NOTES

Picked up this issue on eBay because it captures one of the most influential artists of my life during a moment that perfectly reflects why his work has always resonated with me. From the time I was thirteen until my early twenties, no artist influenced me more than Kid Cudi. His willingness to be open about failure, depression, and finding purpose made his music feel deeply relatable during those years. Released on July 21, 2018, this Billboard cover arrived after one of the more difficult periods of his career and carries the headline, “The Kid Is Alright.” It’s a simple but powerful reminder that setbacks don’t have to define the next chapter. Every time I see it, I’m reminded why his music has meant so much to me.