INSANO:
I’m afraid the era of Kid Cudi music is over. In previous albums, Cudi’s passion behind his voice was evident, desperately trying to prove himself and perfect his craft. For reasons unknown, this album holds almost no emotional value to the listeners and himself, as it sounds like Cudi’s checked out completely. Cudi has been expanding his presence into fashion and acting, and the album truly sounds as though music is just one of his lazy side hustles. It sounds like an album that was thrown on the back burner— on the lowest heat possible. The beats are mediocre at best in songs such as “KEEP BOUNCIN’” and “WOW (with A$AP Rocky),” and the poor vocal performance on top of that is downright awful. Even “SEVEN,” a track with a Lil Wayne feature, is almost unlistenable due to Cudi’s vocals. However, I will give credit where credit is due. The back half of the album, including songs such as “Rager Boyz”, “Blue Sky”, and “HIT THE STREETZ IN MY NIKES” have a much more authentic Kid Cudi tone. Still, it’s not enough to redeem the album entirely, and in my opinion, it falls much shorter than his others.
Top 3: Rager Boyz, Blue Sky, GET OFF ME
Bottom 3: Seven, PORSCHE TOPLESS, KEEP BOUNCIN’
Sentence summary: What happened to the Cudi we know and love?

american dream:
I’m not a huge fan of 21 Savage’s solo work, and I much prefer his features with other artists such as Drake and Travis Scott. After listening to this album, I can confidently say my opinions were wrong. Although this album did not receive as high ratings as his previous album, I am > I Was, I think its message is just as important. The album starts with a message from his mother, who elaborates on the hardships and sacrifices she endured to fulfill his dreams. This is a response to the opening of the I am > I was album, where 21 apologized to his mother regarding his dangerous behavior when he was younger. While the album starts off somber yet heartfelt, the third song, “redrum,” starts off what is an album fueled by the rage that 21 feels for his past actions. The story comes full circle, making his previous album make all the more sense. In my opinion, it’s a competitor for RAOTY.
Top 3: redrum, n.h.i.e., letter to my brudda
Bottom 3: just like me, prove it, should’ve worn a bonnet
Sentence summary: All thanks to Mom.