5 Christian Rappers to listen to if you like Kid Cudi
Remember when Kid Cudi replaced Reggie Watts on Comedy Bang Bang!?
Does Christian Rap have Kid Cudi-type artists?
Yep. Absolutely.
Let’s not forget that Cudi influenced a whole generation of artists. Some of which sound like direct descendants of Kid Cudi’s style and influence. That includes artists like Travis Scott, JUICE WRLD, Lil Yachty, XXXTentacion, ASAP Rocky, etc. (the list goes on)…
Likewise, the Christian Rap sub-genre has seen Mescudi’s influence as well.
Here are 5 artists for fans of Kid Cudi:
1. Whatuprg
Whatuprg posits himself as an auteur of sorts in how he approaches his sound. His most recent project, New Hollywood, is an excursion into the darkest season of his discography which details his battles with bipolar disorder, insomnia, and substance abuse. This artist resembles Kanye in process, creativity, and also in irritability promising to drop albums but then resetting release dates at a moment’s notice. His ability to blend autobiographical content with a flare of Sonic fantasy pays great homage to Cudi’s Man on the Moon series.
2. Jon Keith
Keith’s music lies on the trendier, modern, and flashier side of the Kid Cudi spectrum. He has marked himself with some of the trademark themes of Cudi with his last three releases, EREMOS, SO LONELY (an Eremos Story), and then his first full-length album, Olympus. In a similar vein to Cudi’s Man on the Moon, Keith constructs a narrative portrait of his depression, anxiety, and gross insecurity. His music offers an emotional rollercoaster with some problems being darker than others, but an overall sense of triumph much like the early days of Kid Cudi’s work.
3. 350
350 has been refining and perfecting his unique sound, incorporating elements of mainstream and alternative styles. His flow is characterized by tight, crispy, and fast-paced rhythms, which are often complemented by somber and melodic harmonies. His latest album, Love You, Divine, ❤ is a touching tribute to his late grandmother as he details battles with depression and substance abuse.
4. Tragic Hero
Tragic Hero is an artist who combines the sounds of Kid Cudi, Drake, Lupe, and Kanye. His earlier works featured minimal yet futuristic instrumentals that feel like a tribute to J Dilla while still fresh and modern. Recently, his work has focused more on lament and melody, and some of his most recent creations are brilliant. Although he has mainly released his newer music on Bandcamp, his older catalog on Spotify is also worth checking out. His debut release, My Own Worst Enemy, takes listeners on a journey into his life, discussing his trauma from an abusive childhood and how it affected him as he grew up. The album features dark and minimal sounds that perfectly complement the deep and emotional lyrics, and Tragic Hero’s storytelling skills are exceptional. He masterfully weaves together his personal experiences with universal themes that many can relate to. He is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates raw, honest, and thought-provoking music.
5. Frxxmxn
This artist had a prolific run of albums with his alt-Christian rap group, Movement of Truth! His solo career has endured sparse releases, but he is an artist I hope continues to a more continual release schedule. Initially, he was a lyrical miracle type rapping over spaced-out beats. Now, with a more subdued approach, he has transitioned to crafting more reflective melodic gems. It’s worth mentioning that he also had a whole era of being pro-marijuana and its benefits. One of his songs, “Knock Knock,” is a straight-up homage to the Cudster.
