This is a polarizing statement, but Indicud might just be the best Kid Cudi album to date. Many would probably argue that either “Man on the Moon”, or “Man on the Moon II” is Cudi’s best work. Those albums were near-perfect for a freshman and sophomore album. Indicud, being the first not in the installation gave way to high expectations. Indicud was also the first album executively produced by Cudi, himself. There was only one other executive producer credit. This album was going to be different from any previous Cudi works. Was everything executed perfectly? No, there is always room for improvement. But that is exactly from which this album achieves greatness. Its imperfections. Plus, what other favorite rapper has a song about somebody in Harry Potter.
Kid Cudi has always had an uncanny ability to connect with me (and all fans). Incidud’s ability to do that was no different. The difference was the way in which this album connected and the feelings it created. Cudi switched up moods. Indicud is a very positive album. Cudi has even stated that. This album shed light on a new side of Scott. It was a different from the previous albums, especially the eerie and melancholy themes on MOTM 2. This album represents growth for Cudi and any listener, musically and more important, personally. The entire album is anthemic, even if it can teeter on braggadocios. Songs like “Unfuckwittable,” “King Wizard,” and “Immortal” are some of the best examples of what this album is about. The album is empowerment to accept “Just What I Am.” Indicud is best described as a middle finger to any doubter or hater. Just do and be myself, know my worth. That is something that I had never done before, until recently. This album is that feeling of freedom and confidence when I believe in myself. Indicud helped me realize that only I am responsible for my own happiness.
Then, there is just the beauty that is “Red Eye.” Haim and Kid Cudi would not normally be associated with one another, but this is a collaboration made in Heaven. Haim’s vocals over the Cudi’s beats are extraordinary. It can be about someone you just can’t get over. It can be a metaphor about using drugs to run away from fear. With this interpretation, the title becomes another play on smoking weed. Indicud is a play on the indica strain of weed, so he could be talking about how smoking weed causes red eyes. Another reason I love this song is the placement on the album. The placement of this song is perfect. It is the tenth song on the album, just a little more than half of the album. “Red Eye” is a nice change of pace, and it breaks up the album. It will forever be a top five Cudi song.
The freedom and confidence projected by Indicud are not just a result of the music itself, but also the history. Because this album was the first outside the MOTM Installation and Cudi’s first executively produced work, there was a lot being risked on the success of this album. Cudi did not flinch. He bet on himself and won. Indicud was the artistic evolution of Kid Cudi. It was drastically different from either MOTM. Cudi proved the haters wrong. He proved that not only could he grow, but I could also grow. Indicud is such an undervalued piece of art. Please go listen and appreciate it.
P.S. For anyone who don’t know, “Young Lady” is about Emma Watson.
Jakey's Takeys 
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