Scott Mescudi, better known by his stage name Kid Cudi, brought an electrifying and inspiring performance to Mardi Gras World in New Orleans Tuesday night.
The venue, called “The Ballroom,” was surprisingly intimate for a headliner of Cudi’s caliber, yet it turned out to be the perfect location. Right on time at 9 p.m., the curtain onstage dropped to reveal a set adorned with forest-like trees framing the stage and a colorful, psychedelic backdrop.
Cudi emerged and dived right into the setlist with “Baptized in Fire” off of his new album “Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’.” Despite the song’s moody feel, Cudi couldn’t contain a beaming smile from spreading across his face as he took in the crowd. The lights engulfing the stage were a beautiful cacophony of reds, oranges, purples and blues.
Taking a bow after the opening song, he immediately jumped into a rousing rendition of fan favorite “REVOFEV” from his second album “Man on the Moon II.” The crowd erupted with excitement, and Cudi reciprocated with powerful vocals, standing on the edge of the stage just a few feet away from the front row. Pointing the microphone to the crowd, attendees sang the song’s chorus in between Cudi’s verses.
After finishing a few songs off “Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’,” Cudi spoke to the crowd. A year ago, fans were saddened to learn of Cudi’s self-admission into rehabilitation for depression and suicidal urges. He addressed this by saying that he is happier now, and had the fans and their “undying love and support” to thank for helping him through his hard times.
“This one is for you guys, the fans,” Cudi said. “All of you guys out there are survivors, every single one of you has overcome something in your life.”
Cudi not only displayed his newfound mental strength, but reminded fans that his strong vocal talent is back in full force. He never missed a lyric or beat, and his voice often trailed off into powerful harmonies at the ends of verses throughout the show.
To everyone’s surprise, longtime friend and collaborator of Cudi, King Chip, joined Cudi on stage for their song “Just What I Am.” Cudi and Chip riled up the crowd with the duo’s inspiring, defiant hit. Chip stayed on stage for one more duet, “Brothers.” While Chip was spitting verses, Cudi stood behind him, watching with pride.
Popular rapper Travis Scott has cited Cudi as a major influence on his work, and Cudi showed his thanks by performing Scott’s hit “Through the Late Night.” The crowd lost it, jumping and moshing to the energizing song.
Teasing the crowd a little with unfamiliar opening sounds, Cudi then erupted into powerful ballad “Mr. Rager,” another popular pick from “Man on the Moon II.” The audience belted out the words right alongside Cudi, much to his delight.
“I love it when you guys sing along,” he said. “Now, this part of the show is part two. We’re about to get really energetic in here.”
Energetic was right. Starting off a self-proclaimed three-song “jam,” Cudi got the crowd pumped with emotional throwback “Cudi Zone” off of his very first album. This then led straight into “Memories,” the catchy, electronic-esque song Cudi did with David Guetta. To top it all off, Cudi wrapped it with a snippet off arguably one of his best known songs, “Day N Nite.” Machines blasted smoke into the crowd, and neon colors flashed rapidly.
In classic Cudi fashion, he paid homage to close friend Kanye West by performing “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1.” The room felt like it was going to explode with the crowd feverishly jumping around and Cudi pouring his heart into the mic.
Cudi wrapped up the notable performance with “Pursuit of Happiness” against a sunset backdrop. The audience once again knew every word, and streams of confetti blasted out from the stage, making for a beautiful, blissful scene.
Scott Mescudi, better known by his stage name Kid Cudi, performs at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017.
