Wzrd - Wzrd Review

WZRD, rapper-singer Kid Cudi's rock-inspired collaboration with producer Dot da Genius, sounds a lot like the bedroom recordings of the "lonely stoner" from Cudi's 2009 hit, "Day 'N' Nite." Whether he's witlessly observing that "most people are pussies" or literally mumbling his lyrics, he hardly seems to care that someone might overhear him. A potentially punky moment, the "blah blah blah" blurt that kicks off "Love Hard," seems a statement of purpose. Meanwhile, the rudimentary guitar, starchy beats and formless synths just sound rough, never fun or spontaneous. And the cover of Lead Belly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" – all it proves is that at least one half of this duo has heard Nirvana's Unplugged in New York.
...full text The reason for WZRD’s success isn’t really that surprising; it’s not really a “rock” album in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s more like an album from a “rapper” who always essentially sung (or half-sung, half-rapped) his material and always incorporated “rock” song structure and lyrics into his music; this time around he’s just a little more overt about it. In other words, WZRD isn’t so much Kid Cudi and Dot da Genuis’ rock album as it as just Kid Cudi’s new album.

Seriously, take a listen to Upper Room and point out the rock influence. Room’s woozy keys and booming percussion would have sounded perfectly at home on Man on the Moon II, as would Cudi’s conversationally sung verses. It’s not a rock song by any real measure, and the same goes for the hypnotically catchy Teleport 2 Me, Jamie, whose influences are far more pop than anything that rock idols like the Pixies, Nirvana and Hendrix that Cudi said were his primary influence for WZRD. Most importantly, whatever you want to call it, it’s enjoyably good. ...full text It's safe to say that hip-hop and rock music are two genres that always seem to find one another, rock is the yin to the yang that is hip-hop. But with all terrible metaphors to one side this is the latest incarnation of Kid Cudi, putting his rapping and burgeoning acting career on hold as he delivers his first rock album, with the help of long time collaborator Dot da Genius Cudi plays the role of leader singer as well as guitarist on WZRD.

As many will tell you, a proper crossover can rarely seem to hit the mark well at all and for a rapper to assume responsibility on a rock album takes huge balls. So first off kudos to the two first trying their hand at a genre that is outside of their comfort zone. ...full text My goal for this is to give an honest opinion, without being biased. I was born and raised in the 216 so it’s hard to look at this album from a perspective of just any, old, CuDi fan. This guy is my favorite rapper/lyricists/artist/guitarist (I’m joking) of all time. Saying I’m just a fan is an understatement. I’m not a groupie by any means, but his music has always touched me in ways other artists have not (pause). What I’m trying to say is that I will speak highly of WZRD in this review, and this isn’t just me supporting my hometown hero. This is me telling you that WZRD is legit. It’s the real deal. It’s that transition from hip-hop to alternative rock that numerous artists have tried. When people ask me what genre I consider him, I don’t say hip-hop and I won’t say alternative rock either. I’ll say Cudder because he creates his own genre. This is KiD CuDi & Dot Da Genius crafting the most unique album I’ve ever heard....full text