You probably already know how to drop it like it’s hot, but if the name Kid Cudi only makes you raise one eyebrow in confusion, North by Northwestern is here to fill you in so you’ll be up, up and away in no time. Cudi opens for Snoop Dogg at A&O’s October 15 Blowout at the Welsh-Ryan. Tickets for the event go on sale October 1 through the Norris Box Office online.
Like several of his contemporaries, Cudi (born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi) built his buzz-worthy career off the foundation of a mixtape — A Kid Named Cudi came out about a year before his debut, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, hit stores. Carried by lead single “Day ‘N’ Nite” — and its equally bangin’ remix courtesy of Italian DJs Crookers — Man on the Moon was a dark, alt-hip hop affair.
It might be all fun, games and California gurls for Snoop Dogg, but Cleveland native Kid Cudi is a bit more of a tortured soul. Sounding anxious and depressed, he sings about night terrors and insomniac nights on “Pursuit of Happiness,” a collaboration with MGMT and Ratatat. But Cudi is not entirely without his happy moments, however. Songs such as “Make Her Say,” a Lady Gaga-sampling tune that puts the poke-her-face in “Poker Face,” show off his playful side.
Cudi’s performance also comes a few weeks ahead of the release of his highly anticipated sophomore effort, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager.
Only a few songs have been released, but so far the rock-edged, Kanye West-assisted “Erase Me” sounds promising. Don’t be surprised if he drops unreleased songs during his show.
In the mean time, fans can tie themselves over with “All Summer,” a collaboration with Rotsam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend and Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast for Converse.
A word of advice, Northwestern concertgoers — don’t make Cudi angry. Otherwise he just might, you know, get a little rough. Taking a slug at a fan got him kicked off Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour, but as long as you’re not jumping on stage or chucking objects at him, it should be fun times for all.