:Pursuit of Happiness (song)

On the album, the track is titled "Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)", following the album's dream sequence. The final version of the song was premiered on September 4, 2009, on the DJ Semtex BBC Radio 1 show.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/semtex BBC - 1Xtra - Semtex] Kid Cudi on BBC Radio 1Xtra with DJ Semtex.

In 2021, Kid Cudi released an acoustic version of the song, which originally premiered on Amazon’s Prime Day Show.{{cite web | url=https://thissongissick.com/post/listen-to-kid-cudis-pursuit-of-happiness/ | title=Listen to Kid Cudi's Amazing Acoustic Version of "Pursuit of Happiness" | date=28 July 2021 }} The song was included on an extended play (EP) titled Prime Day Show x Kid Cudi, issued exclusively on Amazon Music, on June 17, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0979VWMXN |title=Archived copy |website=music.amazon.com |access-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630145502/https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0979VWMXN |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |url-status=dead}}

The original song was later included on Cudi’s first greatest hits album The Boy Who Flew to the Moon, Vol. 1 (2022).

Luke Hinz of HotNewHipHop wrote "'Pursuit of Happiness' is a melancholic return to self-examination from the perspective of an addict looking for their next hit. The happiness of the track is fleeting, confined within the limits of each high; it's a glimpse into a search that seemingly will never come to an end. Cudi understands that the happiness of each addiction is only temporary and ultimately unsatisfactory, yet he can't manage to break free of the cycle that always seems to end in failure."{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kid-cudis-man-on-the-moon-the-end-of-day-influenced-a-generation-news.47481.html|title=Kid Cudi's "Man on the Moon: The End Of Day" Influenced A Generation|work=HotNewHipHop|date=April 10, 2018|access-date=June 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142208/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kid-cudis-man-on-the-moon-the-end-of-day-influenced-a-generation-news.47481.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}

Upon the song's release, American electro house DJ Steve Aoki, produced a remix of "Pursuit of Happiness", which went on to become as popular as the original and became a staple at Aoki's concerts. Steve Aoki released his remix on December 5, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2009/12/kid-cudi-pursuit-of-happiness-steve-aoki-remix/|title=Kid Cudi - "Pursuit Of Happiness" (Steve Aoki Remix)|work=Pigeons & Planes}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thechuckness.com/2009/12/pursuit-of-happiness-steve-aoki-remix/|title=Pursuit of Happiness (Steve Aoki Remix)|work=The Chuckness}} In 2012, the remix was heavily featured in the trailers for the comedy film Project X and was later included on the film's soundtrack. On May 1, 2012, an "Extended Steve Aoki Remix" was released via digital distribution, such as iTunes and Amazon.com.{{cite web | title=Pursuit of Happiness (Extended Steve Aoki Remix) feat. MGMT & Ratatat - Single by Kid Cudi | url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/pursuit-happiness-extended/521188264 | work=iTunes Store | date=January 2012 | publisher=Apple | access-date=March 14, 2013}} Also in May 2012, Kid Cudi received a nomination for Best Song from a Movie at the MTV Movie Awards, for the Steve Aoki remix to "Pursuit of Happiness", being used in Project X.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1686434/mtv-movie-awards-winners-list/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030032408/http://www.mtv.com/news/1686434/mtv-movie-awards-winners-list/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 30, 2014|title=2012 MTV Movie Awards Winners: The Full List|work=MTV News}}

Emma Silvers of SF Weekly called the song a "self-aware 2009 party anthem—or chronicle of a person's thinking as they veer into a drunk and drugged out downward spiral, depending on how you spin it—is a pretty lonely song to begin with."{{Cite web|last=Silvers|first=Emma|url=http://www.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2014/12/16/watch-katie-days-hauntingly-pretty-cover-of-kid-cudis-pursuit-of-happiness|title=Watch Katie Day's Hauntingly Pretty Cover of Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness"|publisher=SF Weekly|date=December 16, 2014|access-date=February 28, 2016|archive-date=January 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105183346/http://www.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2014/12/16/watch-katie-days-hauntingly-pretty-cover-of-kid-cudis-pursuit-of-happiness|url-status=dead}}

"Pursuit of Happiness" debuted and peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 59 on the week ending October 3, 2009. The following week, it fell 41 spots to number 100. The song re-entered at number 95 on the week ending January 8, 2011. As of March 2013, it sold over 2,000,000 downloads since its release.{{cite news | url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-march-3-2013-songs-record-1-231209252.html | title=Week Ending March 3, 2013. Songs: Is The Right Song #1? | date=March 6, 2013 |work=Chart Watch | publisher=Yahoo Music | first=Paul | last=Grein | access-date=March 14, 2013}} The song originally peaked at number 137 on the UK Singles Chart, but it re-entered the chart in 2012 attaining a new peak of 72 and entered for the first time on the Irish Singles Chart, peaking at 24. In 2012, it has also charted for the first time in Austria, Belgium (Wallonia), France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.

