KID CUDI BACK ON THE MOON
‘Man On the Moon III’ + What’s Next
After teasing it all year long, Kid Cudi has finally dropped Man on the Moon III: The Chosen. The album comes four years after his last release and ten years after Man’s second installation of the trilogy.
Kid Cudi spent several months hinting that the album was on the way without giving details. In his collaboration with Eminem “The Moon Man & Slim Shady,” Cudi vaguely promised the trilogy would continue. In November, he promised that new music was on its way via a tweet. Finally, on December 6, he released a trailer for the album, name, and tracklist.
Man on the Moon III officially arrived on December 11 and is expected to debut at number 2 on the Billboard 200. The album is already called one of Cudi’s best, a fitting end to the Moon Man’s long journey.
The album combines the classic and beloved Kid Cudi sound that helped him rise to the top in the early 2010s with more modern hip-hop production. Cudi, a talented rapper and singer, shows his talent on this album. He uses both his organic voice and distorts his vocals to give them an otherworldly effect.
Kid Cudi assembled an army of the best in the business to create Man on the Moon III. Several prominent hip-hop producers and frequent Cudi collaborators helped make this album happen. Finneas, a Grammy winner and Billie Eilish’s older brother, is credited as songwriter and producer on its lead track. Kevin Parker of Tame Impala fame also contributed as a writer. The influence of Cudi’s young protégé Travis Scott is uncredited but heard throughout the album.
Man in the Moon III features four artists. UK rapper Skepta and the late Pop Smoke are featured on the drill-influenced track “Show Out.” Rising star Trippie Redd adds a verse in “Rockstar Knights.” And last but not least, Grammy-nominated indie rocker Phoebe Bridgers duets with Cudi on the introspective, prayer-like song “Lovin’ Me.”
If you’re craving more Cudi after listening to Man on the Moon III, you’ll be happy to hear he has lots more planned. He reportedly has another solo album titled Entergalactic coming next year, and a full collaborative album with Travis Scott may be in the works.
Finally, Kid Cudi’s acting career will reach new heights with the release of Adam McKay’s star-studded disaster flick Don’t Look Up. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio and includes Cudi’s appearances and other ultra-famous folks like Meryl Streep, Timothee Chalamet, and Ariana Grande. Don’t Look Up is slated for release in 2021.
