Kid Cudi is coming to Tairāwhiti Gisborne. There's your first fact! And we can't wait to welcome the Godfather of emotional Rap, actor, and one of the most influential rappers of recent times. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his vibe, these tunes will definitely have you hitting the top end come December 29 at Waiohika Estate.

‍

1. “Day ‘N’ Nite”

Kid Cudi’s meteoric rise began when he self-published the track “Day ’n’ Nite” on MySpace. The song exploded online, eventually leading to his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi in 2008 - catching Kanye West’s attention and earning him a spot on GOOD Music (Kanye's label). This on December 29 at Rhythm is going to be all time!

2. “Pursuit of Happiness” (feat. MGMT & Ratatat)

Even though it was released in 2009 on Man on the Moon: The End of Day, the track saw a massive resurgence in 2012 after being featured in the wild party movie Project X. Since then, it’s become a certified anthem for late-night adventures.

3. “Erase Me” (feat. Kanye West)

Originally, Kanye West wasn’t supposed to be on the track. Cudi played it for him, and Ye vibed with it so much that he jumped on and added his verse. Love Ye or not, he certainly played a part in the trajectory of the Kid.

4. “The Rage”

The track samples “Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins, especially the iconic lyric “Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage.” Cudi flips it into his own rebellious anthem, blending rock and hip-hop in classic Cudi style.

5. “Mr Rager”

“Mr. Rager,” from Cudi’s 2010 album Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, represents an alter ego Cudi created — a fearless, reckless version of himself who seeks escape from pain through partying, drugs, and chaos. It’s one of his most personal songs, reflecting his struggles with fame and inner demons. This song reminds us of that mate that takes off from the group and heads into the Cellar Stage, only to be seen again the next day. Adventures galore.

‍

View the full R&V2025 lineup here and dive into the Spotify Playlist here.