Kid Cudi & Eminem, The Adventures of Moon Man… | Track Review 🎵

Kid Cudi and Eminem join forces for quite the hip-hop trip on single “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady.” 

2020 has been an intriguing, successful year for Kid Cudi to say the least.  The hip-hop artist, who was most popular at the end of the 00s and early 10s, has experienced a resurgence.  No, it’s not that Scott Mescudi ever faded, but 2020 just feels different.  After landing the first no. 1 hit of his career with “The Scotts” (with Travis Scott), he returns with another high profile collaboration, “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady” with Eminem.  The resulting record is one comprised of straight bars. 

The best way to describe “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady” is a T-R-I-P.  That’s the expectation when you put Kid Cudi and Eminem together though, right? Right! “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady” is produced by Dot Da Genius, J Gramm, and Eminem. The distinct backdrop is set in a minor key, and quite enigmatic in vibe. Given the distinct nature of this collaboration, as well as the approach taken by both rappers, it’s a fitting backdrop by all means.

Kid Cudi supplies the intro, as well as the first verse, which is, well, jam-packed with plenty of adventures as the title suggests.  Drugs are involved, unsurprisingly.  Eminem segues into another ‘random,’ jam-packed verse that is actually more memorable, if for no other reason than the lyrics, “Purp nor lean (Nah), that’s Tunechi (Yeah) / That’s New Orleans (What?), fuck Drew Brees (Yeah).” You knew somebody was going to call out Drew.  Em also references COVID-19 (“Don’t wanna wear a mask and they’re just scoffing”) which is interesting.  Cudi does gives us an outro, which brings some sense of, um, ‘unity’ about a rather left of center listening experience.

Final Thoughts

So, what does one make of “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady?” Honestly, after a couple of listens, I still ask myself that question.  It’s definitely odd, yet quite intriguing at the same time.  With no chorus or hook, there’s certainly nothing ‘catchy’ about this cut, yet there’s plenty of accomplished rap that’s not catchy and/or lacks hooks.  Ultimately, I think it’s a worthwhile listening experience that showcases the skills of two of the best and most unique personalities in the game.

Kid Cudi & Eminem • “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady” • Republic • Release: 7.10.20

Photo Credit: Republic