Arachnophonia: Kids See Ghosts

Posted on October 1, 2025 by marmstr3

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Ibrahim (class of 2028) and features Kids See Ghosts, a 2018 collaboration between Kanye West and Kid Cudi on vinyl. Thanks, Ibrahim!

Kids See Ghosts

Kids See Ghosts album cover (2018)

KIDS SEE GHOSTS is the first and only collaborative studio album by Kanye West and Kid Cudi, released in 2018. It marked a bold change for both artists, blending hip-hop with rock, psychedelia, and experimental sounds. This album includes some of their most acclaimed tracks, such as “Reborn,” “Fire,” and “Cudi Montage.” KIDS SEE GHOSTS deals with themes of mental health, healing, and resilience, making it a powerful and personal favorite among fans.

What makes KIDS SEE GHOSTS unique is its raw honesty and creative production. Songs like “Reborn” repeat a mantra of moving forward, offering listeners a message of growth and renewal. “Cudi Montage” layers Kid Cudi’s reflective lyrics over a haunting guitar sample, showing how music can carry both pain and hope at the same time. Whether you’ve followed Kanye West and Kid Cudi for years or are just discovering their work, this album offers a moving and unforgettable listening experience.

The Parsons Music Library has KIDS SEE GHOSTS available on vinyl, so you can immerse yourself in its striking sound. Whether you want to reflect on its messages, enjoy its bold style, or simply let it play in the background, fans agree that KIDS SEE GHOSTS is a transformative listen.

Parsons Playlists: Party Anthems

Posted on April 8, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Griffin (class of 2027) and song recommendations for your next party.

Party Anthems

A playlist of songs that the volume can’t be loud enough for!

Meek Mill – “Dreams and Nightmares”

Future – “I Serve the Base”

Jay-Z – “Big Pimpin'”

Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg – “Still D.R.E.”

Kanye West – “Power”

T.I. – “Whatever You Like”

T.I. ft. Rihanna – “Live Your Life”

N.E.R.D. and Rihanna – “Lemon”

Travis Scott ft. Drake – “Sicko Mode”

Lil Wayne ft. T-Pain – “Got Money”

Travis Scott – “Can’t Say”

Kanye West – “Heartless”

Usher ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris – “Yeah!”

Don Toliver – “After Party”

Big Sean ft. E-40 – “I Don’t Fuck With You”

Kanye West ft. Rihanna & Kid Cudi – “All of the Lights”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezWLd6Rjgpt2JMq7P7_k9LG&si=4ntr4Ff-kqRfq3Sd

Arachnophonia: Common – “Be”

Posted on February 26, 2025 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Isaac (class of 2025) and features Common’s 2005 album Be. Thanks, Isaac!

Common

Be by Common is a special album because it’s honest, inspiring, and full of heart––and also one of my favorite albums in the music library.

Released in 2005, it came at a time when Common wanted to reconnect with his roots in hip-hop and tell stories that felt real to him. Produced largely by Kanye West, the album’s beats have a warmth and depth that perfectly complement Common’s thoughtful lyrics.

Tracks like “The Corner” and “Go!” bring vivid imagery of urban life, while songs like “Love Is…” and “Faithful” explore love and spirituality with nuance and sincerity.

Common himself is known for being one of the most reflective and poetic voices in hip-hop, never missing a chance to reference his hometown of Chicago. With Be, he really focused on making music that felt authentic and meaningful, not just catchy. Songs like “The Corner” talk about life in the city, while “Faithful” and “Love Is…” explore deeper ideas about relationships and spirituality.

My personal favorite track, “The Food (Live),” is a grainy live recording of Common and Kanye West performing the song in Chicago, with the two windy city natives poetically discussing their hometown in a raw, authentic manner that’s emphasized by the live atmosphere, supported by a punchy, upbeat production in the background. The way the album was made — focused on collaboration and storytelling — makes Be a gem at the music library, and I recommend checking it out one day.

Parsons Playlists: Sampled Gems!!!

Posted on November 15, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Laeticia (class of 2026) and features some songs that have used samples of other songs in interesting ways.

Sampled Gems!!!

Nothing ignites my passion for music quite like a masterpiece, but there’s something truly exhilarating about a great song that breathes new life into another. This playlist is a celebration of the art of sampling, showcasing some of the most innovative and impactful uses of sampled songs in music history. Each track is infused with nostalgia and authenticity as artists transform tunes we all love into fresh and exciting experiences. Here are some songs that best use sampled music to elevate the original tunes to new heights!

Tayc – “Anogo”
* Samples Brandy and Monica – “The Boy Is Mine”

Tyler the Creator – “Are We Still Friends?”
* Samples Al Green – “Dream”

Twista, ft. Kanye West & Jamie Foxx – “Slow Jamz”
* Samples Luther Vandross – “A House Is Not A Home”

Bvfy – “Basta”
* Samples Jovi ft. Reniss – “B.A.S.T.A.R.D.”

