Released in 2018 as part of Kanye West's 7-track album series, Kids See Ghosts addresses Kanye's bipolar disorder and Kid Cudi's depression. The album reframes mental health as something to accept and grow with, rather than be consumed by.

Feel The Love

"I can still feel the love" opens the album with bold energy. Cudi's mantra, "I can still feel the love," contrasts with Kanye's chaotic ad-libs and Pusha T's verse reflecting his rise from struggles to success. Each artist highlights love uniquely—Cudi from fans and family, Pusha from achievement, and Kanye through his public image.

Fire

The second track shifts to a haunting soundscape with guitar, André 3000 on the flute, and drums sampled from Napoleon XIV's mental health-themed "They're Coming to Take Me Away." The eerie tone reflects Kanye and Cudi's ghosts of past struggles, echoing Cudi's earlier work.

The track explores themes of moving past failures and judgment. Kanye calls for honesty and directness, while Cudi reflects on faith and solace in "beautiful madness." Together, they push the album's recurring themes of growth and acceptance.

4th Dimension

Kanye samples a 1930s Christmas song by Louis Prima, "What Will Santa Claus Say," blending it with his signature eerie and provocative style. His verse is filled with one-liners, while Cudi’s verse shifts focus, reflecting on his unique sound and struggles with addiction. Balancing Kanye’s flair and Cudi’s introspection, this track feels the most Kanye-driven.

Freeee (Ghost Town, Pt.2)

Shifting from eerie reflection to a psychedelic, upbeat tone, Kanye, Cudi, and Ty Dolla $ign repeatedly chant, "I feel free," echoing "Ghost Town." The song celebrates freedom from past mistakes, controversies, and pain, with Kanye addressing public backlash.

Reborn

Reborn – More Than a Word, a State of Mind

This song feels personal and deeply moving. The first time I heard it, I felt peace in the chaos. Music has a way of healing, and Reborn does just that. Cudi speaks from his soul, making the track feel even deeper.

So, wherever you are, however you're feeling—I hope you heal, even from the things you don't speak about. Peace starts with you. You've come so far already. Being here is a blessing. Keep moving forward—always.

Kids See Ghosts

The self-titled track redefines ghosts for Kanye and Cudi—not as haunting figures, but as guides and symbols of hope. This is highlighted by Yasiin Bey and Cudi’s chorus: "Kids see ghosts, spirit... that's the king."

Cudi Montage

The final track explores morality, violence, and the prison-industrial complex. Built on a haunting Kurt Cobain guitar riff, "Burn the Rain," the track blends personal struggles with societal critique while staying true to the album’s growth theme.

Cudi reflects on his faith saving him, repeating, "Stay strong / Save me, Lord." Kanye contrasts this with a narrative about a man seeking revenge for his niece’s death, using it as a metaphor for the cycle of violence and its effects.

Kanye also highlights systemic issues like crime and harsh prison sentences, referencing Alice Johnson’s case to question moral justice. By blending personal growth with social critique, the album closes with a plea for ending cycles of violence.

Closing

Kids See Ghosts offers a rare glimpse into the struggles and healing of Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Despite Kanye’s larger-than-life persona, Cudi brings out his vulnerability, creating a cohesive album centered around trauma, redemption, and growth. Together, they blend their unique styles to tell a powerful story of healing.

The album reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can find light and move forward.