Kid Cudi | |
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.jpg) Kid Cudi in 2010 | |
| Born | Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi (1984-01-30)January 30, 1984 (age 41) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Education | University of Toledo (no degree) |
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| Years active | 2003–present |
| Agent | Dennis Cummings[1] |
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| Television | |
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| Partner | Lola Abecassis Sartore[3] |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
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| Member of | |
| Formerly of | |
| Website | www |
Musical artist | |
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Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi (born January 30, 1984), also known by hisstage nameKid Cudi (/ˈkʌdi/KUHD-ee; formerly stylized asKiD CuDi), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and fashion designer. Born and raised inCleveland, Cudi moved toNew York City in pursuit of a musical career, where he first gained recognition for his song "Day 'n' Nite". Initially self-published on hisMySpace page, the song became ahit online and served as a catalyst for Cudi to team up with record producersPlain Pat andEmile Haynie to record his first full-length project, amixtape titledA Kid Named Cudi (2008). Its release helped Cudi rise to prominence and establish a fanbase, catching the attention of rapperKanye West—who signed Cudi to hisGOOD Music label by late 2008.[4]
With "Day 'n' Nite" issued as itslead single, his debut studio album,Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009), was released to critical and commercial success. It receivedquadruple platinum certification by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA)[5] and spawned two moderate hit singles: "Make Her Say" (featuring Kanye West andCommon) and thediamond-certified "Pursuit of Happiness" (featuringMGMT andRatatat). His second album,Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010), was met with continued success; it received platinum certification and spawned the singles "Erase Me" (featuring Kanye West) and "Mr. Rager". Cudi formed the rock bandWZRD with long-time collaborator and producerDot da Genius; theireponymous debut album (2012) debuted atop theBillboard Top Rock Albums chart.[6][7]
His self-produced third album,Indicud (2013) peaked at number two on theBillboard 200, was led by the platinum-certified single "Just What I Am" (featuringKing Chip), and served as his final release with GOOD Music. It was followed by the tepidly-receivedexperimental albums,Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon (2014) andSpeedin' Bullet 2 Heaven (2015). His sixth album,Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' (2016) saw an improvement in critical reception and was supported by the single "Surfin'" (featuringPharrell Williams). Cudi formed the duoKids See Ghosts with former label boss West in 2018; they released aself-titled collaborative album in June of that year, which was met with critical acclaim. His 2020 single, "The Scotts" (withTravis Scott), became his first song to peak atop theBillboard Hot 100, foreseeing the release of his seventh album,Man on the Moon III: The Chosen (2020) to commercial resurgence and critical praise. Cudi released his eighth album,Entergalactic (2022) to coincide with his adult animated TV specialEntergalactic; both of which were critically praised. His ninth and tenth albums, thetrap-inspiredInsano (2024) andInsano (Nitro Mega) (2024), followed thereafter.
Outside of recording, Cudi has launched his ownvanity labels: the now-defunct Dream On, and his label imprint since 2011, Wicked Awesome Records.[8][9] Cudi ventured into acting with theHBO seriesHow to Make It in America in 2010, and has appeared in the filmsGoodbye World (2013),Need for Speed (2014),Entourage (2015),Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020),Don't Look Up (2021), andX (2022). In 2015, he starred as a bandleader in theIFC seriesComedy Bang! Bang!, and did so in the short-lived HBO mini-series,We Are Who We Are in 2020. That same year, he launched the production company Mad Solar; its first release was the documentaryA Man Named Scott (2021), which chronicled Cudi's career and upbringing. In fashion and modeling, Cudi has partnered withGiuseppe Zanotti,Virgil Abloh,Bape,Coach,Adidas,Calvin Klein, andLevi's on campaigns before launching his own clothing line in 2022.
Cudi has been recognized as an influence on contemporaryhip-hop andalternative acts.[10][11][12][13] His lyrics are often autobiographical, describing childhood experiences ofdepression,loneliness andalienation; his struggle with drugs into adulthood and themes ofspirituality,heartbreak, dissipation and celebration. The majority of his impact stems from his ability to display vulnerability and addressmental health.[4] He is noted for hisexperimental nature, combiningpsychedelia,R&B,electronica,synthpop,dance,house,punk andindie rock in his music. Cudi has sold over 22 million units domestically and won twoGrammy Awards. He has worked with artists spanning numerous genres, namelyJay-Z,Drake,Eminem,Kendrick Lamar,David Guetta,Shakira,Ariana Grande, andMichael Bolton.[14][15][16][17]
Kid Cudi was born as Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi inCleveland, Ohio, on January 30, 1984.[18] He grew up inShaker Heights andSolon.[19] He has two older brothers, Domingo and Dean, and an older sister, Maisha.[20] His mother, Elsie Harriet (née Banks), is an African-American school choir teacher at Roxboro Middle School inCleveland Heights, Ohio.[21][22] His father, Lindberg Styles Mescudi, was a house painter, substitute teacher, andWorld War IIAir Force veteran of African-American and Mexican descent.[23][24][25][26]
When Cudi was 11 years old, his father died of cancer; his passing had a significant effect on Cudi's personality and music.[23] Cudi attendedShaker Heights High School for two years before transferring toSolon High School. He was expelled from the school for threatening to punch the principal, but later earned hisGED.[27] He studied film at theUniversity of Toledo, but dropped out after a year.[20] His subsequent plan to join theNavy did not pan out because of his juvenile police record.[28]
Cudi first began rapping in 2003, towards the end of his time in high school, and was inspired byalternative hip-hop groups such asthe Pharcyde andA Tribe Called Quest.[23] He later moved toNew York City to pursue a music career.[18] After leaving Cleveland in 2005 with $500 and a demo tape, he moved in with his uncle, accomplished jazz drummer Kalil Madi, in theSouth Bronx.[19] He worked at a couple of Manhattan clothing stores, before eventually sharing an apartment with friend and collaboratorDot da Genius in Brooklyn.[19]
