Kid Cudi-Savior of Cleveland Hip-Hop?

Lion

Cleveland has always been on the wrong end of poverty and burning river jokes, but we do produce some talent every now and then.  We may be desperate to establish our credibility among the other cities of the United States, but maybe one day we'll have to stop hanging on to facts like "A Christmas Story is based in Cleveland!!" and "Halle Berry was born here!!!"

Music-wise, Cleveland is known for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which in all honesty is really a joke considering they will probably vote Nickelback and Puddle of Mudd as members in 2050.  Indie music, my personal favorite, has never really caught on, although we did birth the super-gay-but-straight Kevin Barnes, the lead singer of the glamour loving band of Montreal.

We've had some more success with hip-hop artists, however.  Everyone knows about Bone Thugs, probably some of the only famous people to come out of Cleveland that actually talked about how much they love the city.  Now, some may argue, Cleveland hip-hop is back on the map with the likes of Ray Cash, Chip tha Ripper, and Al Fatz.  Al Fatz, Al Shmatz.  All three of these guys will most likely fall into obscurity along with hundreds of other wanna-be Tupac's and Biggie's.

But a glimmer of hope is on the Cleveland hip hop horizon (alliteration!), with emerging star Kid Cudi (of Shaker Heights) starting to catch fire across the country.  Already Kanye West's protege, Kid Cudi brings a certain swagger about him that is different from other hip hop artists.  Along with Kanye and other midwest rappers, a certain Midwest sound is starting to develop, one that seems much different than that of the East and West coasts.  I guess you can say, right now, Midwest rappers are just enjoying being "different."

Check out Kid Cudi's new video "Day n' Nite" from his forthcoming "Man on the Moon: The Guardians" album:



Oh, and keep in mind: I have really limited knowledge when it comes to rap.  But this dude's fucking tight.