There are few artists as both influential and underrated in the modern music industry/scene as the 37 year old Scott Mescudi, otherwise known by his stage name as Kid Cudi. For some, Cudi’s voice/style might be off putting on first listen, but quickly almost every song and album clicks. While he has had some misses in his discography, his original trilogy of the Man on the Moon series is one of the best trilogies within music of all time. His music for a lot of people connects deeper than just the lyrics or beat — for many listeners his music connects on an almost quasi-spiritual level.

Even his features create audial gold; the brotherhood with Kanye West that the two have has created some of my favorite works in all of music. Masterpieces like ‘Moon’, ‘Father Stretch My Hands’, and of course, the entire album of ‘KIDS SEE GHOST’ reveal the true amazement and levitating aura he brings to tracks. ‘Ghost Town’, a part of the album ‘ye’, is one of my favorite songs of all time, and it’s partly because of the energy and emotion Cudi brings to his work. But again, it’s not just his features that are amazing. His solo work has only gotten to the mainstream a few times, with hits like ‘Mr. Rager’ or ‘Day n’ Nite’, though amazing songs like ‘Soundtrack 2 My Life’ and ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ go under the radar.

Ultimately, Kid Cudi is one of my favorite artists of all time, and overall, even with his more spotty albums, I would rate Kid Cudi either a strong nine or a light ten. If you like Kanye, Frank Ocean, Mac Miller, and assorted artists similar, give Kid Cudi a shot. Trust me, you’ll love it. Start with the beginning of the MOTM trilogy and proceed all the way through, the way it’s intended.