Arachnophonia: Kids See Ghosts

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.

Arachnophonia: Kanye West “Graduation”

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 Deisy (class of 2024) and features Kanye West’s 2007 studio album Graduation. Thanks, Deisy!

Kanye West

Graduation

Kanye West - Graduation album cover (2007)

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.