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Indicud
Studio album by
Kid Cudi
ReleasedApril 12, 2013 (2013-04-12)
Recorded2012–2013
Studio
Genre
Length70:44
Label
ProducerKid Cudi
Kid Cudi chronology
Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
(2010) 		Indicud
(2013) 		Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon
(2014)
Singles from Indicud
  1. "Just What I Am"
    Released: October 2, 2012
  2. "King Wizard"
    Released: December 17, 2012
  3. "Immortal"
    Released: March 14, 2013
  4. "Girls"
    Released: April 2, 2013

Indicud is the third studio album by the American rapper Kid Cudi. It was released on April 12, 2013, by GOOD Music, Wicked Awesome Records, and Republic Records. It was the first album of Cudi's solo career to not be an installment of his Man on the Moon series. The album's cover artwork was designed by Kid Cudi himself, who also served as an executive producer of Indicud. It was Cudi's goal to make more uptempo and positive music with the album. He described it as a completely new format compared to his previous albums.

The album's record production was handled entirely by Cudi as well, with only record producer Hit-Boy co-producing one track, while Cudi's WZRD bandmate Dot da Genius, provided drums on two. The album features guest appearances from King Chip, Kendrick Lamar, Too Short, RZA, ASAP Rocky, Father John Misty, Michael Bolton and Haim.

During the early release of Indicud, it was preceded by four singles – "Just What I Am", "King Wizard", "Immortal" and "Girls". Indicud debuted at number two in the United States. With sales of 139,000 copies and debuted at number 32 on the UK Albums Chart, becoming Cudi's highest-charting album on the chart, while entering at number two on the UK R&B Chart. The album received mixed reviews from critics.

Background

[edit]

After his crossover into rock music with Dot da Genius, on their project WZRD (2012), Kid Cudi soon began working on his third solo studio album.[1] The album was initially going to be the third installment to his Man on the Moon series, which he announced when he revealed he would not be releasing the A Man Named Scott mixtape, to focus on his rock project and "MOTM3".[2][3] Be that as it may, in the summer of 2012 Cudi announced the title of his third studio album when he tweeted: "My new album is entitled indicud, it will be my version of The Chronic 2001, some songs i'll produce, others i'll feat &/or play songwriter".[4] The title Indicud, is a play-on-words on the putative species of the genus Cannabis, indica, and Cudi's own name.[5][6]

On June 8, 2012, Cudi announced Indicud, would be a double-disc album,[7] until tweeting on October 28, 2012, that "Indicud will not be a double disc but will contain a maximum of 17 brand new jams." Kid Cudi also tweeted: "The overall tone of indicud is positive and confident," adding: "The energy of Indicud is its own new thing. New format with some of my favorite musical tricks here and there. The album moves dope".[8]

Before the album's release, in December 2012, Cudi dedicated Indicud to the late Ben Breedlove and all his fans who died, continuing: "My journey shall continue in your honor. Never forgotten."[9] The dedication was ultimately included in the album's liner notes.[10] The album is upbeat and optimistic, very much unlike his previous studio album Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010), which was considered darkly erratic.[11] The positive vibe stems from Cudi's desire to always change and reinvent:

"I always try to push myself to the next level with everything I do. Since I've been in the business, critics have known that about me. When I started working on Indicud, I just wanted to bring more energy into my sound. Most of my old music was driven towards relaxed, chilled out smoke music. And that was my goal first coming in. Now it's like, 'What's a side of me that people haven't seen?' The only time people have seen me on up-tempos is on remixes or some shit. So I just wanted to take the energy to the next level. That ultimately inspired the subject matter. It was a chain reaction. With the up-tempos came more positive lyrics. It just brightened up the whole shit."[11]

After announcing his departure from GOOD Music, Cudi revealed Indicud would be his last album under the label, adding that only the first 200,000 copies printed would have the GOOD Music logo on it; making them collector's items.[12]

Recording

[edit]

It feels right. But now I'm just kinda going with the flow and that's kinda how Indicud came out. I didn't go in making an album, I just went in trying to learn how to make beats.. and I made "Just What I Am". And it was just like 'OK, dope record', but I didn't have the confidence to do an album yet. But then, like other jams came out, like "Unfuckwittable" and "Young Lady" and then it was just like 'Whoa, I could do an album here'. With just three songs, I felt like 'Okay, this is something that I could execute'. And I put it out there that I was gonna do the album with only just three songs man; but I work better under pressure.

— In an exclusive video interview with Complex, in January 2013, Cudi spoke on the making of Indicud[1]

In April 2012, in Geneseo, New York, Cudi performed before a sold-out crowd and premiered a hip-hop song, his first since 2010. During his set, he performed a new record, tentatively titled "The Leader of the Delinquents", which he did a cappella.[13] On April 25, 2012, Cudi was officially back to rapping with the release of "Dennis, Hook Me Up with Some More of That Whiskey!".[14] The song, the first ever solely produced by Cudi himself, samples his 2010 song "Ghost!".[15] On July 10, 2012, via his Twitter feed, Cudi announced collaborations on the album thus far, as the album had not yet been completed, to be Pusha T, Jaden Smith and Kendrick Lamar, along with more familiar collaborators Kanye West, King Chip and Cage. He also revealed he was hoping to collaborate with 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Diplo and MGMT.[16] In September, he had also expressed interest in working with Harlem-bred rapper ASAP Rocky on Indicud.[17] On October 1, 2012, Cudi confirmed that production from electronic rock duo Ratatat, with whom he collaborated on "Pursuit of Happiness" and "Alive" from his debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009), would be featured on Indicud.[18]

