Man On the Moon, Vol. II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (Bonus Track Version)

Cleveland virtuoso Kid Cudi’s second album is one of his most daring experiments, full of tracks that look far beyond rap’s traditional outlines for inspiration. “Don’t Play This Song” is a dark swirl of psychedelic hip-hop that combines bouncing synths, orchestral flourishes, and Mary J. Blige’s soulful croons, while “We Aite (Wake Your Mind Up)” boasts grinding electronics that could play over a Philip K. Dick-penned sci-fi story. Chugging rocker “Erase Me” would even sound at home on a tape of late-’90s indie anthems.