KIDS SEE GHOSTS (2018) - KIDS SEE GHOSTS, Kid Cudi & Kanye West

​KIDS SEE GHOSTS is the eponymous debut studio album by the hip-hop duo consisting of Kanye West and Kid Cudi, released on June 8, 2018. The project is part of a series of albums produced by West in Wyoming during that year, showcasing a fusion of both artists' distinct styles.

Tracklist:

1. Feel the Love (featuring Pusha T)
2. Fire
3. 4th Dimension (featuring Louis Prima)
4. Freeee (Ghost Town, Pt. 2) (featuring Ty Dolla Sign)
5. Reborn
6. Kids See Ghosts (featuring Yasiin Bey)
7. Cudi Montage

The album received critical acclaim for its experimental production and the chemistry between West and Cudi. It blends elements of psychedelic rock, hip-hop, and soul, reflecting themes of mental health, personal growth, and resilience. Notably, the track "Reborn" has been highlighted for its introspective lyrics and uplifting message. 

Commercially, KIDS SEE GHOSTS debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, further solidifying both artists' influence in the music industry. The album's cover art, designed by Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, features vibrant imagery that complements the project's experimental nature.

KIDS SEE GHOSTS isn't just a collaborative album between Kanye West and Kid Cudi—it’s the culmination of their long, turbulent history together. The duo’s creative relationship stretches back to Cudi’s early days as a G.O.O.D. Music signee, when he was featured on 808s & Heartbreak and contributed to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. But beyond the music, their bond has been deeply personal, built on shared struggles with mental health, fame, and artistic reinvention.

Kanye West’s influence on KIDS SEE GHOSTS is undeniable. The album was created as part of Ye’s Wyoming Sessions, the same burst of creativity that produced ye, DAYTONA, Nasir, and K.T.S.E.. However, where ye was raw and confessional—an often chaotic dive into Kanye’s mind—KIDS SEE GHOSTS feels like a resolution. It's structured, meditative, and more hopeful, reflecting the healing both artists were seeking. The production is a fusion of Kanye’s signature maximalism and Cudi’s atmospheric, introspective style. Tracks like Reborn and Cudi Montage showcase Cudi’s melodic approach, while 4th Dimension and Feel the Love bring out Kanye’s love for off-kilter sampling and abrasive beats.

Lyrically, KIDS SEE GHOSTS mirrors themes explored in ye, but with a clearer sense of purpose. Where Kanye’s solo album wrestles with self-doubt and impulsivity, this album presents an evolution—both artists acknowledge their past demons but also suggest they’re finding a way forward. Cudi, who had publicly struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, takes center stage in Reborn, repeating the mantra “I’m so—I'm so reborn, I’m movin’ forward.” It’s a stark contrast to the self-destructive tones of his earlier music, marking a moment of catharsis.

Even the album title, KIDS SEE GHOSTS, is deeply tied to Kanye’s philosophy. He has spoken about the idea of ghosts as both a metaphor for past trauma and as unseen creative forces that influence artists. The name suggests a confrontation with past selves—both Ye and Cudi have been haunted by their struggles, but they’ve also transformed them into something powerful. Takashi Murakami’s artwork for the album visually represents this journey, depicting ghostly figures in a surreal landscape, reinforcing the dreamlike, introspective nature of the music.

The connection between ye and KIDS SEE GHOSTS is best understood as a two-part narrative. ye is Kanye at his most erratic, confronting his bipolar disorder, controversies, and personal fears head-on. KIDS SEE GHOSTS, on the other hand, feels like a response—a spiritual cleansing, where both he and Cudi channel their pain into something uplifting. It’s not just an album; it’s a statement that healing is possible, that music can be a means of exorcising personal demons.

Together, these albums paint a full picture of Kanye West’s 2018—his turmoil, his self-destruction, and ultimately, his search for peace. KIDS SEE GHOSTS stands out as one of the most cohesive and emotionally resonant projects in both artists’ discographies, proving that even in darkness, there’s a way forward.

In summary, KIDS SEE GHOSTS stands as a testament to the collaborative synergy between Kanye West and Kid Cudi, offering listeners a deep dive into themes of self-discovery and healing, all set against a backdrop of innovative production.