K.I.D.S. cover

K.I.D.S.

Mac Miller · 2010

53 min · 18 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant tapestry of youthful exuberance woven with laid-back beats and clever wordplay, embodying the carefree spirit of adolescence.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Nikes on My Feet — This track epitomizes Miller's playful yet reflective lyricism, exploring themes of youth culture and consumerism while delivering an infectious hook that resonates deeply.
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    Kickin' Incredibly Dope Shit (Intro) Start here — The introduction sets the tone for the entire mixtape, showcasing Miller's charismatic flow and carefree attitude that would define his style throughout his career.
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    The Spins — With its catchy beat and fun lyrics, this track captures the essence of partying and living in the moment, making it an anthem for young listeners.
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    Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza — This song blends nostalgic references with a laid-back vibe, highlighting Miller's ability to connect personal anecdotes with broader cultural sentiments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

K.I.D.S. showcases youthful energy and clever lyrics but lacks strong cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a laid-back tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and playful wordplay, particularly evident in 'Nikes on My Feet' and 'Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza.'
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • youthful exuberance and nostalgia
  • smooth flows for carefree vibes
  • catchy beats for sing-alongs
  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • for sunny afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer slow, contemplative music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked Mac Miller's rise in the underground hip-hop scene and gained significant traction.
Career context
When K.I.D.S. was released in January 2010, Mac Miller was just 18 years old and had recently transitioned from a local Pittsburgh rapper to a promising figure in hip-hop. This project followed his early mixtapes, marking his first major release that showcased his unique blend of humor and introspection, establishing him as a voice for a generation.
Stylistic neighbors
Anderson .Paak· Isaiah Rashad· Joey Bada$$

Tracklist

  • 1 Kickin' Incredibly Dope Shit (Intro) Start here 3:23
  • 2 Outside 3:37
  • 3 Get Em Up 3:06
  • 4 Nikes on My Feet 2:44
  • 5 Senior Skip Day 2:55
  • 6 The Spins 3:15
  • 7 Don't Mind If I Do 2:18
  • 8 Paper Route 2:51
  • 9 Good Evening 4:03
  • 10 Ride Around 2:24
  • 11 Knock Knock 3:17
  • 12 Mad Flava, Heavy Flow (Interlude) 0:26
  • 13 Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza 2:37
  • 14 All I Want Is You 3:43
  • 15 Poppy 2:52
  • 16 Face in the Crowd 3:28
  • 17 Ayye 2:45
  • 18 Back in the Day 4:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata