Kid Cudi, “Mojo So Dope” | Rap BNGRZ

On the 5^th edition of Rap BNGRZ (2022), we break down the banger status of “Mojo So Dope” performed by Kid Cudi.

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ring on the braggadocio, drip, sex, and kick-a$$ery – is that even a real word?  Regardless of whether it is or isn’t, you’ve entered Rap BNGRZ territory! On Rap BNGRZ (bangers, spelled properly), the premise is simple and like other columns gracing The Musical Hype (Outlandish Rock is its rock brotha from a different motha). BNGRZ provides background info and commentary on cocky, confident, ferocious hip-hop/rap songs. The bangers featured on BNGRZ can be brand-spanking-new or certified classics. On the 5^th edition of Rap BNGRZ (2022), we break down the banger status of “Mojo So Dope” performed by Kid Cudi.

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Theme & Lyrics

Let me make it clear that trap bangers aren’t the only type of rap bangers.  Back in 2010, Kid Cudi, an innovative, left-field rapper, dropped a truly underrated banger in “Mojo So Dope.” Having nothing to do with the trap, Cudi spits agilely, while also staying true to the concept of his sophomore album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager.  While Cudi’s concepts are interesting, on this song, I found myself more taken with his flow and honestly, the production and vibe.

Emile Haynie does a fantastic job with the production, period.  Worth noting, however, “Mojo So Dope” samples a marvelous alternative track, “Claustrophobia” by Danish collective Choir of Young Believers. From the onset, the sample helps to give “Mojo So Dope” its identity: “God I thought I loved you so / God I thought I loved you so.” Sing that Fridolin Nordsø.  Nordsø’s light, airy backing vocals, coupled with the floating sound of “Claustrophobia” set up the Kid for surefire success.  And don’t get it twisted – Kid Cudi rides the beat like a champ!

“They done let in the skinny jean-wearing

Fro-for-days in a old AA

Ball’ so low, most fools couldn’t price me

Silently stunt with a blunt full of P.E.”

Woo! The crowning achievement, however, is the chorus, which works brilliantly with the Choir of Young Believers sample.  Let’s just say, it’s the “oh, oh-oh, oh” by Fridolin Nordsø works well with Kid Cudi’s confident rhymes.

“Oh, oh-oh, oh

Hey, my mojo so dope, bitch

My mojo so dope

Yep, we live it, live it

Yep, we on it, on it

Oh, oh-oh, oh

Give a fuck about your lifestyle

Give a fuck about a motherfucker lifestyle, ‘cause, nigga

We, we live this shit

Oh, oh-oh, oh

Give a fuck about your lifestyle

Give a fuck about a motherfucker lifestyle, ‘cause, nigga, hey.” 

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Final Thoughts  

Trap bangers bang but so can an alternative, left-field gem like “Mojo So Dope.” Why didn’t we give Kid Cudi more love for this marvelous record? More than a decade later, “Mojo So Dope” is dope AF!

 

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Kid Cudi • Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2010 
Kid Cudi, “Mojo So Dope”: Rap BNGRZ No. 5 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, cottonbro, The Musical Hype, Pexels, RODNAE Productions, UMG Recordings, Inc., WoodysMedia]

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