A Kid Named Cudi is the debut mixtape by American rapper Kid Cudi, released on July 17, 2008 by New York City streetwear brand 10.Deep, in conjunction with independent record label Fool's Gold Records.[2][3] Considered his breakout project, the mixtape marked Cudi's first official full-length release, issued prior to his seminal debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009).
Rapreviews wrote: "We've already learned from Lil Wayne and Kanye West that the public is willing to embrace the martian—if accordingly entertaining. Fortunately, Kid Cudi isn't short in that respect, and will no doubt only improve upon his stellar debut given proper management and artistic liberation."[4]
Pinpoint Music wrote "A Kid Named Cudi blends styles, beats and even genres. From a Mims-esque 'This Is Why I'm Hot' beat in the single 'Day ‘N’ Night', to the slowed down tracks 'Man on the Moon' and '50 Ways to Make a Record' that will remind you of something by Gym Class Heroes. Heavy-hitting tracks 'T.G.I.F.' and 'Cleveland Is the Reason' finish the mixtape strong with clear influences from Mr. West on both tracks."[5]
Ian A. of Teen Ink wrote "His work has changed my persona on rap music greatly. Everyone out there who thinks rap is stupid, just listen to some of Kid Cudi’s music and hopefully you will change your mind."[6]
In 2021, Cudi revealed plans to upload the mixtape on to streaming services in the US.[8] The early 2020s saw several mixtapes from the late 2000s be reissued on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, including Cudi's Republic Records label-mates Lil Wayne with No Ceilings and Nicki Minaj with Beam Me Up Scotty.[9] In January 2022, Cudi gave an update on the process citing sample clearance issues.[10] On March 9, 2022, during a performance on Encore, the virtual concert app Cudi launched earlier in February, Cudi announced that the mixtape would be coming to streaming platforms “very soon” and would also receive a vinyl release.[11]
On July 4, 2022, Cudi announced that the mixtape would be officially issued to streaming services on July 15, just two days shy of the 14th anniversary of it's original release.[12][13] Cudi also revealed the he recorded a new intro, and that all the songs have been remastered.[14] On July 10, Cudi revealed the re-issue would feature new cover art.[15]