Drake – “Cameras”
* Samples Jon B. – “Calling On You”

Tems – “Wickedest”
* Samples Magic System – “Premier Gaou”

Kendrick Lamar – “Money Trees”
* Samples House Beach – “Silver Soul”

Mariah Carey – “Fantasy”
* Samples Tom Tom Club – “Genius of Love”

Victony – “Everything”
* Samples Post Malone ft. Swae Lee – “Sunflower”

Kiana Lede – “Mad At Me”
* Samples Outkast – “So Fresh, So Clean”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeweaY0kva_JMe7Tl8P9pMdL&si=z-t92gObGRDD82aL

Parsons Playlists: Monopoly Game

Posted on April 25, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features songs to accompany a game of Monopoly.

Monopoly Game

Playlist for our Monopoly Game

Men At Work – “Down Under”

Kanye West – “Devil in a New Dress”

Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”

Kanye West – “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1”

Fun (ft. Janelle Monáe) – “We Are Young”

Kid Cudi – “Mr. Rager”

Kanye West – “I Wonder”

Migos – “Stir Fry”

Gorillaz – “Clint Eastwood”

Kanye West (ft. Syleena Johnson) – “All Falls Down”

21 Savage (ft. J. Cole) – “a lot”

A$AP Rocky (ft. Skepta) – “Praise The Lord (Da Shine)”

Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Californication”

Bill Withers – “Ain’t No Sunshine”

Kanye West – “Flashing Lights”

Coldplay – “Paradise”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeyZv_LVQdr2Lv64e56GD-Mk&si=dWAlUKYSjUWtBtOJ

Parsons Playlists: Street Chronicles

Posted on January 26, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features some hip hop selections.

Street Chronicles

N.W.A. – “Straight Outta Compton”

Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg – “Still D.R.E.”

Jay-Z – “99 Problems”

Schoolboy Q – “Man of the Year”

Migos – “Stir Fry”

Drake – “Started From the Bottom”

Kendrick Lamar – “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”

A$AP Rocky – “Goldie”

Big Sean ft. E-40 – “I Don’t Fk With You”

Post Malone ft. Quavo – “Congratulations”

Migos ft. Drake – “Walk It Talk It”

J. Cole – “No Role Modelz”

Kanye West – “Power”

Wiz Khalifa & 2 Chainz – “We Own It”

50 Cent & The Game – “Hate It or Love It”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeyhERppY4Jo5kabS8KqpBAU&si=jYDfyVZSYdLA9Hzj

Arachnophonia: Kanye West “Graduation”

Posted on December 4, 2023 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Deisy (class of 2024) and features Kanye West’s 2007 studio album Graduation. Thanks, Deisy!

Kanye West

Graduation

Kanye West has been one of the most talented and controversial men in the current music industry. Apart from the many social and political statements he has made throughout the years, West is one of the best producers and lyricists in music.

From his debut album The College Dropout to my favorite album Graduation, West has found ways to express himself and others through his music. You can find a number of West’s albums in our collection at Parsons Music Library including Graduation. This 2007 album has many memorable songs such as “Stronger,” “I Wonder,” “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” and my favorite, “Flashing Lights.”

Additionally, those interested in finding out more about this artist and where he has come from, there is an amazing documentary on Netflix called jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy. It’s a very interesting documentary that shows the process of his first album and how he came up in the musical scene.

Parsons Playlists: Walks Around The Lake

Posted on April 7, 2023 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Isaac (class of 2025) and features songs he listened to on walks around Westhampton Lake.

Walks Around The Lake

Like most, my first semester of college was a lot rougher than I imagined. I was confused, lonely, stressed, and honestly, I just missed my mom’s cooking. I would take walks around the lake to help ease my mind. Cold or hot, wet or dry, these walks were a necessary part of my routine, and I allowed the music I heard take me where they pleased. A few more semesters in, I’m loving college in a way that shocks me considering how miserable it was at times in the past, but I still take these walks occasionally. Here are some of the songs I listened to on these walks:

Westhampton Lake - University of Richmond

Frank Ocean – “White Ferrari”

Kanye West – “Lowlights”

Billie Eilish – “listen before i go”

Frank Ocean – “Moon River”

James Blake – “Are You Even Real?”

92914 – “Okinawa”

Daniel Caesar – “Japanese Denim”

The Killers – “Read My Mind”

G-DRAGON – “Untitled, 2014”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexMxCFtnIPGoHXvLCgdKVyw

Parsons Playlists: I Must Be Dreaming

Posted on March 1, 2023 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Danny (class of 2023) and is called “I Must Be Dreaming.”

I Must Be Dreaming

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