomed to, and he may just turn in the best hip-hop effort of 2009. You can stream the track for now over at SPIN. Man on the Moon: The End of Day is out September 15th via G.O.O.D. Music/Universal Motown.
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