In 2006, Cudi ran into his future mentor, rapper and producerKanye West, in aVirgin Megastore. He recounted in a 2009SPIN interview, "I was looking atCDs, saw the gleam of aJesus piece in the right side of my eye, looked up, and it was Kanye West." He introduced himself and offered West some of his music.[29] Cudi later ran into West again while working at theBAPE store in New York, and recalled: "I remember Kanye coming in one time and I was helping him get a couple things. I forgot to take a sensor off of one of the jackets he bought and I had to run out the store to catch him before he left. Pretty funny me chasing after him inSoHo."[30][31]
In 2007, Kid Cudi's song "Day 'n' Nite", began being featured on several music blogs, after having initially uploaded the song to hisMySpace page. This early work caught the attention of West via his then-managerPlain Pat, subsequently leading West to sign Cudi to hisGOOD Music imprint later that year. In July 2008, Kid Cudi released his first mixtape,A Kid Named Cudi (executive produced by Plain Pat andEmile Haynie), in collaboration with New York street-wear brand 10.Deep as a free download.[32]
Kanye West first called upon Cudi to referencehooks for American rapper and mogulJay-Z, and while in the studio Cudi and West went from working onThe Blueprint 3 (2009) to West'sR&B-esque808s & Heartbreak (2008).[33] Cudi's assistance on the latter includes co-writing credits or vocals on "Heartless", "Welcome to Heartbreak", "Paranoid", and "RoboCop".[33] Kid Cudi was a prominentsongwriter and featured artist on808s & Heartbreak, with "Paranoid" and "Heartless" being released as singles, while "Welcome to Heartbreak" charted as an album cut and peaked at number 87 on thePop 100.[34]
Kid Cudi's first television appearance was at the 2008MTV Video Music Awards, alongsideTravis Barker andDJ AM. Cudi was promoted as an artist to watch for in media such asRolling Stone,Vibe,The Source,XXL andBBC News's 2009Sound of poll.[35]MTV News reported on Cudi on a series of reports titled "MCs To Watch In 2009".[36]
In late 2008, Cudi was revealed to be included inXXL's 2009 annual Freshman Class. He was featured on the cover alongside fellow up-and-coming rappersAsher Roth,Wale,B.o.B,Charles Hamilton,Cory Gunz,Blu,Mickey Factz,Ace Hood andCurren$y.[37][38] On February 17, 2009, he appeared onSnoop Dogg's MTV talk showDogg After Dark, performing "Day 'n' Nite" at the end of the show. Two days later on February 19, 2009, Cudi appeared onBET's106 & Park, alongside Kanye West to debut the music video of "Day 'n' Nite".[39] On February 25, 2009, Cudiself-leaked ateaser trailer[40] for the upcomingTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen film, using his song "Sky Might Fall" in the background; later he posted that he made the trailer himself and was in talks to possibly making it official.[41]
In February 2009, Kid Cudi also made acameo appearance next toSolange in the video for her song "T.O.N.Y.". On March 16, 2009, Kid Cudi performed onmtvU's Spring Break special, and the following day he performed three songs on NBC'sLast Call with Carson Daly. Cudi teamed up with partner and record producer Emile Haynie, to produce an exclusive single titled "Switchin Lanes", for the video gameMidnight Club: Los Angeles, part of its "South Central Premium Upgrade"downloadable content (DLC), which came out March 19, 2009, for thePlayStation 3 and March 27, 2009, for theXbox 360.[42] He has also appeared as a musical guest on theLate Show with David Letterman andJimmy Kimmel Live! In June 2009, he made a cameo inBlack Eyed Peas' video for "I Gotta Feeling", alongsideDavid Guetta, where the two met for the first time and subsequently recorded their international hit "Memories". In 2009, he had also been on two magazine covers,Complex (August/September 2009) andURB (August 2009).
He revealed information about his future plans via his blog, saying that a possible collaborative album withChip tha Ripper could be followed with a collaborative project withelectronic rock duoRatatat.[43] On May 5, 2009 Iranian-American progressive house DJSharam, released "She Came Along", thelead single from his debut studio album,Get Wild (2009).[44] The song, featuring Cudi, charted for 15 weeks on the Bulgarian Singles Top 40. It entered the chart on position 40 on week 30/2009, and its last appearance was on week 44/2009. It peaked at number 11, where it stayed for one week.[45]
During the summer of 2009, Cudi joined fellow up-and-coming rappersAsher Roth andB.o.B, for 'The Great Hangover'concert tour.[46][47]In late 2009, Kid Cudi was featured on the highly anticipatedJay-Z albumThe Blueprint 3, on the song "Already Home".[48] On September 14, 2009,BET premiered theirRising Icons profile of Kid Cudi. During the 30 minute show Cudi performed "CuDi Zone", "Mr. Solo Dolo", "Day 'n' Nite" and "Make Her Say". Cudi also discussed his childhood, his move to New York to begin his career as an artist and more.[49][50][51][52]
Cudi's debut albumMan on the Moon: The End of Day, was released onUniversal Motown Records on September 15, 2009[53] and sold 104,419 copies in the first week and charted at #4.[54] The album'slead single "Day 'n' Nite", Kid Cudi's greatest commercial success thus far, charted well in both the U.S. and in Europe. The secondsingle released was "Make Her Say" (originally titled "I Poke Her Face"), which features a sample fromLady Gaga's hit single "Poker Face" and performances by Kanye West andCommon. Common was also featured throughout the album, as the narrator.[55][56]
In September 2009, Cudi co-headlined50 Cent's "50 Fest" concert, along with fellow American rapperWale.[57][58][59] In a late 2009 interview, Cudi announced that the follow-up to his debut album would be acompilation album entitledCudder and the Revolution of Evolution, which would have many collaborations. He stated he had already recorded songs withSnoop Dogg,Travis Barker,Clipse,Cage andPharrell, and would also like to work withDrake,Green Day,Kings of Leon,Robin Thicke,the Killers andthe Postal Service on the album. It was also rumored thatMan on the Moon: The End of Day was followed up by a sequel titledMan on the Moon: The Ghost in the Machine and that theMan on the Moon series would be a trilogy.[60] Kid Cudi was nominated for three2010 Grammy Awards, for his singles "Day 'n' Nite" and "Make Her Say".[61]
In January 2010, Cudi releasedMan on the Moon: The End of Day's third and final single "Pursuit of Happiness", which was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA. In 2010, Cudi was featured on Snoop Dogg's re-release ofMalice n Wonderland, titledMore Malice, on the lead single "That Tree".[62] Cudi later teamed up with independent artistJohnny Polygon, toremix Polygon's "The Riot Song", which appears on his mixtapeRebel Without Applause (2010).[63] He was also invited to be a vocalist forthe remake of thecharity single "We Are the World" for its 25th anniversary to benefitHaiti afterthe earthquake.
