Kid Cudi Makes No Apologies on "Just What Iam"

Kid Cudi's fans forgave him for the (non-master)piece of work that was his last album WZRD, chalking it up to, let's say, experimental creative expression. After all, just a year earlier he'd announced his sobriety from drugs - including weed - and, who knows, rock music may have just been the result of his withdrawal.

Thankfully, Cudi has announced plans for Indicud, his upcoming double LP, of which 80 percent was produced by the rapper himself. But his beat-making may take precedence over his performing, as a tweet last month revealed that, on the album, he'll be playing the role of songwriter and/or featured guest to some of his own invites - Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Jaden Smith and more.

If the lead single "Just What Iam" is any indication, then Cudi's declaration that Indicud will be his version of Dr. Dre's The Chronic 2001 is right on track. The tune's chorus is nothing if not an admission of the Kid's affinity for the kush - and also, maybe a hint at a relapse: "I wanna get high ya'll / need it to get by ya'll / can you get me high ya'll?" (If you have any doubt that Cudi could be so eloquent, the rapper confirmed the complexity of his lyrics.)

Over the electronic sounds of trippy sliding synths and pulsing drums that nostalgically channel Cudi's Man on the Moon: The End of Day debut, he and longtime collaborator King Chip (formerly Chip Tha Ripper) trade diary-like verses about drug-fueled adventures and guilty pleasures, even ones they may not be proud of. But on the eerily somber, yet enchanting production, he has no regrets.

In fact, Cudi remains the voice of his lonely stoners and offers a new unapologetic chant to cheer: "I'm what you made God / f**k yes, I'm so odd."