On October 9 and 12, Cudi released pictures of him and Dot da Genius in the studio working on the album.[19][20] On November 6, 2012, Cudi made it known that he was in the studio that day working with fellow American rapper J. Cole.[17] On November 17, 2012, via his Twitter feed, Cudi announced the song he recorded with Kendrick Lamar was produced by himself and is titled "Solo Dolo, Part II".[21] He also stated his former GOOD Music label-mate Common would be featured on the album, on a song produced by Dot da Genius and Cudi's mentor 88-Keys.[22] On February 13, 2013, via Twitter, Cudi revealed he previewed the album to friend and fellow American actor, Mark Webber, and asked him to share his thoughts on the album, as a favor to the fans. During his barrage of tweets, Webber gave insight on the album, revealing Too Short and Wu-Tang Clan's RZA as features, as well as praising Cudi's production, rapping and singing.[23] Unlike his previous albums, Indicud is primarily produced by Cudi himself.[24]

"I definitely did [Indicud] with this angry, spiteful, villainous energy. I was able to make some really great records, but it was the most aggressive music I ever made"

— In a September 2014 interview with Joe Rogan, Cudi reminisced on the recording process of the album.[25]

In an interview with Billboard, released March 2013, Cudi confirmed he was working closely with ASAP Rocky, while also revealing Haim, an all-female indie rock band, would appear on the album on a song produced by high-profile American record producer Hit-Boy and himself. On April 2, 2013, Hit-Boy, claimed besides Cudi, he was the only other person to provide production on the album.[26] Cudi later confirmed the statement via Twitter.[27] Cudi and Hit-Boy had been working on the aforementioned song since January 2011. The track is also the first record the two of them ever worked on together.[28]

Production

[edit]

"Yeah, they're fuckin' wicked. I love them. They came to the studio with dope energy. I'd work with them any day. They're so dope. We were able to do a jam with something me and Hit-Boy did. It's a song that we've been trying to make happen for, like, two years now. I had the idea to get the girls on it and we reworked the beat a little bit. That will definitely be on there. It's next level. Everything on this album is next level, man. It's totally, like, the coldest shit. People are going to be like, 'What are we doing wrong?' You've just got to bring the madness sometimes."

— Commenting on his studio session with Haim:[11]

In an April 2013 interview, Cudi told MTV News how his collaboration with "the '80s legend" Michael Bolton came about: "My mom is a huge fan so I grew up hearing him in the household and he did the song with The Lonely Island that I thought that was genius. I love those guys' work and seeing what they did with Michael they really used him, but I was like man I wanna use him in a way where I'm not tryna make a joke or anything – I just wanna use the mightiness of his voice in a way that's never been done before."[29] "I reached out," Cudi added, "he responded immediately and we were able to get him in the studio for like three hours and most of the time he spent talking and just dropping science. It was really cool to have his energy and just to be around him because he's such a legend, so down to earth and cool. He was like the uncle I never had."[29]

Cudi also incorporated quotes from his favorite movies into the album, wherever he saw fit. The first release with a movie quote was "Immortal", where Cudi sampled Adam Sandler in his 1995 film Billy Madison: "That’s one of my favorite movies, man. From my childhood, straight up. I love Adam Sandler. Throughout the album I wanted to include clips from some of my favorite movies to kind of narrate the album a bit and liven it up and give it some personality." He declared that throughout the album, people will hear scenes from several different movies:

"Yeah, different actors will pop up periodically. That’s how I felt when I finished the song. 'Oh my God. It's so good!' [Laughs] So there had to be a way that I could express myself. So I had to find some of my favorite quotes from my favorite movies. I put on Billy Madison and just watched that. There were so many lines that I picked that were great. But "I’m the smartest man alive!" resonated with me. And Adam Sandler is like a god to me. He's so amazing. I just wanted to pay homage through song and let him know, like, 'You’re the shit!'"[11]

With Indicud, on several tracks Cudi took a backseat in vocals to rather showcase his production skills. "The focus was on producing the record for Kendrick, I wanted to shine as a producer first. I wanted to show that side off more than anything else and that's why I had my one verse then let Kendrick go ape-sh-- crazy all over the rest of it." As for the ASAP Rocky feature on "Brothers", Cudi explained that he made the decision to go with a minimal hook and let the Harlem rapper dominate the track: "I felt like that was a perfect beat for ASAP to get on there and speak some truths and talk to the younger generation, because he's in a place where a lot of kids are up to him and Kendrick. I just wanted to hear him say something a little bit more thoughtful, and he did that – he showed up. I was blown away by his craftsmanship, his professionalism and his overall mojo."[30]

Release and promotion

[edit]

On October 28, 2012, after previously announcing hopes of releasing the album in late 2012, Cudi changed the estimate release date from late 2012 to early 2013.[8] In late November, Cudi made it known he would be withholding the album's exact release date, until it was certain, to avoid push backs.[31][32] On December 18, 2012, the same day promotional single "King Wizard" was officially released, Cudi revealed the album would be released in March 2013.[33] On February 12, he announced the album's release date to be April 23, 2013.[34] After the album leaked online in its entirety on April 9, 2013, Kid Cudi decided to push the album's release date up to April 16.[35]

