A collaboration of Kanye West and Kid Cudi, and somehow, it’s better than you think it would be.
The two rappers have had highly successful solo careers, so many anticipated that the 2018 six song collaborative album “KIDS SEE GHOSTS” would have been well received in mainstream media. However, compared to many of the artists’ other works, this piece has gone relatively unnoticed.
“KIDS SEE GHOSTS” features many artists, like Pusha T on “Feel The Love,” Yasiin Bey on the experimental title track “Kids See Ghosts,” Ty Dolla $ign on “Freeee” and vocal samples from singer Louis Prima on “4th Dimension.”
This album is definitely one with incredible personality and range as Cudi and West throw their unique styles back and forth seamlessly instead of simply splitting their time on each track. Just like Kanye’s album “Ye” and Cudi’s album “Man on the Moon,” the duo’s album has themes surrounding bi-polar disorder, battling inner demons and many of the artist’s ideologies and philosophies that make each track stand out.
The diverse, yet overall balanced, styles of the album are showcased in bangers like “Fire,” a proud anthem led by West. The major energy of the song pairs well with the cool, melodic, reflective and equally motivating vibes created by Cudi on songs like “Reborn” and “Cudi Montage.”
Each song tells stories about rising through hard times and many of life’s disadvantages. The duo use their personal journeys to illustrate a message in an attempt to motivate and inspire the listener.
Unlike other albums where the artists take turns passing the mic to one another , “KIDS SEE GHOSTS” comes together because Cudi and Kanye just flow together so tastefully. When the two artists are not passing back and forth, they allow each other to have their moments on each track. They know how to compliment each other and even have dual vocals on one of my favorite tracks, “Reborn.” The raw musicality that these two possess blends so beautifully.
The album is only 23 minutes and 50 seconds and leaves you wanting more. We’ll just have to wait and see if the super duo has anything else in store for us.
The album is available on Spotify and other streaming services; it’s a short yet highly memorable album that can’t possibly be recommended more.
