“This is not a test”: Kid Cudi has released his first solo single in almost four years! It’s called “Leader of the Delinquents,” and Cudi first previewed the track in 2012 during one of his performances. He previewed it again on Instagram Live on April 10 before releasing it on Tuesday (April 14).
The throwback single reminds us why we love Cudi so much. He’s an outcast who can articulate what’s all on our minds, “How I do it, why the kids love me so?/ ‘Cause they connect with Cudder real simple.”
“Delinquents” features classic rap shit talk, all while showcasing his psychological turmoil. “I’ve been trapped in my mind, I’ve been trying to escape,” he spits. “Fame and loneliness, /the recipe for disaster /I can’t handle this shit, I’m going to get plastered.” Cudi has never been one to shy away from talking about the uglier side of wrestling with inner demons, and these struggles have helped to build his character. The song does manage to wrap up on a more positive and happier note, “All hail King Wizard in your motherf—-g space, you love it.”
His next studio album Entergalactic, is set to be released sometime next year. The album will also serve as the soundtrack to an animated Netflix series of the same name for adults. Not only will Cudi star in and write for the show, but he will be executive producing alongside Kenya Barris, the man behind Blackish and its two spin-offs, Grown-ish and Mixed-ish.