Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon III: The Chosen

Kid Cudi returns with the determination of an architect designing the final cathedral of a trilogy launched more than a decade ago. Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, released on December 11, 2020 via Republic Records, concludes a cycle initiated with Man on the Moon: The End of Day in 2009 and continued by The Legend of Mr. Rager in 2010. This seventh studio album by the rapper lasts 58 minutes and 24 seconds and opens with Beautiful Trip, before closing with Lord I Know. The album tells a story: a concept album where the artist confronts his alter ego, Mr. Rager, in an internal battle to find peace and happiness. Divided into separate acts, similar to the previous two installments, each track becomes a step in a necessary healing process, far from simple collections of sounds.

Completing a conceptual epic: structuring the album into 18 acts to confront Mr. Rager

The thematic coherence of this seventh studio album rests on a rigorous sonic architecture, where Kid Cudi and his alter ego engage in a battle for inner control. Unlike projects that simply juxtapose tracks, each moment here contributes to the overall narrative of the trilogy. The total length of the work, combined with a division into distinct acts, gives the listening experience a cinematic dimension, where transitions serve the narrative rather than breaking the immersion. Kid Cudi, who officially confirmed the project in October 2020 after announcing its arrival in July 2020 in The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady with Eminem, delivers here a conceptual testament, where the struggle against depression and the toxic effects of fame reach their climax.

The productive crucible: Kid Cudi and Dot da Genius lead a diverse production

At the heart of this project lies a hybrid production lab that ensures the sonic stability of the album. The production is primarily handled by Kid Cudi and Dot da Genius, two figures who have shaped the artist's distinctive sound. They are joined by Plain Pat, Emile Haynie, and Mike Dean, all of whom have contributed to the previous two albums in the trilogy. This collaboration of experienced producers guarantees stylistic consistency while allowing for diverse explorations without falling into the trap clichés sometimes associated with the genre. The presence of these renowned producers, who have participated in previous installments, allows for the maintenance of a unique sonic identity for the Man on the Moon saga, while avoiding the repetition of worn-out musical patterns. Dot da Genius's contribution, in particular, adds an epic touch to key tracks, while the contributions of Plain Pat, Emile Haynie, and Mike Dean ground the album in a tradition of high-quality production within the world of independent rap.

Ambassadors of the Moon: Collaborations with Skepta, Pop Smoke, Phoebe Bridgers, and Trippie Redd

The album also stands out for its international approach, which diversifies the sonic landscape without compromising the project's integrity. The featured artists include Phoebe Bridgers, Pop Smoke, Skepta, and Trippie Redd, each bringing a unique flavor to the album's sound. Track number 8, Show Out feat. Skepta, Pop Smoke, perfectly exemplifies this ambition: it fuses the distinct rap styles of two artists with different backgrounds, creating a track that balances the raw power of the Bronx with the British flow of the English artist. Track number 14, Lovin' Me feat. Phoebe Bridgers, introduces a female pop/indie voice that contrasts with the heavier textures of traditional rap, offering a moment of softness and melancholy in the heart of the trilogy. Finally, track number 16, Rockstar Knights feat. Trippie Redd, introduces a melodic and distinct flow that contrasts with more aggressive approaches. These collaborations, officially credited on only three tracks, enrich the album without diluting its central identity.

From the cryptic teaser to the official release: a two-month campaign of announcements

The release of this seventh studio album was accompanied by a well-planned campaign that kept the public's attention focused until the release date. The album was first announced in July 2020 in the song The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady, where Kid Cudi declares "The trilogy continues". This initial announcement was followed by an official confirmation in October 2020 with a trailer containing the message "The trilogy continues... soon", and then a promising tweet in November 2020. On December 7, 2020, the final trailer revealed the album title and its cover art designed by Sam Spratt, while the music videos for Heaven on Earth and She Knows, directed by Nabil, were released the following day. This promotional strategy, which lasted for three months, prepared the ground for a smooth release, confirming that the artist was committed to this project.

Conceptual legacy: concluding the Mr. Rager cycle after six years of development

Kid Cudi embarks on a personal journey, with each track becoming a crucial step in his inner reconstruction. The album, released by Wicked Awesome Records, continues a series that began with Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon (2014), a prelude to the awaited return after the previous studio album, KIDS SEE GHOSTS, released in 2018. The album's narrative structure divides the story into distinct acts, reminiscent of the cinematic divisions of the first two installments of the trilogy: Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009) and Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010). This structure allows the artist to confront his alter ego, Mr. Rager, in a struggle where healing progresses from track 1, Beautiful Trip, to the moving conclusion of Lord I Know. The total duration of 58 minutes and 24 seconds provides a steady pace that avoids excess while maintaining a constant dramatic tension, transforming the listening experience into an immersive one where transitions serve the narrative rather than breaking the immersion. The production, primarily handled by Kid Cudi and Dot da Genius, also benefits from the return of a studio legend: Emile Haynie. This collaboration of veterans grounds the album in a tradition of quality while allowing for diverse explorations. In terms of promotion, the album was officially revealed in October 2020 after an initial, bold announcement in July via The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady, a track featuring Kid Cudi and Eminem where Cudi declares "The trilogy continues". The campaign culminates on December 7 with the release of the final trailer and cover design by Sam Spratt, followed the next day by the release of the music videos for Heaven on Earth and She Knows, directed by Nabil. This careful strategy allowed the album to make an impact before its release on December 11, 2020. After a long period of anticipation since its confirmation in October 2020, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen positions itself as the culmination of a career marked by experimentation and artistic perseverance. This studio album follows immediately after KIDS SEE GHOSTS (2018) and precedes A Kid Named Cudi (2022), forming a crucial discographical continuity for understanding the artist's evolution. The 58 minutes and 24 seconds duration is sufficient to contain this story without excess, with each track having its place in the trilogy. The album, spanning 18 tracks, embodies an ambition that not only summarizes a journey but also opens the doors to a new musical horizon.

Technical specifications

- Release date : December 11, 2020 - Label : Republic Records - Tracks : 18 (58 minutes 24 seconds) - Opening / closing : Beautiful Trip / Lord I Know - Guest artists : Skepta, Pop Smoke, Phoebe Bridgers, Trippie Redd - Previous album : KIDS SEE GHOSTS (2018)