The year 2020 may still be salavageable looking at the upcoming music releases in the rest of the year. One of the strong contestants on this lineup in “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady” by Kid Cudi, and you guessed it right, Slim Shady himself.
Kid Cudi’s daughter, Princess Vada, announced the single and title on Thursday; “Hi, I’m Vada, here to say that my daddy’s new single….is coming out on Friday…” Much is yet to be revealed about this first-ever collaboration between the two artists, but one thing for sure is that it is going to be good.
Kid Cudi revealed the artwork for the single on Twitter on Friday.
Kid Cudi released a project in collaboration with Travis Scott earlier this year, titled “THE SCOTTS.”
Listen to “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady”
“The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady” Lyrics Review and Song Meaning
Verse 1
Kid Cudi kicks off the verse by announcing his return to music. Although he has released two previous tracks recently, he feels as if he should make a proper announcement on his return. And he thinks he is a changed person now. “Got a little trippy, then I transitioned” lyrics might hint at some drug problems and recovery?
In the next few lines, Kid Cudi seemingly makes some references to some of his past songs; “through the late night,” “Swim in the Light,” and possibly “Day N’ Night.”
Kid Cudi also confesses about rehab, which concretes the guess about his drug problems. He says rehab and good people really helped him pull through, and he has a new vision of the world now. Cudi’s collaborator on this track, Eminem, too, is a recovering drug addict. Em has been clean for 12 years now.
Verse 2
Eminem jumps in on the second verse of the song.
Eminem kicks off the verse with a reference to God. This could be a spiritual reference. However, it most likely is a reference to himself: Rap God. We all believe that ‘time’ is undefeatable. Time consumes everything. Everything changes with time. But Em says that he will be the first one to beat ‘time’ as his music and legacy will be timeless!!!
Next, Em turns towards talking about his own addictions. He confesses that he is clear from ‘Purp,’ a strain of marijuana, and ‘lean,’ a prescription cough syrup mixed with soft drinks. A “lil green” could either mean ‘money’ or ‘weed.’ Em says he is not into these drugs right now but Tunechi is. Tunechi is yet another alias for New Orleans native Lil Wayne. But he does not forget Snoop Dogg, too, who has made an entire persona out of weed. But Eminem does reveal that he “killed a few trees” lately, which is also a reference to smoking weed. However, since Eminem does not entertain in weed, this phrase refers to him dropping bars (lyrics) on paper (made out of trees) and indirectly murdering them.
Next, Eminem moves on to talk about his haters and his legacy. I feel like I don’t even need to explain Eminem’s legacy at this point, hence moving on to the spectacular Basketball reference Eminem brings in. What Michael Jordan is to Basketball and its legacy, is Eminem to Rap music and its legacy: unparalleled, unequal, and timeless!
Eminem also mocks his competition in the game; he has whoever in his top five list of worst rappers of all time. This could be directed at a long list of rivalries throughout his career.
Eminem also addresses a minority public opinion that Eminem is too old and not valid for these times and that he lost his top-dog spot in rap some years back. Eminem says that these people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, which is a condition affecting one’s memory making it difficult to process old memories.
Eminem also talks about the ongoing Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic around the world. He is visibly angry at the people who refuse to wear a mask to help prevent the spread. According to the World Health Organization, one of the most effective and easy ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was to wear a mask and stay indoors. But some people refused to do either, stating that the governments are infringing upon their free will and rights. This obviously helped accelerate the spread of COVID-19. As of this article, there are over 12 million infected and over 550,000 deaths around the world.
A word of advice from Eminem follows; “never let a traitor penetrate your circle.” Because it might be too late when you realize he is a snake. Be careful who you take under your wings and feed them. This might be a reference to ex-Slaughterhouse member Joe Budden.
Eminem ends his verse on “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady” by remembering George Floyd and his murder by the Minnesota police department. Eminem also namedrops another victim of shameful police brutality; Ahmaud Arbery who was shot dead while he was jogging in Brunswick, Canada. This final message on the song leaves us with an important thought in our heads. It is no coincidence that this message came last.
Let us hear your thoughts on this track and the verses by Moon Man and Slim Shady in the comments below.
Check out the full lyrics and further meaning breakdown on Genius.