Kid Cudi - Passion, Pain and Demon Slayin’

The Guardian 60

(Universal/Island)

Since his breakout single, Day ’n’ Nite, reached No 2 in the UK eight years ago, Scott Mescudi’s career under the rapping name Kid Cudi has been characterised by sharp stylistic swerves into rock and open struggles with depression and drugs. His frailties have added to his personal standing if not chart success, and after a stint in rehab this autumn, Mescudi’s sixth album has a roll call of collaborators that feels like a group hug. Pharrell Williams and Andre 3000 add support on this hefty but intriguingly experimental 19-track marathon, while Willow Smith adds weirdness to Mescudi’s trademark humming on the dub hip-hop of Rose Golden.