Kid Cudi high-fives fans during Saturday’s concert.
Photo courtesy of Dereck Hall Jr.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, American rapper, Kid Cudi, performed in Philadelphia for the first stop of his national “Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'” tour.
Based on Cudi’s 2016 album of the same title, the concert’s stage design emulated his signature psychedelic and dark sound. The new design included prop trees, bushes, moss and rocks to create the illusion of a forest.
A large screen that changed visuals for every song Cudi performed was behind the props. For example, when he performed his 2016 single “Frequency,” the screen portrayed an enchanted forest with purple women dancing along to the tune. When he performed his other 2016 single “Surfin’,” the screen changed to a fast-paced visual of moving clouds and a bright blue sky. Additionally, the visual effects were paired with live effects, including lights, smoke, confetti and fake snow, that were all used to deliver an eccentric experience.
Hundreds of fans waited outside of the venue for hours before the concert began. Paul Strominger, a die-hard Cudi fan, waited the longest.
“I love Kid Cudi,” Strominger said. “This will be my third time seeing him. He’s gotten me through a lot of tough times. I have a personal connection to his music. He’s forever the greatest of all time to me.”
Strominger was just one of the thousands of fans who showed up excited while wearing Cudi merchandise and chanting every lyric.
During the nearly two-hour long performance, Cudi performed his popular hits like “Day n Nite,” “Marijuana” and “Father Stretch My Hands, Pt.1,” as well as songs from his “Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'” album like “Baptized in Fire,” “Rose Golden” and “Kitchen.”
Before performing what might be his most influential song, “Pursuit of Happiness,” Cudi shared a heartfelt message to the crowd.
“I want to thank you for supporting me when I needed you most.” Cudi said warmly to the crowd. “I want you to know man, no matter what you’re going through, you can make it through.”
This inspiring message comes after a difficult year for Cudi. In September of 2016, Cudi checked himself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges. Cudi has been vocal about his struggle with his mental health both publicly and in his music for his entire career. The performance that followed the speech moved some concert-goers to tears. Overall, fans were happy to see that Cudi was content and healthy.