On April 20, 2010, Kid Cudi announced that the name of his second album would not beCudder and the Revolution of Evolution, but a direct sequel to his first, titledMan on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager.[64][65]
On June 11, 2010, Kid Cudi was arrested in theChelsea neighborhood of theManhattan borough in New York City and charged with felony criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance.[66] Despite his arrest, he was released and made it to Manchester, Tennessee in time to play atBonnaroo.[67]
In May 2010, American shoe companyConverse, launched "You're It", a campaign which highlighted 23 artists from around the world in a series of web shorts. The campaign featured artists from 13 countries including Kid Cudi. In this short, Converse takes a trip back to Cudi's roots as an artist in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. The campaign's goal was to tap into the grassroots of Converse's global market and introduce the artists of tomorrow.[68]
In June 2010, Converse was promoting being a catalyst for creativity by bringing together three musicians from different genres to form a unique collaboration known as "Three Artists. One Song." Converse teamed up Cudi, alongsideVampire Weekend'sRostam Batmanglij andBest Coast'sBethany Cosentino, to produce the song titled "All Summer".[69] In addition to collaborating on the track, each of the artists also participated in the creation of the music video, which was released later that summer.[70]
The lead single from Cudi's second studio album, titled "Erase Me", features Kanye West and was produced byJim Jonsin. The song debuted on a Cleveland radio station June 30, 2010, and was officially released to Rhythm/Crossover radio on August 17, 2010.[71][72][73] The title-track "Mr. Rager", was released as the album's second single, shortly before the album's release. The album, released November 9, 2010, debuted at number three on the USBillboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 169,000 copies.[74] In its second week it crossed the 200,000 sales mark.[75]
In 2010, Kid Cudi appeared on several songs for his mentor Kanye West's weekly free music giveawayGOOD Fridays; namely "Good Friday", "Christian Dior Denim Flow" and "The Joy", the latter of which later became abonus track on theJay-Z and Kanye West collaborative albumWatch the Throne (2011).
In October 2010, Cudi had announced that he would be forming a rock band with frequent collaboratorDot da Genius, tentatively calledWizard.[76] In early 2011, he announced that he would be releasing a mixtape titledA Man Named Scott, reminiscent of hisA Kid Named Cudi title, prior to the rock album.[77] On February 26, 2011, Cudi took to his Twitter account to announce that Dream On, the record label he launched in 2009 with partnersPatrick "Plain Pat" Reynolds and producerEmile Haynie, has been dissolved.[8] However, in an interview withComplex Magazine Cudi explained they were all still on good terms: "I wanted to try something new, and I wanted to take control of things myself. Those are still my guys, Pat and Emile, and I'm still going to work with them in the future. When we start working onMan on the Moon III I'll be calling them up to see if they want to be a part of it. I know Emile is definitely down. We had an issue, but we're men and we were able to figure it out and move forward. There's no hard feelings."[78]
In March 2011, Cudi announced that a music video for "Marijuana" would be released in the spring, followed by a music video for "Mr. Rager" in the summer, then he would release ashort film, directed byShia LaBeouf, inspired by his song "Maniac", withCage, in October 2011.[79][80] In April 2011, while performing at New York City's Roseland Ballroom Kid Cudi announced he was launching his own record label. The new label, which he will be releasing his third studio album on is called Wicked Awesome Records. He also renamed his band on the same occasion to 2 Be Continuum, renaming it from the original Wizard. Kid Cudi explained his reasoning saying: "I needed something more original, something different, but it's still wizardry at its finest."[9] In 2011, Cudi landed a songwriting placement on English singerNatalia Kills' debut albumPerfectionist, for the song "Free".
On August 12, 2011, Kid Cudi released the music video for "No One Believes Me", directed byFright Night directorCraig Gillespie. The song, produced by Dot da Genius, features Cudi singing and contains elements ofrock music.[81] On August 21, Cudi announced that he would no longer be releasing theA Man Named Scott mixtape, so that he can focus on his rock project and his third solo albumMan on the Moon III.[82][83] Kid Cudi released the music video for his second album's title-track "Mr. Rager", on September 8, 2011. The video received all-positive reviews from critics and fans alike.[84]
Despite saying he will not do many morefeatures for other artists inComplex magazine's October/November 2011 cover story,[85] Cudi appeared onBryan Greenberg's second albumWe Don't Have Forever (2011),Travis Barker's solo debutGive the Drummer Some (2011),the Knux'sEraser (2011), andWale'sAmbition (2011), respectively. On October 30, 2011, Cudi releasedManiac, ashorthorror film co-starring fellow American rapperCage and directed by American actorShia LaBeouf, through his blog.[86] On November 13, 2011, a previously unreleaseddemo tape Cudi had recorded from 2002 to 2003,[87][88] under thepseudonym Kid Mesc,[89] titledRap Hard, leaked online.[90] On Twitter, Cudi wrote "I actually never wanted anyone to hear those songs ever, but its cool. Ha"[91]
On November 18, 2011 Cudi renamed his band for the second time toWZRD (pronounced: w-z-r-d).[92] He also announced that the upcoming rock project would be released on his 28th birthday, January 30, 2012. In late 2011, Cudi was mentioned in aviral video byvloggerBen Breedlove, about his near death experiences.[93] After Breedlove's death on December 26, 2011, Cudi commented on his thoughts about inspiring the young kid. "I am so sad about Ben Breedlove", Kid Cudi wrote on his Tumblr blog. "I watched the video he left for the world to see, and him seeing me in detail, in his vision really warmed my heart. I broke down, I am to tears because I hate how life is so unfair. This has really touched my heart in a way I cant describe, this is why I do what I do. Why I write my life, and why I love you all so much. Life is really fucked up sometimes, but I know Ben is at Peace, and I hope he gets a chance to sit and talk with my Dad. We love you Ben. Forever. Thank you for loving me. To Ben's family, you raised a real hero, he's definitely mine. You have my love."
