Kid Cudi – INSANO (NITRO MEGA) (Album Review)

For the love of music, Kid Cudi decided to drop a new version of “INSANO.”


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TOP 5

HONORABLE MENTION. DOSE OF DOPENESS (2007)

I remember hearing this song in 2007. It came out around the same time Virginia Tech denied me for having a 1.6 GPA (In my lying-ass LeBron James voice).

“DOSE OF DOPENESS” is significant in Kid Cudi’s discography, being one of his earliest tracks even before A Kid Named Cudi and Man On The Moon 1. It showcases his foresight with its infectious melodies, thought-provoking subject matter, and avant-garde production, which exudes an intergalactic vibe. It’s likely that this song played a pivotal role in shaping Cudi’s artistic identity and paved the way for his subsequent work.

5. ROUND N ROUND (Ft. Lil Yachty)

I understand that Kid Cudi and Lil Yachty don’t have the best voices in the world, but f**k it, I’m still going to call this a duet.

Lil Yachty shares some similarities with Kid Cudi. Both artists excel more in their singing and eccentric styles than in traditional rap skills. This collaboration, “ROUND N ROUND,” capitalizes on these shared strengths. With a spellbinding, otherworldly beat, the track creates an ethereal atmosphere perfectly complemented by Cudi and Yachty’s gentle vocals and vulnerable lyrics. The song’s unique vibes and unconventional verses showcase the distinct talents of both artists.

4. DIAMONDS LIGHTS FAST CARS (Ft. Wiz Khalifa)

Wiz Khalifa and Kid Cudi are singlehandedly why I think hip-hop was cool for like ten years straight.

In “DIAMONDS LIGHTS FAST CARS,” Kid Cudi and Wiz Khalifa venture into rockstar territory, departing from their usual hip-hop sound. This action-packed, slow-burning rock beat sets the stage for Cudi’s intense vocals and lyrics that will give you a post-MDMA-like rush. Meanwhile, Wiz Khalifa delivers a punchy rap verse celebrating his love for weed and asserting his freshness. The song’s vibes offer a refreshing departure from their typical hip-hop fare.

3. I JUST WANNA GET (Ft. Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone & Steve Aoki)

I think this song is good without puffing on something. Imagine if I hit this Zaza Pachulia real quick (Pause)?

In “I JUST WANNA GET,” Kid Cudi revisits the theme of smoking, which he frequently touched on in his music in the past. Set against a smooth beat that will soothe your mind and ease some stress, Cudi delivers a chorus longing to get high and a verse exuding an effortless coolness. Layzie Bone and Krayzie Bone, with their trademark rapid-fire flows and robotic vocals, add their touch to set the mood just right. As for Chip Tha Ripper, while he contributes to the song’s closure, his role remains uncredited, so I won’t even elaborate on it.

The opening line, “it’s Bone and Cudi Cudi,” sent shivers down my spine.

2. EVERYBODY LIKE (Ft. Pusha T)

This song is so dark and muddy, but I love it!

Kid Cudi and Pusha T may seem like an unlikely duo, but their collaborations consistently deliver. In “EVERYBODY LIKE,” their distinct styles blend seamlessly. Cudi enchants with a hypnotic hook and eerie vocals, while Pusha T exudes the persona of a wealthy, formidable drug dealer that you wouldn’t want babysitting your children. Despite their differences, their synergy is undeniable.

1. All My Life

I told myself I wouldn’t cry today (Forget you, Kid Cudi).

While I’m a fan of Cudi’s high-energy tracks, I believe his true strength lies in his ability to channel the essence of a melancholic soul. “All My Life” exemplifies this aspect of his artistry. Set against a backdrop of hard-hitting beats infused with subtle rock elements, Cudi delves into themes of feeling adrift, yearning for escape, and reminiscing about simpler times. His melodic explorations are exquisite, and his vocals possess an angelic quality that will resonate with you.


SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. HUMAN MADE (3/5)

2. DIAMONDS LIGHTS FAST CARS (Ft. Wiz Khalifa) (4/5)

3. WIN OR LOSE (Ft. Chip Tha Ripper) (4/5)

4. CHUNKY (4/5)

5. BABE AND I (3.5/5)

6. WILLIS (Ft. Chip Tha Ripper) (2.5/5)

7. CRASH TEST CUDI (4/5)

8. EVERYBODY LIKE (Ft. Pusha T) (4/5)

9. ELECTROWAVEBABY 2.0 (Ft. Steve Aoki) (4/5)

10. ANIMATE (Ft. Chip Tha Ripper) (3.5/5)

11. ROUND N ROUND (Ft. Lil Yachty) (4/5)

12. DOSE OF DOPENESS (2007) (5/5)

13. ROCKET (2011) (4/5)

14. ILL WHAT I BLEED (4/5)

15. All My Life (4.5/5)

16. I JUST WANNA GET (Ft. Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone & Steve Aoki) (4/5)

17. MOON MAN SHIT (3/5)

18. SUPERBOY (3.5/5)


OVERALL RATING

(C)

INSANO (NITRO MEGA) is a weird name to call a Lost Tapes-like album, but that’s exactly what it is.

In my eyes, Kid Cudi doesn’t need to release any more music to solidify his status as a legend. He’s already left an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape with countless songs that have deeply resonated with me. That said, I don’t feel compelled to analyze this album extensively, as I believe it mainly consists of tracks that didn’t make the cut for previous projects. However, I do want to point out that INSANO (NITRO MEGA) emphasizes Cudi’s unwavering authenticity throughout his career, regardless of the era, collaborators, or production styles.


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This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. Sam

    How did you hear Dose of Dopeness in 2007 if it wasn’t officially released by Dot until 2012?

    1. Quincy

      Because I’m a LeBron James-level liar! Lol. No, I think the song was floating around, but I could be getting it mixed up with another track 🙁

  2. KV.45

    Why doesn’t Chunky get a perfect 5/5? My opinion, it’s a generational Cudi song like pursuit of happiness & Mr rager.

    1. Quincy

      I gotta go back and listen to it. But after a few listens, it didn’t click with me.

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