The first music video released, directed by Brody Baker and produced by Josh Hartnett, displays Kid Cudi at a party. While everyone is having a good time, the whole party goes into a slow-motion state. Ratatat does not appear in the video, however MGMT member Ben Goldwasser does make an appearance. Other cameo appearances include Cudi's then GOOD Music label-mate Consequence, actor Jake Hoffman along with fellow rappers Johnny Polygon and Drake.

The second music video released, directed by Megaforce, shows Kid Cudi waking up and interacting with a swiveling couch, and a party scene. The members of Ratatat are featured.

In February 2010, Los Angeles–based electro-pop folk trio Barbara, released a cover version of the song.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indieshuffle.com/barbara-pursuit-of-happiness-kid-cudi-cover/|title=Kid Cudi - Pursuit of Happiness (Barbara Cover)|website=Indieshuffle.com|access-date=18 November 2021}} In early 2010, Australian alternative rock band Cloud Control, covered "Pursuit of Happiness", on multiple occasions throughout their concert tours, which received high praise.{{Cite web |url=http://www.clashmusic.com/live-review/cloud-control |title=Cloud Control | Reviews | Clash Magazine |access-date=2015-12-13 |archive-date=2015-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222124116/http://www.clashmusic.com/live-review/cloud-control |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/media/s2901683.htm|title=Like a Version: Cloud Control - Pursuit of Happiness | triple j Media|date=17 May 2010|website=Abc.net.au|access-date=18 November 2021}}

In 2010, American folk-rock singer Lissie, began covering the song live in concert.{{cite web |url=http://www.kidcudi.com/news/the-wonderful-lissies-cover-of-pursuit-of-happiness-2751.html |title=The Wonderful Lissie's Cover of Pursuit of Happiness |access-date=August 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110713150747/http://www.kidcudi.com/news/the-wonderful-lissies-cover-of-pursuit-of-happiness-2751.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011 }} Her cover earned praise from Kid Cudi, who posted the video on his official website, commenting that Lissie did a "great job" and that it was "just really beautiful and extremely flattering." She included the cover on her extended play/cover album, Covered Up with Flowers (2011).{{cite web | url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=mw0002231972|pure_url=yes}} |title=Covered Up with Flowers > Overview |access-date=2012-06-06 |first=James |last=Monger |publisher=Allmusic. Rovi Corporation}} In 2012, Los Angeles–based rapper Schoolboy Q, sampled Lissie's cover version, for his song "Hands on the Wheel", taken from his album Habits & Contradictions (2012). In June 2014, Kid Cudi and Lissie performed the song together for the very first time at Le Divan du Monde in Paris, France.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1857436/kid-cudi-lissie-pursuit-of-happiness-cover-paris/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701230715/http://www.mtv.com/news/1857436/kid-cudi-lissie-pursuit-of-happiness-cover-paris/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2014|title=Watch Kid Cudi and Lissie Perform 'Pursuit of Happiness' Together - MTV|work=MTV News}}{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/06/watch-kid-cudi-and-lissie-perform-pursuit-of-happiness-live-in-paris|title=Watch Kid Cudi and Lissie Perform "Pursuit of Happiness" Live In Paris|author=Zach Frydenlund|website=Complex.com}}{{cite web|url=http://hypetrak.com/2014/06/watch-kid-cudi-lissie-perform-pursuit-of-happiness-in-paris/|title=Watch KiD CuDi & Lissie Perform "Pursuit of Happiness" In Paris|website=Hypetrak.com}}

In 2013, American rock band Nebraska Jones, also released a cover of "Pursuit of Happiness".{{Cite web|url=https://www.purevolume.com/|title=Pure Volume|website=Purevolume.com|access-date=18 November 2021}} In 2014, San Francisco–based indie dream pop musician Katie Day, released a cover version of "Pursuit of Happiness", where she played all the parts solo, supporting her melancholy sing-song with thick layers of drums, synth, piano, and eventually strings (each via keyboard).