In early January, the album was named the ninth most anticipated album of 2013 by Complex and the 14th most anticipated album by XXL.[36][37] In early 2013, Cudi covered Complex's February/March 2013 issue.[24] In January 2013, Cudi took to Twitter to express his frustrations with record label, Universal Republic, not supporting and promoting his music. After providing facts about singles "Just What I Am" and "King Wizard", defending their strong online presence and lamenting about not getting radio play, Cudi tweeted, "if things dont change soon, theres gonna be some problems."[38]

On March 14, 2013, Kid Cudi performed at Myspace's South by Southwest (SXSW) secret show in Austin, Texas and after performing his many hits, he previewed a new verse from Indicud. He also revealed that the album would feature 18 tracks, while officially confirming ASAP Rocky and Michael Bolton as featured guests.[39] On March 16, Cudi announced that he would release the album's track list and cover art on April 2.[40] Three days later, Kid Cudi announced via Twitter that the album had officially been completed and turned in to his label, Universal Republic.[41] On March 26, the album's cover art and track list was unveiled by Walmart and later Complex.[42] After the album cover's unveiling, Cudi took to Twitter to explain his decision for the artwork: "The album art represents me. A ball of flames in a rose gold frame."[43] The cover's art direction was handled by Cudi himself. In December 2013, it would be named the sixteenth best album cover of 2013 by Complex.[44] Later that day, Cudi appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and performed the album's lead singles; "Just What I Am" and "Immortal", as well as premiering "Mad Solar", which he performed a cappella.[45][46]

During late 2013, Kid Cudi toured in support of Indicud on The Cud Life Tour 2013. The tour was announced on July 15, with tickets going on sale the following day. Supporting acts on the tour include Big Sean, Tyler, the Creator and Logic.[47] The tour took place in the United States beginning on August 22 and ran through October 18, 2013.[48]

Singles

[edit]

On August 12, 2012, Kid Cudi released the lead single from Indicud, a song titled "Just What I Am", featuring his longtime collaborator and friend, rapper King Chip.[49] On October 2, 2012, "Just What I Am", was released to iTunes as the first single from the album.[50] The single's music video, which marked Cudi's directorial debut, was released November 6, 2012, via Kid Cudi's Vevo.[51] The song has since peaked at number 74 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[52]

On September 29, 2012, Cudi released a podcast where he previewed "King Wizard", a new song he was "very excited about".[53] On October 3, 2012, one day after "Just What I Am", the album's lead single was officially released via iTunes, Cudi liberated "King Wizard" as the second offering from Indicud via SoundCloud.[54][55] Cudi who also produced the track, had teamed up with Samsung Mobile to release the clean version of the newly mastered "King Wizard" as a free download. The download was available by heading to Samsung Mobile USA's Facebook page under the "music" tab. The explicit version and the music video were officially released via iTunes, on December 18, 2012, as the album's second single.[56][57]

On October 29, Cudi announced he would be releasing the album's second official single at the end of November.[58] On November 7, he revealed the upcoming single's title to be "Immortal", and that it again was produced by himself like the two previous releases, "Just What I Am" and "King Wizard". He claimed the song "will make you feel amazing in the heart and soul."[59] However, on November 30, he revealed "Immortal" would not be released until 2013. "Immortal" would be premiered on March 1, 2013, via SoundCloud.[60] The song was produced by Cudi, with the main sample being a track from one of his favorite bands MGMT's, "Congratulations". He reversed the song, sped it up, and produced over it.[61][62] The song was officially released via iTunes on March 14, 2013, as the album's third single.[63]

On April 2, 2013, Cudi released "Girls" for digital download via the iTunes Store, as the album's fourth single. The song features fellow American rapper Too Short, and was produced by Cudi.[64][65]

Critical reception

[edit]
Indicud ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?5.5/10[66]
Metacritic58/100[67]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[68]
The A.V. ClubB−[69]
Exclaim!7/10[70]
NME6/10[71]
Now3/5[72]
Pitchfork4.0/10[73]
Rolling StoneStarStarHalf star[74]
Spin7/10[75]
USA TodayStarStarStarHalf star[76]
XXL3/5[77]

Indicud was met with mixed reviews. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received an average score of 58, based on 16 reviews.[67] Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 5.5 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.[66]

Chris Dart of Exclaim! said, "It's also a smart, fun, eclectic record full of psychedelic influences and great, massive choruses."[70] Steve Jones of USA Today said, "Scott Mescudi handles the production of his third album, creating moody, surreal soundscapes to bolster rhymes that run the gamut of emotions. But whether he's feeling invincible or despondent, you get a true sense of where his head's at."[76] David Jeffries of AllMusic stated, "It's an entertaining, vibrant, and artistically filling album, so consider it a "presents" effort and enjoy the show."[68] Mosi Reeves of Spin said, "None of the guest actors here distract from Cudi's signature self-mythologizing and inner turmoil. And most of the time, it's his inner turmoil that beckons you in, rather than merely pushing you out."[75] Dan Buyanovsky of XXL stated, "As a whole, Cudi's version of 2001 is an original and bold project [...] This ambitious project does not fall flat, and credit is due to Cudi for continuing to challenge himself post-WZRD, taking on a new skill-set and concept rather than throwing together a collection of identically moody anthems."[77]