In January 2012, Cudi appeared on two songs from Chip tha Ripper's mixtapeTell Ya Friends, "Ride 4 You" which also featuredFar East Movement and "GloryUs", which credited the duo as they are collectively known, The Almighty GloryUs. This led to speculation that a long-awaited project from the two was underway. On January 31, Cudi announced through his Twitter feed that he had completedWZRD and that his next album was the collaborative effort with Chip tha Ripper.[94] In 2012, Cudi was featured on thesoundtrack to the filmThe Hunger Games, crafting an original song for the film titled "The Ruler and the Killer". Referring to "The Ruler and the Killer", Cudi wrote on his Twitter feed: "I could not have done it without my producing partners on the project for the film, The legendary and GodlyT Bone Burnett andGreg Wells!"[95]
While working on the band'sself-titled debut, Cudi claimed he hadwriter's block for almost five months because of his newsobriety; something that had never happened to him for such an extended period of time. According to Cudi, bands that inspired the album includeElectric Light Orchestra,Jimi Hendrix,Nirvana andPink Floyd. The album includes a song titled "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?", acover of the same titled song byNirvana, who in turn were inspired by blues guitar legendLead Belly's rendition of thetraditionalfolk song.[96] FollowingWZRD's release on February 28, 2012, the album debuted at #3 on the USBillboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 66,000 physical anddigital copies in the United States.[97] The album also debuted on theTop Rock Albums andTop Alternative Albums at number one, and at #9 on theCanadian Albums Chart respectively.
In April 2012, inGeneseo, New York, Cudi performed before a sold-out crowd and premiered a hip-hop song, his first since 2010. During his set, he performed a new record, tentatively titled "The Leader of the Delinquents", which he dida cappella.[98] On April 25, 2012 Cudi was officially back to rapping with the release of "Dennis, Hook Me Up with Some More of That Whiskey!".[99] The song, the first ever solely produced by Cudi himself, samples his 2010 song "Ghost!".[100] In June 2012, Cudi was seen in the music video for "Mercy", the lead single from GOOD Music'scompilation albumCruel Summer, in which he, along with other GOOD Music recording artists were featured on. Cudi was ultimately featured on two songs from the compilation, "The Morning" and a solo track originally meant forMan on the Moon II (2010), titled "Creepers", produced byDan Black.
In the summer of 2012, Cudi announced the title of his third studio album to be,Indicud when hetweeted: "My new album is entitledindicud, it will be my version ofThe Chronic 2001, some songs i'll produce, others i'll feat &/or play songwriter".[101] On June 8, 2012, Cudi announcedIndicud, will be adouble-disc album.[102] On August 12, Kid Cudi released the lead single fromIndicud, a song titled "Just What I Am", featuring his friend and longtime collaboratorKing Chip (formerly Chip tha Ripper).[103] The album was announced to be released in early 2013 with Cudi focusing on scoring movies, followed by the third installment of theMan on the Moon series.[104]
Cudi then added thatIndicud "will feature more uptempos and that it will consist of at most 17 new songs."[104] The music video for "Just What I Am", which marked Cudi's directorial debut, premiered November 6, 2012 onVEVO and was shot in Los Angeles with fans invited to participate in the video's shoot. On November 7, he revealed the album's second official single's title to be "Immortal", and that it again was produced by himself like the two previous releases, "Just What I Am" and "King Wizard". He claimed the song "will make you feel amazing in the heart and soul."[105] The song was officially released viaiTunes on March 14, 2013.[106]
On March 14, 2013 Kid Cudi performed atMySpace'sSouth by Southwest (SXSW) secret show inAustin, Texas and after performing his many hits, he previewed a new verse fromIndicud. He also revealed that the album would feature 18 tracks, while officially confirming ASAP Rocky andMichael Bolton as featured guests.[107] On March 16, Cudi announced that he would release the album's tracklist andcover art on April 2.[108] Three days later, Kid Cudi announced via Twitter that the album had officially been completed and turned in to his label, Universal Republic.[109] On March 26, the album's cover art and tracklist was unveiled byWalmart and laterComplex.[110] Later that day, Cudi appeared onJimmy Kimmel Live! and performed the album's lead singles; "Just What I Am" and "Immortal", as well as premiering "Mad Solar", which he performed a cappella.[111][112]
On April 2, 2013, Kid Cudi announced onPower 106, that he was no longer under Kanye West's GOOD Music imprint. Cudi revealed he left the label on good terms, with him saying West respected his decision and will always be "big brother". Cudi's decision to move forward without West, was his desire to focus on his own imprint, Wicked Awesome Records and his friend, fellow rapper King Chip.[113][114][115] AfterIndicudleaked online in its entirety on April 9, 2013, Kid Cudi decided to push the album's release date up to April 16.[116] The album debuted at #2 on the charts by moving 140,000 copies.[117] In late 2013, Kid Cudi toured in support ofIndicud onThe Cud Life Tour 2013. The tour was announced on July 15 with tickets going on sale the following day. Supporting acts on the tour included fellow American rappersBig Sean,Tyler, The Creator andLogic.[118]
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While on tour, on October 16, 2013 Kid Cudi announced he would be releasing anextended play (EP), sometime in the next three months.[119][120] Cudi also revealed he would be producing it alongside Dot da Genius and that frequent collaborator King Chip, would appear on the EP.[119] He then called the EP aprelude to his fourth albumMan on the Moon III, which he announced would be released in 2015.[119] On October 19, 2013, Cudi revealed "Going to the Ceremony", a song he had released via online audio distribution platformSoundCloud, earlier in July, would be included in the EP.[121][122] Cudi revealed aremix of his hit single "Day 'n' Nite, which was briefly previewed on the intro of his 2008 breakout mixtapeA Kid Named Cudi, would also appear on the EP.[123][124][125]
On November 25, 2013, via his Twitter, Cudi revealed the title of the EP to beSatellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon.[126][127] On December 16, 2013, Kid Cudi once again utilized SoundCloud to release "Satellite Flight", the EP'stitle-track.[128] On January 27, 2014, Kid Cudi revealed on Twitter thatSatellite Flight: Journey to Mother Moon would no longer be an EP, but a full-length album instead.[129] In a February 2014 interview withMTV News, Cudi discussed the EP's transition to a full-fledged album and called the project his best work yet: "I'm really excited because it's my best work, and it's a surprise. People weren't really expecting it. I've never done two albums within a year of each other."[130][131]
On February 25, 2014, with only few hours' notice from Cudi,Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon was released exclusively to digital retailers. The album debuted at number four on theBillboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 87,000 digital copies in the United States.[132] On March 4, 2014 Cudi appeared onChelsea Lately, where he was interviewed by Oscar-nominated actressGabourey Sidibe, to promoteSatellite Flight and the 2014 filmNeed for Speed.[133] On March 12, 2014, Cudi released a song titled "Hero", a collaboration with American singer-songwriterSkylar Grey, recorded for the soundtrack toNeed for Speed.[134][135] On March 15, 2014, Cudi appeared onThe Arsenio Hall Show, where he promoted the album, discussed the state of hip-hop,suicidal thoughts,Need for Speed, and performed the song "Internal Bleeding", from the album.[136][137][138]
