When was the last time Dick Goddard got a shout-out at a hip-hop concert?
The legendary Cleveland meteorologist was mentioned several times during Kid Cudis homecoming gig Friday night at The Q.
Commenting on the hot weather here, Cudi declared: I dont trust no other weatherman but Dick Goddard — thats a fact!
The Grammy-nominated hip-hop auteur formerly known as Scott Mescudi, who was born in Cleveland and raised in Shaker Heights and Solon, turned up the heat with a dynamic performance, starting with REVOFEV.
Cudi, 27, sported a Cleveland Indians cap and repeatedly mentioned how good it felt to return to Northeast Ohio. He moved to New York City seven years ago.
This is overwhelming, he told the audience, which included his mother, Elsie Mescudi, and other family members.
Too bad only 4,000-plus fans turned out to welcome him back. If he doesnt have enough superstar juice to pack arenas just yet, perhaps its because popular taste hasnt quite caught up with the forward-thinking sound that Cudi flaunted to the tune of Soundtrack 2 My Life, Mojo So Dope, Erase Me and other numbers.
He rapped. He sang. And he delivered introspective soliloquies and sci-fi escapism over futuristic grooves that were more adventurous than those of most of his peers.
With only two official albums — Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009) and Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010) — under his belt, Cudi already has demonstrated a unique vision that in time could make him one of the most vital hip-hop artists of his generation.
Hes always looking for a fresh twist, too.
For his latest tour, that means avoiding the canned accompaniment preferred by your average MC, in favor of live music. His tight band featured longtime collaborator Dot Da Genius on keyboards, as well as DJ Jon Kaslow on turntables, Sean Martin on guitar and Mike Moore on drums.
They rocked out for a cover of the Jimi Hendrix-popularized Hey Joe, even if Cudi did cheat a bit. He had the lyrics taped to the stage floor.
Nonetheless, the wiry Cudi exuded a poise that was largely missing from his last appearance in these parts: an erratic show at Kent State University in November.
He also had a couple of special guests in tow.
Chip Tha Ripper, the popular Cleveland rapper who handled warm-up duties with aplomb, teamed up with Cudi for the narcotic Hyyerr.
Up-and-comer Cage joined Cudi for Maniac, a gripping psychodrama. It will be featured in a short film directed by Shia LaBeouf, set for a Halloween release.
After closing his 90-minute regular set on a soaring note with Pursuit of Happiness, Cudi brought Chip Tha Ripper back onstage for an encore of mixtape favorites, including Cleveland Is the Reason.
Next time, maybe Dick Goddard could join them. MC Woollybear in the house!
SET LIST:
REVOFEV
Scott Mescudi vs. The World
Soundtrack 2 My Life
Ghost
Mojo So Dope
We Aite
Marijuana
Mr. Solo Dolo
Up Up & Away
Man on the Moon
Erase Me
Hyyerr (with Chip Tha Ripper)
Maniac (with Cage)
I Never Knew You (Cage only)
Hey Joe
Already Home
All of the Lights
Mr. Rager
MuchoMegaMix (Cudi Zone / Memories / Day N Nite)
Pursuit of Happiness
ENCORE:
Cleveland Is the Reason (with Chip Tha Ripper)
TGIF (with Chip Tha Ripper)
All Talk (with Chip Tha Ripper)
Ask About Me (with Chip Tha Ripper)
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