Evan Rytlewski of The A.V. Club stated, "For the first time, Cudi is more interested in throwing an actual party than a pity party, and with his bass-engulfed beats and chewy, sing-along hooks, he’s well-suited to the task. In spite of its brighter outlook, though, Indicud is still a Kid Cudi record."[69] Logan Smithson of PopMatters said, "If you've heard a Kid Cudi album before, you probably know what you’re going to get from Indicud, and for those who have been patiently awaiting his latest release, that's great news. Indicud features some of Kid Cudi’s best songs to date, and is an overall enjoyable listen from start to finish."[78] Chris Coplan of Consequence stated, "It's ass-backwards to make other people look the best on your solo album. Still, that might demonstrate the path of Kid Cudi isn't about being a rapper, a singer, or something in between. The point is, this record just proves that Kid Cudi has a lot of sorting to do, and continuing down the same old path simply won’t cut it in the long-run."[79] Joe Gross of Rolling Stone said, "Someday this Cleveland MC/producer/former weed enthusiast will find the lyrical and vocal charisma to match the scrumptiously dark, quasi-industrial tenor of his moody beats. But Cudi’s pitchy-dawg voice remains his own worst enemy."[74]

Accolades

[edit]

Closing out the year, the album was named to multiple album of the year lists. Complex ranked the album at number 26, on their list of the 50 best albums of 2013. They commented saying, "the album's cinematic feel puts Cudi in the director's seat as he compiles a diverse ensemble cast of luminaries, ranging from rap legends like RZA to indie rockers like Haim to West Coast spitters like Kendrick Lamar. The final product is proof Cudi can make a soundscape that others can easily adapt to, not the other way around."[80] XXL positioned it at number 25 on their list of the best albums of 2013.[81] In December 2013, HipHopDX placed it on their list of the top 25 albums of the year saying, "In a manner akin to Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil to become a magician of a bluesman, Kid Cudi also clearly sold his soul to the demons that once claimed it in order to craft this album. There’s no singles here, just an intense and very listenable journey."[82] The Source ranked it at number 23 on their list, saying "it delivered, sonically and conceptually. The album was an honest representation of the maturation of Cudi's space age sound and middle finger to the world attitude."[83]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In its first week of release Indicud debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 139,000 copies in the United States and debuted at number 32 on the UK Albums Chart, becoming Cudi's highest-charting album on the chart, while entering at number two on the UK R&B Chart.[84] In its second week the album sold 36,000 more copies.[85] In its third week the album sold 15,000 more copies, bringing its total sales in the United States to 183,000.[86] As of December 19, 2013, the album has sold 260,000 copies in the United States.[87] On February 25, 2019, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined sales and album-equivalent units of over 500,000 units in the United States.[88]

The album also earned a level of commercial success internationally. In Canada it peaked at number three on the Canadian Albums Chart and peaked at number 32 on the UK Albums Chart.[89][90] It also peaked at number 28 in Australia, number 32 in Denmark and number 33 in New Zealand.[91][92][93] Indicud also charted on the main albums chart in Belgium,[94][95] France,[96] Germany,[97] Switzerland[98] and Ireland.[99]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks produced by Kid Cudi, except for "Red Eye", which features co-production by Hit-Boy.

Indicud track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Resurrection of Scott Mescudi"Scott Mescudi2:41
2."Unfuckwittable"Mescudi4:36
3."Just What I Am" (featuring King Chip)
3:48
4."Young Lady" (featuring Father John Misty)
4:25
5."King Wizard"Mescudi4:16
6."Immortal"
5:01
7."Solo Dolo, Pt. II" (featuring Kendrick Lamar)
3:34
8."Girls" (featuring Too Short)
  • Mescudi
  • Todd Shaw
  • Dion Norman
  • Derrick Ordogne
  • Michael Monagan
  • Daniel Brattain
  • Carl Brown
  • Albert Cota
  • Shelly Goodhope
  • Veronica Mendez
  • Darrell Mitchell
  • Chantel Roquemore
  • Tanesa Tavin
4:27
9."New York City Rage Fest"Mescudi1:53
10."Red Eye" (featuring Haim)
3:54
11."Mad Solar"Mescudi4:08
12."Beez" (featuring RZA)
3:13
13."Brothers" (featuring King Chip and ASAP Rocky)
4:41
14."Burn Baby Burn"Mescudi2:58
15."Lord of the Sad and Lonely"Mescudi2:46
16."Cold Blooded"Mescudi2:32
17."Afterwards (Bring Yo Friends)" (featuring Michael Bolton and King Chip)
  • Mescudi
  • Worth
9:03
18."The Flight of the Moon Man"Mescudi2:51
Total length:70:44

Sample credits

  • "The Resurrection of Scott Mescudi" contains an excerpt from the film The Good Son (1993).
  • "Unfuckwittable" contains an excerpt from the film The Good Son (1993).
  • "Young Lady" contains a sample of "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings" performed by Father John Misty.
  • "Immortal" contains a sample of "Congratulations" performed by MGMT. The song also contains excerpts from the films Billy Madison (1995) and The Good Son (1993).
  • "Solo Dolo, Part II" contains a sample of "Going the Distance" performed by Menahan Street Band, which was originally composed by Bill Conti.
  • "Girls" contains an interpolation of "Pretty Girls", written by Carl Brown, Shelly Goodhope, Tanesa Tavin, Daniel Brattain, Veronica Mendez, Darrell Mitchell, Albert Cota, Chantel Roquemore and Michael Monagan. The song also contains a sample of "Bitches (Reply)" performed by Dion "DJ Jimi" Norman.
  • "Beez" contains a sample of "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" performed by Geto Boys.