In April 2014, Cudi appeared on the cover of the inaugural issue ofFat Man magazine.[139][140] On April 24, 2014, while being honored as a mental health advocate by Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Cudi offered a special performance during their annual Erasing the Stigma Leadership Awards.[141] On May 2, 2014, it was announced Cudi would headline Chicago'sNorth Coast Music Festival, along withWest Coast rapperSnoop Dogg.[142][143] On May 11, 2014 Cudi revealed he would be writing and directing a short film for theSatellite Flight album cut "Balmain Jeans": "Developing a short film for "Balmain Jeans", a story about a spontaneous electric connection between two strangers."[144][145]
In a January 2015 interview, at theSundance Film Festival, Kid Cudi expressed the possibility of releasing another album before the release ofMan on the Moon III: "I'm always making music. The beauty in that is that I have a lot of material. And I'm actually thinking that it would be good to release something in the meantime, beforeMan on the Moon III comes out. Another Kid Cudi album, it's just kind of along the lines of what I did withIndicud orSatellite Flight, which is just its own standalone thing but still a Kid Cudi album. TheMan on the Moon III album is something that's gonna take some time but I know the fans are gonna be patient and I really appreciate that guys, thank you for your patience. ButMan on the Moon III is coming, there may be an album before that just to tide you over."[146][147]
On March 3, 2015, Cudi officially released his first song since his albumSatellite Flight, was put on the market. The song, which is titled "Love", was originally recorded forSatellite Flight, and samples Ratatat's "Sunblocks" and has been received with positive reviews.[148][149] On April 4, 2015, Cudi announced via Twitter that he would be releasing a new album titledSpeedin' Bullet 2 Heaven. On August 1, 2015, Cudi released "Confused!", the lead single from his fifth album. On October 27, 2015, Cudi announced the new album will be released on December 4, 2015.[150] He also leaked two songs off the project, "Wedding Tux" and "Judgemental Cunt".[151] In November 2015 Cudi announced anEspecial Tour, that will bring the rapper to various theaters all across the United States.[152][153] On December 1, 2015, Cudi announced the cancellation of hisEspecial Tour, due to various reasons, such as production and personal issues.[154][155][156] To make up for postponing the concert tour, Cudi released the album'stitle-track as the second single.[157][158]
In March 2016, Kid Cudi performed at McDowell Mountain Music Festival inPhoenix, Arizona.[159] In an early April 2016 interview withBillboard, when asked aboutMan on the Moon III, Cudi responded with: "I came up withMan on the Moon when I was a young man. People change their vibe! We can follow the same template and do the five-act split. Sonically, I'm still going to be where I'm at. Honestly, I was ready to live up to the obligation and doMan on the Moon III. I haven't been dicking around. I was planning on doing it afterSpeedin' Bullet. But theSpeedin' Bullet response tore me up. It made me realize what's most important. I'm getting back on the bike again and doing what I do best: me."[160] On April 22, 2016, Kid Cudi announced he would be releasing a new studio album, slated for a summer unveiling.[161]
On May 11, 2016, amidst rumors that he was set to releaseMan on the Moon III, Cudi revealed the title of his sixth solo album would bePassion, Pain & Demon Slayin', through online mobile video-sharing and social networking serviceInstagram.[162] On June 1, 2016, Cudi announced that he had two upcoming albums. One set to be released in the summer, while the other would be released in the fall. He added that one of them was complete.[163][164] On September 26, 2016, Kid Cudi unveiled the track-list forPassion, Pain & Demon Slayin' via Twitter, which revealed guest spots fromTravis Scott,André 3000,Pharrell Williams andWillow Smith.[165][166]
Although there was a discrepancy between him andKanye West, West later made an offer of peace and a song featuring him and Cudi subsequently surfaced online.[167]Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' was announced to be issued first via digital distribution on December 16, 2016, with the physical release on December 23.[168][169] Cudi has also shared the song "Baptized in Fire", which features Travis Scott (with whom Cudi collaborated extensively with on 2016'sBirds in the Trap Sing McKnight).[170] On March 1, 2017, Kid Cudi performed the song "Kitchen", with astring orchestra, live onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[171] On August 15, 2017, Cudi announced a national concert tour by the name of Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' Tour; with the first date on September 30 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[172][173]
In 2018 Cudi andKanye West formed a duo known asKids See Ghosts, and produced an album titledKids See Ghosts, which was released on June 8, 2018.[174] On October 23, 2018, in response to a fan on Twitter, Cudi revealed he had begun working on his seventh solo album. Although he said he would be taking his time to create his forthcoming LP, Cudi projected a 2019 release.[175][176]
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In July 2019, Kid Cudi announced his next album would be titledEntergalactic, which he revealed would soundtrack an upcomingNetflix "adult-focused animated music series" co-created by himself andKenya Barris.[177]
On April 14, 2020, Kid Cudi released "Leader of the Delinquents" as a single via Republic Records.[178] The song, which Cudi had first performed in 2012,[179] was later released in a limited edition pressing of the track on 7" vinyl, 12" picture disc, and cassette.[180]
On April 24, 2020, Cudi collaborated with Travis Scott under the collective name the Scotts, to release a song titled "The Scotts". It was hinted that the duo would be releasing more music in the future.[181] The song debuted atop theBillboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Cudi's first number-one hit single in the US.[182]
Later on April 24, Cudi also revealed that he was still working on new music for a future WZRD release, joking that "we take a decade off between albums."[183] On July 9, 2020, Cudi's daughter Vada, announced via social media that he would be releasing a song with multiple Grammy Award-winning artistEminem, called "The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady" the coming Friday.[184] The song was released on July 10, 2020 and also saw success as a hit, as it debuted in the Top 40 of theBillboard Hot 100.[185]
On October 26, Cudi released a teaser video on his official Twitter account forMan on the Moon III, the final installment in hisMan on the Moon series, after a decade between releases. The album title and release date were not shared with the video,[186][187] however on December 7, Cudi announced the album would be titledMan on the Moon III: The Chosen, with a release date of December 11, 2020. Theconcept album's theme follows Cudi overcoming his darkness, but fighting to win his soul back from his alter-ego "Mr. Rager".[188]
Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who praised Cudi's songwriting and generally favored the latter two acts, though some found it derivative of Cudi's earlier albums. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, earning 144,000 album-equivalent units of which 15,000 were pure sales, marking Cudi's fifth top 10 album in the US.