In September 2017, American rapper KYLE, covered "Pursuit of Happiness", saying he chose to cover the song because it's one of his favorites and it helped him through a dark part of his life: "That song just got me just through a lot of tough times. I think Kid Cudi has this special gift to make music that can pick somebody off from a super dark place and put them in this happy, awesome, positive Pikachu filled place. And I always aspire to do the same thing. It almost taught me like why even I became a rapper in the first place."{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kyle-covers-kid-cudis-pursuit-of-happiness-news.37480.html|title=KYLE Covers Kid Cudi's "Pursuit Of Happiness"|date=20 September 2017|website=HotNewHipHop.com|access-date=18 November 2021}}

The song made its US television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman on September 11, 2009. Cudi later performed the song on September 23, 2009, on Jimmy Kimmel Live.{{cite web|url=http://youheardthatnew.com/2009/09/video-kid-cudi-pursuit-of-happiness-jimmy-kimmel-live/|title=Video: KiD CuDi – Pursuit Of Happiness (Jimmy Kimmel Live)|author=Illy|date=23 September 2009|work=youheardthatnew.com|access-date=12 April 2014|archive-date=13 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413124430/http://youheardthatnew.com/2009/09/video-kid-cudi-pursuit-of-happiness-jimmy-kimmel-live/|url-status=dead}} On April 9, 2022, Cudi performed a medley of "Stars in the Sky" (the lead single for the soundtrack to the film Sonic the Hedgehog 2) and "Pursuit of Happiness" at the 35th Annual Kids' Choice Awards for the first time.{{cite press release|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/video/2022/03/31/grammy-award-winning-multiplatinum-kid-cudi-and-multiple-grammy-award-nominated-jack-harlow-to-perform-at-nickelodeons-kids-choice-awards-2022-811410/20220331nickelodeon01/|title=Grammy Award-Winning Multiplatinum Kid Cudi and Multiple Grammy Award-Nominated Jack Harlow to Perform at "Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2022"|publisher=Nickelodeon|via=The Futon Critic|date=March 31, 2022|access-date=March 31, 2022}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/kids-choice-awards-performers-kid-cudi-jack-harlow-1235052539/|title=Kid Cudi & Jack Harlow to Perform at 2022 Kids' Choice Awards: Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|author=Paul Grein|date=March 31, 2022|access-date=March 31, 2022}}

In 2012, the remix produced by Steve Aoki was featured in the trailers for the comedy film Project X and was later included on the film's soundtrack.

In 2016, American singer Lissie's cover version of the song was used for Nike's Unlimited Pursuit campaign, featuring American athletes Serena Williams and Simone Biles.{{cite web | url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/08/24/media/nike-commercial-serena-williams-simone-biles/index.html | title=Nike's newest ad celebrates girl power | date=24 August 2016 }}

It was the Philadelphia Flyers goal song in the 2017-2018 season. {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHbMn1mdQIs | title=Philadelphia Flyers 2017-18 Goal Horn | website=YouTube | date=17 October 2017 }}

In 2020, the original song was heavily featured in a trailer for the Judd Apatow film The King of Staten Island, and was also included in the film.{{cite web | url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt9686708/soundtrack/?ref_=tt_trv_snd | title=The King of Staten Island (2020) - IMDb | website=IMDb }}

In 2021, the song was used as part of the Montreal Canadiens pregame show as part of the playoff's montage.

That same year, Google UK featured the song's instrumental in the TV and YouTube ads for their new Pixel 6 smartphone.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-Bq_gt8fI0 | title=Google Pixel 6 - Now Available | website=YouTube | date=30 May 2022 }}

In 2023, Apple TV's Shrinking, utilized "Pursuit of Happiness" for the show's official teaser.