Personnel

[edit]

Credits for Indicud taken from the album's liner notes.[100]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Indicud
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[88] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for Indicud
Region Date Label(s) Format(s) Ref
Australia April 12, 2013 Republic
[106]
Germany
[107]
France
[108]
New Zealand
[109]
United Kingdom
[110]
Canada April 16, 2013
[111]
United States
  • CD
  • LP
  • digital download
[112][113]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Indicud

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Indicud is the third studio album by American rapper and singer Kid Cudi, released on April 16, 2013, through GOOD Music, Republic Records and his own imprint Wicked Awesome Records.[1][2][3] The album, serving as Cudi's first project executive produced entirely by himself (with minor contributions from others like Hit-Boy), blends hip-hop with alternative rock and electronic elements, exploring themes of personal resurrection, ambition, and introspection.[4][5] Featuring a diverse array of collaborators including Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, A$AP Rocky, Lupe Fiasco, Too Short, RZA, Father John Misty, HAIM, and Michael Bolton, Indicud debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 136,000 copies in its first week.[6][7][8] Following Cudi's departure from Kanye West's GOOD Music label after the 2010 release of Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, Indicud represented a creative pivot, with Cudi taking full control of production to craft a sound inspired by Dr. Dre's 2001.[9] The project originated as a showcase for artists signed to Wicked Awesome Records, incorporating tracks from collaborators like King Chip and Dot da Genius, while allowing Cudi to experiment with psychedelic and rock-infused beats across its 18 tracks.[10] The lead single "Just What I Am" featuring King Chip peaked at number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum by the RIAA as of 2024; the track "New York State of Mind" features narration by Brandon Routh.[11][12][13] Critically, Indicud received mixed reviews, earning a Metacritic score of 58 out of 100 based on 24 critics, with praise for its ambitious scope and Cudi's production versatility but criticism for inconsistent cohesion and over-reliance on features.[14] Commercially, it marked Cudi's highest-charting solo album at the time, though it fell short of topping the Billboard 200 due to competition from Fall Out Boy's Save Rock and Roll, and was certified gold by the RIAA in 2019.[15][13] Over time, the album has been reevaluated by fans and critics as an underrated entry in Cudi's discography, highlighting his evolution as a multifaceted artist bridging hip-hop and genre experimentation.[4]

Development

Background

Following the release of his second studio album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager in November 2010, American rapper and singer Scott Mescudi, known professionally as Kid Cudi, began conceptualizing his next major project. Originally intended as the third installment in his Man on the Moon series (Man on the Moon III), Cudi pivoted to a standalone project to demonstrate his growing production expertise and promote artists on his own label.[16] In June 2012, he announced via Twitter that his forthcoming third solo studio album would be titled Indicud—a portmanteau of "indica" (referencing the cannabis strain) and his stage name—and described it as "the best music I've ever made," emphasizing his intent to self-produce the majority of the record. This announcement marked a pivotal shift, as Cudi positioned Indicud as a platform to demonstrate his production prowess and move beyond the moody, introspective soundscapes of his Man on the Moon series toward a more eclectic and confident expression. Cudi's creative direction for Indicud was shaped by his extensive involvement with Kanye West's GOOD Music imprint during 2011 and 2012, where he balanced personal artistry with collaborative commitments. He contributed production to tracks like "Gotta Have It" on Jay-Z and West's Watch the Throne (2011) and performed on "Creepers" from GOOD Music's compilation album Cruel Summer (2012), experiences that honed his skills in blending hip-hop, rock, and electronic elements. Additionally, in February 2012, Cudi released WZRD, a psychedelic rock album with frequent collaborator Dot da Genius under the duo name WZRD, which further diversified his musical palette and tested his ability to helm full projects independently. These professional endeavors occurred against a backdrop of personal challenges, including ongoing mental health struggles with depression and anxiety, as well as Cudi's evolving journey with substance use and sobriety, which infused Indicud with themes of resilience and self-reflection. Frustrated by perceived lack of support from his distributor, Universal Republic—particularly after the label's minimal promotion of WZRD, which led to public rants about under-shipped physical copies and inadequate marketing—Cudi sought to reclaim full creative control. In April 2011, he had founded his own imprint, Wicked Awesome Records, to foster independence while retaining a distribution deal with Republic; this structure enabled him to self-produce Indicud as a statement of artistic autonomy, free from external production influences that had defined his earlier GOOD Music-affiliated work.

Recording

The recording of Indicud took place from late 2011 to early 2013, beginning with initial demos and collaborations created as early as late 2011, prior to Kid Cudi announcing the album's title and concept in June 2012.[17] Intensive sessions ramped up in 2012, following Cudi's contributions to the GOOD Music compilation Cruel Summer, which was released in September 2012 and involved collaborative recording efforts across multiple locations. The majority of the work occurred in Cudi's home studio in Los Angeles, where he employed mobile setups and personal equipment for greater flexibility, underscoring his independent ethos in crafting the project without heavy reliance on traditional studio environments.[18] Additional sessions were held in New York to accommodate key collaborations. Challenges arose in coordinating features with artists such as King Chip on "Just What I Am" and HAIM on "Red Eye," as Cudi balanced scheduling logistics and integrating their vocal contributions amid his solo production workload.[18]

Production

Kid Cudi handled the majority of production duties for Indicud, self-producing 16 of the album's 18 tracks and marking his first solo project where he took near-total creative control over the sonic landscape.[4] Hit-Boy provided co-production on "Red Eye," while Dot da Genius contributed to "Mad Solar," infusing the album with collaborative energy while preserving Cudi's dominant vision.[4] During the mixing phases in early 2013, the album integrated live instrumentation like guitars with synthesizers and electronic elements to craft a distinctive rock-rap fusion that emphasized experimental textures over conventional hip-hop beats.[18] The final mixing occurred across multiple studios, aligning with Cudi's intent to avoid heavy auto-tune and prioritize raw, unprocessed vocals for an authentic emotional depth.[19]