AlthoughEntergalactic was originally set for a 2020 release, it was pushed back due to Cudi releasing his long-awaitedMan on the Moon III album instead. In January 2021, when asked by a fan on Twitter whyEntergalatic's new release date says 2022 on Netflix, Cudi responded, "[Because] that's when it drops. I just gave y'all an album y'all gotta chill and be patient fr [sic] man I'm not doin an album every year."[189]
Cudi was the sole musical guest onSaturday Night Live in April 2021, having previously featured alongside Kanye West and070 Shake in "Ghost Town" in 2018. He played "Tequila Shots" and "Sad People" with both performances in tribute toNirvana frontmanKurt Cobain. "Sad People" showcased Cudi in a floral dress designed byVirgil Abloh in a nod to Cobain.[190][191]
In June 2021,Amazon enlisted Kid Cudi forPrime Day Show; a three-part musical event also featuringBillie Eilish andH.E.R. Cudi's performance included a mission to establish a new community on the moon, while performing with theInternational Space Orchestra, a new group composed of space scientists fromNASA Ames Research Center, theSETI Institute and theInternational Space University.[192]
A Man Named Scott, a documentary film directed by Robert Alexander, was announced in October 2021 via Prime Video. The film was produced byMad Solar, Complex Networks and Film 45, set for release in November 2021, and billed as a look at Cudi's journey "over a decade of creative choices, struggles, and breakthroughs."[193][194]
During his headlining performance at the Rolling Loud music festival, Cudi revealed intentions on releasing two full-length projects in 2022, with plans of releasing an album prior toEntergalactic "I haveEntergalactic coming in the summer, and I wanna drop another album before that. I got some tasty surprises and I'm really excited about all this new shit, this new music, to give to you guys," he said before playing a recording of a song that has since been dubbed "Freshie". "That's why I'm teasing this shit now because it's coming out soon."[195][196]
On December 3, 2021, a collaboration between Cudi and American pop singerAriana Grande, titled "Just Look Up" was released in promotion for theblack comedy filmDon't Look Up, in which they both star in. That month,Man on the Moon III: The Chosen broke the record for biggest vinyl sales week for both a male artist and a rap album inNielsen history.[197][198]
On April 9, 2022, Cudi performed amedley of "Stars in the Sky" (the lead single for the soundtrack to the filmSonic the Hedgehog 2) and "Pursuit of Happiness" at theKids' Choice Awards for the first time.[199][200] On June 24, 2022, a collaboration betweenDot da Genius,JID,Denzel Curry, and Cudi, titled "Talk About Me", was released, along with a music video directed byCole Bennett.[201] In June, Cudi announced his first arena tour withTo the Moon World Tour, set to begin in Vancouver on August 16, 2022 and conclude in Milan on November 22, 2022.[202]
On July 4, 2022, Cudi announced a compilation album,The Boy Who Flew to the Moon, Vol. 1, to be released on July 8, along with the re-release of his debut mixtapeA Kid Named Cudi on July 15.[203][204] The compilation features "Love", a bonus track which was previously unofficially released due to sample clearance issues.[205] On July 6, American fast food chainMcDonald's, announced the line-up for their 2022 Camp McDonald's virtual experience, led by headliner Kid Cudi. The virtual camp took place over four weeks only available through the McDonald's app.[206]
UponEntergalactic's release on September 30, the album debuted at number 13 on the USBillboard 200 chart, earning 22,480album-equivalent units (including 1,791 copies in pure album sales) in its first week.[207] Its visual componentEntergalactic received an average rating of 8.20/10 on the review aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, with 96% of 28 critics' reviews being positive.[208]
In October 2022, on an episode ofHot Ones, Cudi revealed that he didn't know how much longer he would continue making music and that he had an alternative career path in mind. The rapper said he was "kinda nearing the end on all things Kid Cudi". He quoted other rappers including Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Eminem and more, saying he didn't think he would have the same longevity at these artists.[209] On November 6, Cudi announced on Twitter he only has one more album left on his recording contract with Republic. He revealed it would not be released in 2023 and that he does not know what he will continue to do following the release.[210]
Kid Cudi's 2010 single "Pursuit of Happiness" wascertified diamond (10 million units) by theRIAA in December 2022.[211]
On February 27, 2023, Cudi announced his last contractual album with Republic Records would be released in late 2023; adding that the rollout for the album would begin mid-year, with singles to be released.[212][213]Insano would be released on January 11, 2024. Only a month later, Cudi would release a follow-up titledInsano (Nitro Mega) on February 23, 2024.[214]
In 2010, Kid Cudi made a guest appearance on American television dramaOne Tree Hill, starring as himself and performing hisMan on the Moon II single "Erase Me", during the episode.[215] In 2010, Kid Cudi also began starring in theHBO comedy seriesHow to Make It in America, as part of the main cast, being credited by his birth name Scott Mescudi, until its cancellation after two seasons.[216] On October 31, 2010, Kid Cudi released ashort film, directed byShia LaBeouf, in which he and fellow American rapperCage, star asFrench-speakingserial killers. The short film, titledManiac, was inspired by Cudi's song "Maniac" from his 2010 albumMan on the Moon II, and is an homage to the 1992Belgianblack comedy crime mockumentary,Man Bites Dog.[217][218] In May 2012,Kanye West premiered a short film he directed, titledCruel Summer, at theCannes Film Festival. According toMTV, Kid Cudi is the lead character, playing a "car thief who falls for a blind Arabian princess". The film was shown on seven different screens that turned on and off, giving various angles of each shot.[219]
