The Cincinnati Bengals lost the Super Bowl to the Los Angeles Rams and, let’s just face it, losing the Super Bowl would absolutely suck.
Players on the losing team will assuredly wonder “what if?” for years to come and nothing will make that any easier to process besides eventually winning a ring. But for Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, at least one part of the night could have potentially helped soften the blow.
After the game, Cincinnati had an after-party featuring a performance from musical guest Kid Cudi. The Grammy-winning musician, like the Bengals and Burrow himself, is from Ohio.
Performed at the Bengals after party w Joe and the boyz. He made the set list. All his favorite Cudi jams. We all had some fun tn. ☺️ Sent them off w a lot of love. ❤️❤️ Congrats on an epic season fellas!! We back next year! #WhoDey #Bengals
— The Chosen One : I 💖 YOU FRESHIE 4EVER (@KidCudi) February 14, 2022
Burrow apparently made the setlist for this performance (presumably with a victory in mind), which featured all of his favorite songs by Kid Cudi.
The quarterback was 12 years old when Cudi’s debut album Man on The Moon: The End of Day dropped in 2009. The album debuted at No. 4 four on Billboard, was certified double platinum, and was included as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time by Rolling Stone.
When you factor in that they’re from the same state, it is no surprise he is such a big fan.
Based on answers Burrow has given in recent interviews, some of the songs included were likely “New York City Rage Fest” as well as “Soundtrack 2 My Life” and “Up Up & Away” — these are the songs the quarterback says he listens to before games.
.@KidCudi’s biggest fan is headed to the Super Bowl 🎶🏈
“I listen to strictly Kid Cudi pregame. ‘New York City Rage Fest,’ ‘Soundtrack 2 My Life,’ ‘ Up Up & Away.’ All that good stuff from old Cudi.” – @JoeyB pic.twitter.com/ltUJpljMYy
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) January 31, 2022
Organizers know to play beats from Cudi when Burrow is speaking to the crowd at pep rallies, too.
Burrow recently gave Cudi the grass-stained jersey he wore in the AFC Championship Game. The rapper said he was “so geeked” about the gift, further illustrating the mutual adoration between the two Ohio legends.
So although the loss must have left a bitter taste in his mouth, and the experience would have assuredly felt much sweeter if it were with a victory cigar, it must have felt amazing for Burrow to dance on stage with his all-time favorite musician.
After such an impressive season for the 25-year-old quarterback to end in such a heartbreaking manner, joining Cudi on stage for this show was exactly what the doctor ordered for Burrow. As he heads into an offseason as an AFC champion, despite the loss, he deserved that once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Watch a clip of the performance below. (Warning: NSFW language)
Kid Cudi and the legend Joe Burrow pic.twitter.com/UpamMyNm1K
— Sam Neher (@SamNeher24) February 14, 2022