Composition

Musical style

Indicud blends alternative hip hop with rock and electronic music, employing prominent guitars, booming drums, and atmospheric synths to craft an anthemic, expansive sound.[20] The album's production incorporates fuzzy noise guitars on tracks like "Young Lady," prog-house synthesizers swirling over "Red Eye," and metal-churning boom-bap drums opening "The Resurrection of Scott Mescudi," marking a shift from Kid Cudi's prior psychedelic rap toward more diverse sonic textures influenced by his rock-oriented WZRD project with electronic producer Dot da Genius.[20][21] This fusion yields varied track styles, including the aggressive, hard-edged rock drive of "King Wizard" and the playful indie pop bounce of "Girls" featuring Too Short's gritty verses over distorted melodies.[22] Woozy synths and heartbeat-like percussion further enhance the electronic leanings, as heard in the late-night party vibe of "Afterwards (Bring Yo' Friends)."[21] Spanning 70:44 across 18 tracks, Indicud demonstrates dynamic range, transitioning from serene, synth-driven ballads like "Mad Solar" to high-energy anthems such as "Unfuckwittable," with traces of dubstep absorbed into its hip-hop core.[23][20]

Lyrics and themes

Indicud explores central themes of self-empowerment, immortality, and relationships, deeply reflecting Kid Cudi's personal battles with depression and the pressures of fame. Throughout the album, Cudi employs first-person storytelling to convey his emotional vulnerabilities, such as feelings of isolation, while guest verses from collaborators expand on motifs of resilience and communal support. These elements draw from Cudi's ongoing evolution of the "Man on the Moon" persona, using poetic devices like metaphors of space to symbolize emotional detachment and introspection, and imagery of kingship to assert inner strength and triumph over adversity.[4] The narrative arc progresses from early tracks emphasizing personal growth, where Cudi affirms his identity and unyielding spirit amid external judgments, to mid-album segments delving into profound introspection about mental health struggles and existential questions. This builds toward later sections celebrating triumph and enduring legacy, portraying a journey from vulnerability to defiant optimism. For instance, reflections on immortality highlight a quest for lasting impact beyond fame's fleeting highs, intertwining with relational dynamics that underscore the value of authentic bonds as anchors against loneliness. Cudi has described the album as a depiction of his personal evolution, aiming to empower listeners facing similar challenges.[11][9][24] In addressing depression, Cudi shifts from the darker tones of prior works to a more resilient outlook, using space metaphors—like solar voyages representing mental escapes—to illustrate battles with inner demons and the pursuit of clarity. Kingship motifs further reinforce self-empowerment, positioning Cudi as a sovereign figure navigating fame's isolation toward self-acceptance. Relationships emerge as redemptive forces, with lyrics portraying them as lifelines that foster growth and counteract depressive isolation, all while maintaining the album's cohesive thread of hope and perseverance. This thematic framework aligns briefly with musical shifts toward upbeat, experimental sounds that amplify the message of renewal.[5][25]

Release and promotion

Marketing

The marketing campaign for Indicud began with Kid Cudi's announcement of the album's title and concept via Twitter on June 5, 2012, where he described it as his take on Dr. Dre's The Chronic 2001, involving self-production and features from various artists.[26] This initial reveal generated early buzz among fans, positioning the project as a ambitious return following his 2010 album Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager. The cover art, featuring a minimalist design with Cudi's silhouette against a cosmic background, was unveiled on March 27, 2013, alongside the official tracklist, further heightening anticipation just weeks before release.[27] As a member of GOOD Music, Cudi leveraged label affiliations for promotional tie-ins, including the collective's high-profile opening performance at the 2012 BET Awards on June 1, where they debuted tracks from the upcoming compilation Cruel Summer, showcasing Cudi alongside Kanye West, Big Sean, and Pusha T to amplify visibility.[28] He also performed at OVO Fest in Toronto on July 31, 2012, sharing the stage with Drake and A$AP Rocky, which served as an early platform to tease his evolving sound amid the festival's star-studded lineup. These appearances reinforced Cudi's connections within the hip-hop ecosystem and built cross-promotional momentum for Indicud. In the lead-up to the April 2013 release, Cudi offered digital previews through free streaming of album snippets on platforms like Amazon and his official channels starting April 3, allowing fans to sample collaborations with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, RZA, and Haim.[29] Additionally, promotional efforts included merchandise teasers like limited-edition apparel and accessories tied to the album's themes, alongside hints of an upcoming tour, framing Indicud as a personal "rebirth" for Cudi's career after a period of personal challenges.[18] In interviews, he emphasized the project as a fresh start, stating it represented "Phase 2 of my domination" and a return to creative control.[18]