In October 2012, it was announced Cudi would star in anindieromantic comedy titledTwo Night Stand, alongsideAnaleigh Tipton andMiles Teller.[220][221] Also in 2012, it was revealed Cudi would star in an indiethriller film titledTacoma, alongsidePatricia Clarkson.[222][223] In 2013, Cudi guest starred in the animated TV seriesThe Cleveland Show,voicing a character named Devon, in the Season 4 episode "Brownsized".[224] In 2013, he also guest starred on theFOX comedy seriesBrooklyn Nine-Nine, where he played a criminal named Dustin Whitman.[225] In 2013, it was revealed Cudi would then star inGoodbye World, alongsideAdrian Grenier.[226][227]
In January 2013, Cudi was cast in the film adaptation ofNeed for Speed.[228]Need for Speed, which is Cudi'sfeature film debut, was released by Touchstone Pictures on March 14, 2014.[229] In June 2013, it was revealed Cudi would appear inMark Webber's filmThe Ever After, alongsideTeresa Palmer andMelissa Leo.[230] On November 10, 2014, Cudi guest starred on theCBS American television seriesScorpion, as Peyton Temple, a musical prodigy who created a controversialalgorithm that generates the perfect hit pop song, who later helps Scorpion investigate the murder of his friend who was a music industry blogger.[231][232] In February 2014, it was announced Cudi would appear inEntourage (2015), the film adaptation of the popular HBO seriesEntourage.[233][234][235]
On April 11, 2014, it was announced Cudi would star in a film titledJames White, alongsideChristopher Abbott andCynthia Nixon. In addition to starring in the film, it was revealed Cudi would also be curating thefilm's score as well.[236] In January 2015, Cudi revealed he played ahomosexual character inJames White: "This was way different than anything else I've ever done. It was dope to do that. I felt like I had a responsibility to present a different walk in life from that world." Although his character's sexuality is not outwardly discussed during the film, the original script included a coming-out scene and a kiss between Cudi and a male friend, played by David Call: "I didn't flinch. I'm secure with mine," Cudi told an audience after the film's premiere. "I'm an artist—it's all about playing characters that are intriguing and stimulating."[237][238]
Also in January 2015, Cudi revealed he had just finished filming a movie titledVincent-N-Roxxy, alongsideZoe Kravitz andEmile Hirsch.[239][240] When speaking onVincent-N-Roxxy, Cudi said: "this movie that I have coming out soon that's my firstvillain role. It's very violent and very disturbing [...] I play kind of like adrug lord."[241] Cudi took over the mic duties forReggie Watts, onIFC's television series,Comedy Bang! Bang! on July 10, 2015.[242][243] As the in-housedisc jockey, Cudi crafted original music for the show and appeared in severalskits throughout season four.[244] The December 10 Christmas edition ofComedy Bang! Bang!, marked the season finale and Cudi's final episode as bandleader.[245][246]
In July 2016, it was announced Cudi would join the cast of FOX'sEmpire, debuting in the third season of the series as "an independent musician who is a rival toHakeem (Bryshere "Yazz" Gray) both in the studio and in life."[247][248] Cudi later left the project due to creative differences.[249] In 2017, Cudi appeared in the comedy filmKilling Hasselhoff.
In 2019, Cudi had small roles inDrunk Parents, directed byFred Wolf,[250] andJexi directed byJon Lucas andScott Moore, the latter of which he played himself.[251] That year he also had a recurring role insci-fiwestern anddystopian seriesWestworld.[252]
In 2020, he co-starred inBill & Ted Face the Music, directed byDean Parisot, oppositeKeanu Reeves andAlex Winter.[253] In 2020, Cudi also starred inWe Are Who We Are, an eight-episodeminiseries forHBO directed byLuca Guadagnino, alongsideChloë Sevigny.[254] In January 2021, Cudi revealed he would potentially be partnering with TV producer and fellow American rapper50 Cent, for an upcoming series.[255] In 2021, Cudi served as an executive producer on the award winning drama filmMalcolm & Marie.[256][257]
In early 2021, Kid Cudi appeared inCrisis, directed byNicholas Jarecki.[258] In late 2021, Cudi appeared in theensemble cast ofDon't Look Up, where he also performed an original song for the film alongside fellow American singerAriana Grande. Cudi starred inTi West's slasher filmX, released in March 2022 to critical acclaim.[259] Soon after, it was announced that Cudi was cast in hisX co-starBrittany Snow's directorial debut,September 17.[260] Cudi is also set to star inDisney's upcoming sci-fi filmCrater, which will be released exclusively on the streaming service,Disney+.[261][262]
Later in March, Cudi revealed he would be making his feature directorial debut with the Netflix film,Teddy, a project he's also written and in which he'll star. Cudi announced the news in a social media post, noting that he'd been working on the project since 2013. Musicians Jay-Z andJeymes Samuel will serve as executive producers, while being co-produced by Bron Studios and Cudi's Mad Solar banner.[263]
In April 2022, Cudi was cast in theJohn Woo-directed action-thrillerSilent Night, starring alongsideJoel Kinnaman.[264] Moreover, as announced in 2019, Cudi starred in his ownanimated TV special,Entergalactic, atNetflix, a companion piece to hisEntergalactic, release on September 30, 2022, in which he co-produced withKenya Barris, and wrote alongside Ian Edelman and Maurice Williams. In June 2022, the voice cast was announced; Cudi stars alongsideTimothée Chalamet,Macaulay Culkin,Laura Harrier,Jessica Williams, and more.[265]
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Cudi's musical style has been described as "an atmospheric take on melodic rap, with a dollop of charming, off-key singing".[19] He has also been called "introspective, with the ability to lay his insecurities on record and expose his fallibility."[266] In 2015, Kris Ex ofBillboard, wrote "he's always been an emotional artist, dealing with expansive and nebulous feelings in acute and often destructive ways."[267] Kid Cudi's sound is what inspired and ledKanye West to create his cathartic808s & Heartbreak (2008),[268] with West later stating that he and Cudi were "the originators of the style, kinda like whatAlexander McQueen is tofashion.... Everything else is justZara andH&M."[33][269] West also complimented Cudi by saying, "His writing is just so pure and natural and important."[23] In March 2014, Cudi talked about wanting to provide guidance for young listeners with his music: "my mission statement since day one [...] all I wanted to do was help kids not feel alone, and stop committing suicide."[270]