The Toronto Maple Leafs currently use the Steve Aoki remix as their goal song, having done so since the 2023–24 season. However, this was dropped after one game due to complaints about lyrics relating to drunk driving.{{cite web |last= McGran |first=Kevin |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/the-maple-leafs-give-new-goal-song-a-workout-in-season-opener-it-s-a/article_16f6893b-419e-5eba-bab1-afee6ec785eb.html |title=The Maple Leafs give new goal song a workout in season opener: 'It's a hell of a song' |website=Toronto Star |publisher=Torstar |date=October 11, 2023 |access-date=October 12, 2023}}

• Digital download{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Kid-Cudi-Featuring-MGMT-Ratatat-Pursuit-Of-Happiness/master/647366 | title=Kid Cudi Featuring MGMT & Ratatat – Pursuit Of Happiness | publisher=Discogs | access-date=February 27, 2016}}

1. Pursuit of Happiness (featuring MGMT & Ratatat) – 3:21

• CD Single (United Kingdom){{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Kid-Cudi-Featuring-MGMT-Ratatat-Pursuit-Of-Happiness/release/3063977 | title=Kid Cudi Featuring MGMT & Ratatat – Pursuit Of Happiness | publisher=Discogs | access-date=February 27, 2016}}

1. Pursuit of Happiness (featuring MGMT & Ratatat) – 3:21

• Digital download (Remix){{cite web | url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/pursuit-happiness-extended/521188264 | title=Pursuit of Happiness (Extended Steve Aoki Remix) [feat. MGMT & Ratatat] - Single | date=January 2012 | publisher=iTunes Store (US) | access-date=February 27, 2016}}

1. Pursuit of Happiness (Extended Steve Aoki Remix) (featuring MGMT & Ratatat) – 6:13

• International EP{{cite web | url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pursuit-happiness-feat.-mgmt/id353194657 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312082507/http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pursuit-happiness-feat.-mgmt/id353194657 | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 12, 2012 | title=Pursuit of Happiness (feat. MGMT & Ratatat) [International Version] - EP | date=January 2010 | publisher=iTunes Store (GB) | access-date=February 27, 2016}}

1. Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) (featuring MGMT & Ratatat) – 4:55
2. Pursuit of Happiness (Benny Benassi Remix) [Extended] (featuring MGMT & Ratatat) – 5:28
3. Pursuit of Happiness (Steve Aoki Remix) [Extended] (featuring MGMT & Ratatat) – 6:13
4. Pursuit of Happiness (Sandy Vee Remix) [Extended] (featuring MGMT & Ratatat) – 5:26

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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|certyear=2013|relyear=2010|artist=Kid Cudi feat. MGMT & Ratatat|title=Pursuit of Happiness|award=Platinum|type=single|access-date=February 21, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|certyear=2012|relyear=2010|artist=Kid Cudi feat. MGMT & Ratatat|title=Pursuit of Happiness|award=Gold|type=single|access-date=September 19, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Kid Cudi|title=Pursuit of Happiness|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|access-date=February 20, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Kid Cudi|title=Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|id=14100|access-date=July 14, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|relyear=2010|certyear=2018|artist=Kid Cudi|title=Pursuit of Happiness|award=Platinum|type=single|access-date=April 14, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|relyear=2010|certyear=2019|artist=Kid Cudi|title=Pursuit of Happiness|award=Gold|type=single|id=7028|access-date=September 2, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|artist=Kid Cudi feat. MGMT and Ratatat|title=Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)|award=Platinum|number=4|type=single|source=radioscope|access-date=December 29, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|artist=Ratatat / MGMT / Kid Cudi|title=Pursuit of Happiness|award=Gold|type=single|access-date=August 12, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|relyear=2010|certyear=2021|artist=Kid Cudi ft Mgmt & Ratatat|title=Pursuit of Happiness|award=Platinum|type=single|id=13131-3990-1|access-date=June 11, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=single|region=United States|artist=Kid Cudi|title=Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)|award=Platinum|number=12|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|refname=riaa|access-date=December 29, 2024}}

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• List of best-selling singles in the United States
• List of songs recorded by Kid Cudi

{{Reflist|2}}

{{Kid Cudi songs}}

{{MGMT}}

{{Ratatat}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pursuit Of Happiness (Kid Cudi Song)}}

Category:2009 songs

Category:2010 singles

Category:Kid Cudi songs

Category:MGMT songs

Category:Ratatat songs

Category:Songs written by Kid Cudi

Category:GOOD Music singles

Category:Universal Motown Records singles

Category:Songs about cannabis

Category:Songs about loneliness

Category:Drinking songs

Category:Songs about alcohol

Category:Songs about driving under the influence

Category:Psychedelic pop songs

Category:American pop songs

Category:Songs about dreams

Category:Songs about nightmares

Category:Remix singles