Singles

The lead single from Indicud, "Just What I Am" featuring King Chip, was released on October 2, 2012. Produced by Kid Cudi, the track features introspective lyrics about personal identity and features King Chip's verse highlighting street life contrasts. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 74 and peaked at number 17 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, with over 155,000 digital downloads by early 2013. A music video directed by Kid Cudi was released on November 6, 2012, showcasing surreal visuals aligning with the song's themes. The single was later certified double platinum by the RIAA on November 25, 2024. The second single, "King Wizard", followed on December 18, 2012. Self-produced by Kid Cudi, who delivers rapid-fire rapping over a synth-heavy beat, the song explores themes of power and resilience. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 91 and reached number 28 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The accompanying music video, directed by Kid Cudi, features psychedelic animation and performance footage emphasizing the track's energetic vibe. "Immortal", released on March 14, 2013, served as a promotional single ahead of the album's launch. Produced by Kid Cudi with a sample from MGMT's "Congratulations", the song addresses overcoming depression and spiritual empowerment, with lyrics proclaiming inner strength and immortality. It debuted at number 48 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The music video incorporates religious and ethereal imagery, depicting Cudi in transcendent scenarios to underscore the track's motivational message. The fourth single, "Girls" featuring Too Short, was released on April 2, 2013. Co-produced by Kid Cudi and Too Short, the track adopts a lighter, playful tone focused on single life and casual romance, contrasting the introspective depth of prior singles. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

Release formats and dates

Indicud was released on April 16, 2013, in the United States through Kid Cudi's imprint Wicked Awesome Records in partnership with Republic Records, following his departure from GOOD Music earlier that month.[30][1] The release came after an online leak prompted Cudi to advance the date from the originally planned April 23.[31] The album was distributed in multiple physical and digital formats, including standard digital download, compact disc (CD), and triple vinyl LP, with the vinyl edition including an MP3 download code.[23] Internationally, release dates varied slightly by region: April 12 in select markets, April 22 in the United Kingdom, and April 22 in Australia.[32][33] A vinyl reissue was released in 2023, and as of November 2025, no further official reissues beyond standard represses have been announced.[34][35] The album's packaging featured custom artwork designed by Kid Cudi, portraying a flaming orb encased in an ornate rose-gold baroque frame to symbolize his personal energy and cosmic themes.[27][36]

Critical reception

Reviews

Indicud received mixed reviews from music critics upon its release. On aggregate review site Metacritic, the album holds a score of 58 out of 100 based on 16 critic reviews, indicating "mixed or average" reception.[14] Several reviewers praised Kid Cudi's production work and emotional introspection. In a 3.5-out-of-5-star review, Rolling Stone highlighted Cudi's versatility in blending diverse styles with heartfelt lyrics that delved into personal turmoil.[37] Similarly, Spin awarded the album 7 out of 10, commending Cudi's signature self-mythologizing and inner emotional depth, noting that guest appearances did not overshadow his core themes.[20] Critics also pointed to inconsistencies in songwriting and an overly ambitious scope. Pitchfork gave Indicud a 4.0 out of 10, criticizing its lack of substance despite interesting production, describing the persona as unlikable and the rage-filled tracks as grating.[21] NME rated it 3 out of 10, faulting the self-produced effort for sounding self-indulgent and meandering, like a "college project by a stoned teenager," with a loss of the lush soundscapes from prior works.[38]

Accolades

Indicud did not receive any major award wins or nominations, such as Grammys.[39] The album appeared on several prominent year-end lists, highlighting its artistic impact. Complex ranked Indicud number 26 on its list of the 50 Best Albums of 2013, praising its cinematic scope and Kid Cudi's ability to curate a diverse ensemble of collaborators, from RZA to Haim.[40] HipHopDX included it in its Top 25 Albums of 2013, and noted Cudi's self-directed production style.[41] The lead single "Just What I Am" (featuring King Chip) did not secure formal award nominations but contributed to the album's visibility through its music video direction by Kid Cudi and heavy rotation on platforms like BET.[11]

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Indicud debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart, moving 136,000 album units in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan data.[6] The album also reached number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, marking Kid Cudi's second time topping that ranking. Internationally, the album achieved modest success, peaking at number 32 on the UK Albums Chart and spending two weeks in the top 100.[42] In Australia, it entered the ARIA Albums Chart at number 28 and charted for two weeks overall.[43] On year-end tallies for 2013, Indicud ranked number 116 on the Billboard 200 based on cumulative performance.[44] It fared better on genre-specific lists, with renewed visibility in later years driven by the inclusion of streaming data in chart methodology starting in 2014.[45] The album's overall chart success was bolstered by its lead single "Just What I Am," which peaked at number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100.[46]
Chart (2013)Peak Position
US Billboard 2002
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums1
UK Albums (OCC)32
Australian Albums (ARIA)28

Certifications

In the United States, Indicud received a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 25, 2019, recognizing 500,000 album-equivalent units sold, which includes a combination of traditional sales and streaming equivalents.[13] This certification reflects the album's sustained performance over time, bolstered by streaming platforms; as of November 2025, Indicud has amassed over 554 million streams on Spotify alone, contributing significantly to its equivalent unit totals.[47] The album has not received any certifications internationally, with no awards reported from bodies such as the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) or Music Canada.[13] In comparison to Kid Cudi's prior release Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, which debuted with 169,000 units and later earned Platinum status for 1,000,000 units, Indicud had a lower first-week total of 136,000 units but still achieved notable long-term accumulation leading to its Gold milestone.[13]

