Yesterday, I went to see the international friendly match between Japan and Mexico.
It ended in a 0-0 draw, but I was genuinely impressed by how hard the Japanese team fought, and cheering them on was such a joy.
The match took place at the former Oakland Athletics stadium. These days, it’s used not only for sports but also for concerts. Right next to it is the old arena that once served as the home court for the Golden State Warriors. Now that the team has moved to San Francisco, this Oakland arena has become a concert venue—and it reminded me of the time I saw Kid Cudi perform there a few years ago.
That memory came rushing back, and I’ve been in a bit of a Kid Cudi state of mind ever since.
So today, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on my love for Cudi and his music.
Into the World of Kid Cudi
The concert I remembered was part of the To the Moon World Tour in 2022—Kid Cudi’s first world tour in about five years, centered around his album Man on the Moon III: The Chosen.
What surprised me most was how genuinely polite his fans were. While waiting in line for merch or the restroom, people would say things like “Go ahead” or “Sorry!” if they accidentally bumped into you. That kind of courtesy might be normal in Japan, but it felt refreshingly rare—and heartwarming—here in the U.S.
The air in the venue was hazy with the slow drift of marijuana smoke. It gave the whole space a muted, dusky tone, but strangely, it didn’t feel unpleasant. If anything, there was a sense of calm, as if everyone was sharing the same atmosphere—soft, gentle, and strangely peaceful.
There was a deep sense of connection in the crowd—fans singing along in unison, as if each voice was reaching out to Cudi, and he was reaching back. And more than anything, hearing his signature “Mmm…” and “Hum…” live made me quietly ecstatic. There’s something oddly healing about those hums. They stay with you.
Kid Cudi’s Music
The first Kid Cudi song I ever heard was “Soundtrack 2 My Life.” I still remember how shocked I was when I first listened—it instantly drew me in. It was 2009. I had just had my third child and had started going to the gym again, and his album Man on the Moon: The End of Day became my go-to workout soundtrack.
It wasn’t anything like the battle-style rap I had known—no aggressive rhyming or bravado. His flow rode the beat, but it felt more like reading pages from a diary. He was simply speaking his truth. In a loose, almost meditative tempo, he laid bare his struggles, loneliness, and mental state. I became addicted to that style instantly. His music is often described as a mix of hip-hop, electronic, alternative, and indie rock—but honestly, it goes far beyond any label. It’s a sound that belongs only to Cudi.
The Man on the Moon albums are a trilogy that symbolize his life, mind, and dreams. The cover art—with a huge moon and a silhouette of Cudi in profile—is iconic. Through themes of loneliness, anxiety, dreams, self-doubt, escapism, and quiet hope, he chooses not to shout or boast, but to confide in the listener with a calm, almost whispered tone. And that’s what hits the hardest.
Who Is Kid Cudi?
Kid Cudi is an artist who defies easy labels—he’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. His work often explores themes like loneliness, anxiety, dreams, and hope, offering an honest look into his inner world. Rather than staying within the bounds of traditional rap, he’s carved out his own expressive path.
He first gained attention in 2008 with his mixtape A Kid Named Cudi, which caught the eye of Kanye West and led to a deal with GOOD Music. The following year, his debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day brought him into the spotlight, featuring hits like “Day ‘n’ Nite.” Cudi and Kanye eventually became close enough to collaborate on a full album together. However, over time, they had their share of conflicts. To be honest, it might be Kanye who’s the complicated one, so their relationship hasn’t always been smooth.
More recently, he released the animated project Entergalactic on Netflix, alongside an album of the same name. The music is pop-infused, mellow, and dreamlike—capturing the hazy, emotional atmosphere that defines much of his work. It’s a really enjoyable animated film. I ended up watching it several times. The visual style has a vibe that somewhat resembles the Spider-Man animated film Into the Spider-Verse, and the blend of story and music feels seamless and deeply satisfying.
Cudi is also a force in the fashion world. He’s appeared on the Louis Vuitton runway, and his own brand, Members of the Rage, features a signature UFO logo that reflects his offbeat style. His music is powerful—but more than that, his entire way of living feels like a form of art.
Man on the Moon
When you think of Kid Cudi, the first image that often comes to mind is the iconic album cover with him in profile against a giant moon. I’ve always wondered why the moon means so much to him.
To Cudi, going to the moon feels like a journey of emotional healing. His music resonates with so many people because, in moments of loneliness or anxiety, it feels like he gently takes you there with him. That’s what I found myself thinking as I listened to Cudi again.
Cudi, Man on the Moon.
“I feel like I’m not from here sometimes. I always imagine myself up there, on the moon.”
— Kid Cudi