Track listing and personnel

Track listing

The standard edition of Indicud features 18 tracks with a total runtime of 70:44.[23] Songwriting credits are primarily attributed to Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi), with co-writing contributions from featured artists on their respective tracks, such as RZA on "Beez".[48] All tracks were produced by Kid Cudi, except for "Red Eye" which includes co-production by Hit-Boy; Dot da Genius provided additional instrumentation on "Immortal" (drums, strings, keyboards) and "Girls" (drums, synths).[49]
No.TitleFeatured artist(s)Producer(s)Duration
1The Resurrection of Scott MescudiKid Cudi2:40
2UnfuckwittableKid Cudi4:35
3Just What I AmKing ChipKid Cudi3:48
4Young LadyFather John MistyKid Cudi4:24
5King WizardKid Cudi4:16
6ImmortalKid Cudi5:01
7Solo Dolo, Pt. IIKendrick LamarKid Cudi3:34
8GirlsToo $hortKid Cudi4:27
9New York City Rage FestKid Cudi1:53
10Red EyeHAIMKid Cudi, Hit-Boy3:54
11Mad SolarKid Cudi4:08
12BeezRZAKid Cudi3:13
13BrothersA$AP Rocky, King ChipKid Cudi4:41
14Burn Baby BurnKid Cudi2:58
15Lord of the Sad and LonelyKid Cudi2:46
16Cold BloodedKid Cudi2:32
17Afterwards (Bring Yo Friends)King Chip, Michael BoltonKid Cudi9:03
18The Flight of the Moon ManKid Cudi2:51

Personnel

Kid Cudi provided lead vocals on all tracks of Indicud, with guest vocal contributions from King Chip on "Just What I Am", "Brothers", and "Afterwards (Bring Yo Friends)"; Father John Misty on "Young Lady"; Kendrick Lamar on "Solo Dolo, Part II"; Too horton"Girls";Haimon"RedEye";RZAon"Beez";Ahort on "Girls"; Haim on "Red Eye"; RZA on "Beez"; AAP Rocky on "Brothers"; and Michael Bolton on "Afterwards (Bring Yo Friends)".[50][51] Production was primarily handled by Kid Cudi, who is credited as the main producer on all 18 tracks, with co-production by Hit-Boy on "Red Eye".[23][50] Dot da Genius provided additional instrumentation on "Immortal" and "Girls". Mixing was led by Iain Findlay and Derek Ali across the album, with engineering by Iain Findlay; mastering was performed by Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound.[50] Album-wide credits include executive production by Kid Cudi and Dennis Cummings; art direction and graphic design by Kid Cudi; and photography by Chris Buck.[50][51]

References

  1. Kid Cudi Moves Up 'Indicud' Release Date - Billboard
  2. Kid Cudi – Indicud - EARMILK
  3. Ten Years Later: Revisiting Kid Cudi's 'Indicud' - A Psych Journey ...
  4. Review: 'Indicud' features Cudi's more optimistic sound - The Ithacan
  5. Fall Out Boy Tops Kid Cudi on Billboard 200 Chart
  6. Kid Cudi creates psychedelic album, features numerous artists
  7. Kid Cudi establishes his musical genius with “Indicud”
  8. In Defense of 'Indicud': A Look Back on Kid Cudi's Most U... - Complex
  9. Why Kid Cudi's New Album Sucks - VICE
  10. Kid Cudi, 'Indicud': Track-by-Track Review - Billboard
  11. Indicud by Kid Cudi Reviews and Tracks - Metacritic
  12. Fall Out Boy Vs. Kid Cudi for No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart
  13. Kid Cudi Announces New Album, "Indicud" - Complex
  14. Born Again: Kid Cudi Talks Making "Indicud," Leaving G.O....
  15. Review: Kid Cudi's new alternative rock album disappoints
  16. Kid Cudi, 'Indicud' (Republic) - SPIN
  17. Kid Cudi: Indicud Album Review | Pitchfork
  18. Kid Cudi - Indicud - HipHopDX
  19. Kid Cudi - Indicud
  20. Kid Cudi: The Former Rager Talks About His 'Indicud' Album, Being ...
  21. Kid Cudi: Indicud - PopMatters
  22. Kid Cudi Tweets New Album Name, 'IndiCud' - Word Is Bond
  23. Kid Cudi Reveals 'Indicud' Album Artwork and Track List - Billboard
  24. G.O.O.D. Music Performs At 2012 BET Awards [Video] - XXL Magazine
  25. Listen: KiD CuDi 'Indicud' Snippets - VIBE.com
  26. Kid Cudi splits from Kanye West's GOOD Music label - NME
  27. KID CUDI Moves "Indicud" Album Release To April 16 Due To ...
  28. Indicud - Album by Kid Cudi - Apple Music
  29. Indicud: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/6465797-Kid-Cudi-Indicud
  31. https://shop.kidcudi.com/products/indicud-3lp
  32. Kid Cudi Designed the "Indicud" Album Cover, Keeping His Promise ...
  33. Indicud - Rolling Stone
  34. Kid Cudi, 'Indicud' - NME
  35. The 2013 HipHopDX Year End Awards
  36. The 50 Best Albums of 2013 - Complex
  37. HipHopDX's Top 25 Albums Of 2013
  38. Kid Cudi's new self-produced album 'Indicud' deserves respect | News
  39. Kid Cudi Earns Third No. 1 On Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums ...
  40. INDICUD – KID CUDI - Official Charts
  41. australian-charts.com - Kid Cudi - Indicud
  42. Top US Billboard 200 Albums - Year-end 2013
  43. The Year In R&B/Hip-Hop 2013: Justin Timberlake, Drake ... - Billboard
  44. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Kid%2Bcudi
  45. Kid Cudi - Spotify Top Albums - Kworb.net
  46. Indicud by Kid Cudi (Album, Pop Rap) - Rate Your Music
  47. Production Credits: Kid Cudi – INDICUD
  48. KiD CuDi – INDICUD (Production Credits & Booklet) | HipHop-N-More
  49. Kid Cudi - Indicud Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
  50. Kid Cudi - Indicud
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