In a 2013 article forThe BoomBox, the author wrote: "On [A Kid Named Cudi], Cudi raps and croons over samples and interpolations ofGnarls Barkley,Paul Simon,Band of Horses,J Dilla,Nosaj Thing,N.E.R.D. andOutkast. He meldedindie rock,electronica anddubstep seamlessly with hip-hop without pandering or reaching. BeforeDrake broke through with 2009'sSo Far Gone, rapping and singing over Swedish indie poppersLykke Li andPeter Bjorn and John, Cudi tweaked with multi-genre covers and seamless transitions between singing and rapping."[271] In a 2009 interview withHipHopDX, when speaking on his debut album Cudi stated: "Well one thing I wanted to do was combine sounds that really bring out intense moods."[269]
His music has also been described astrip hop.[272][273][274] Furthermore, he is known forharmonizing andhumming in his music, which helps formulate his signature sound.[10][275][276][277] On 2012'sWZRD and 2015'sSpeedin' Bullet 2 Heaven, Cudi incorporated the use ofscreamed vocals,[278][279] and can be heardyodeling on his 2016 albumPassion, Pain & Demon Slayin'.[280][281] Throughout the years he has also incorporated elements ofpsychedelia,R&B, electronica,synthpop,punk andgrunge, in his music.[282][283]
Cudi was gifted a guitar by his manager in 2011, encouraging Cudi to learn. Cuditaught himself how to play the guitar and used the instrument in hisrock music throughout his career.[284] Cudi is also a self-taughtmusic producer.[285] In 2021, Cudi appeared on American TV talk showThe Shop, where he spoke on his writing and recording process. Cudi mentioned for his early albums he would sit down and write entire verses. However, while working onKids See Ghosts andMan on the Moon III, he adopted Kanye West's writing process. Instead of writing to a beat, he records a reference track for himself, where he freestyles and hums his way through the beat to get a melody, and fills in the lyrics as they come to him.[286][287] In 2021, duringSongwriter's Roundtable forThe Hollywood Reporter, Cudi called his music "spacepunk rock".[288]
During his 2013 Cud Life concert tour, Cudi donned a custom made astronaut-esque suit that was designed by noted Hollywood costume designer Jose Hernandez. Officially dubbed the "Satellite Academy Space Suit", Joe La Puma ofComplex explained, "It's more than just an interesting clothing choice; the suit represents a transition in his mind-state back to the highly anticipatedMan on the Moon III."[289][290]
Cudi's earliest influences includealternative hip-hop groups such asthe Pharcyde,A Tribe Called Quest andBone Thugs-n-Harmony.[23][291][292] Cudi also cites rappers such asthe Notorious B.I.G.,Tupac,Jay-Z,Snoop Dogg,Run-DMC,Kurtis Blow,LL Cool J,Salt-N-Pepa,Queen Latifah,Kid 'n Play,N.W.A,Naughty by Nature,Onyx andPublic Enemy, as his hip-hop influences while growing up.[283] Speaking toComplex in 2012, Cudi namedDoggystyle (1993) as one of his favorite albums of all time, revealing, "Snoop Dogg is my favorite rapper ever […] It was the first time I was introduced to the man and I thought he was the coolest motherfucker alive. His whole cadence, his delivery, his swag—it was real. It was something that I never heard before."[293]
Kid Cudi has also credited fellow Ohio nativeCamu Tao, as an influence.[294][295][296][297][298] He has also been inspired by the sounds ofthe O'Jays,Ratatat,MGMT andthe Postal Service.[291][299][300] In 2010, he began experimenting withrock music; rock acts that inspired Cudi include theElectric Light Orchestra,Jimi Hendrix,Nirvana, thePixies andPink Floyd.[96][301] Kid Cudi also credits English singer-songwriterDavid Bowie as a "huge inspiration".[302]Production wise, Cudi has namedDr. Dre,Swizz Beatz,Timbaland and Kanye West, as his top four favorite producers; also naming Emile Haynie and Plain Pat, calling them "geniuses" for seeing his potential before he was even completely aware of it.[285]
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In September 2009, Japanese clothing companyBAPE printed Cudi's likeness on T-shirts.[303][304] In 2021, Cudi and BAPE collaborated on a series 20 pieces logos and other things.[305]
In February 2011, Kid Cudi announced a collaboration with Parisian brand Surface to Air. In the fall of 2011, he released a leather jacket collection in collaboration with the fashion label.[306][307]
In August 2014,Giuseppe Zanotti designed an exclusive sneaker inspired by Kid Cudi's style.[308][309][310]
In February 2019, Kid Cudi partnered with French fashion brandA.P.C. The capsule collection included denim, sneakers, and t-shirts.[311][312]
Kid Cudi announced a partnership withAdidas in March 2019.[313] On December 10, 2020, Cudi unveiled his Adidas sneakers. They are the self-named VADAWAM 326's that were released on December 17, 2020.[314]
On May 20, 2020, Kid Cudi announced he was partnering with American designerVirgil Abloh, to release an exclusive "Leader of the Delinquents" t-shirt. The design on the black and white "PULLING STRINGS" t-shirt features Kid Cudi puppeteering a smaller version of himself, hence the name of the t-shirt release. The art is meant to reference Cudi's infamousTMZ moment from 2012, in which he posed like the puppet on the shirt. "Leader of the Delinquents" is written across the back of the t-shirt in text reminiscent ofJean-Michel Basquiat's handwriting.[315][316]
Just hours before releasing his long-awaitedMan on the Moon III album, Cudi rolled out a small batch of merchandise in support of the album. The range was made in collaboration withCactus Plant Flea Market, and consists of short- and long-sleeve T-shirts, pullover hoodies, and sweatpants—all of which feature graphics that reference MOTM3 tracks.[317]
In April 2021, Kid Cudi performed onSaturday Night Live wearing a floral-print sundress, created by Virgil Abloh. On April 11, Cudi confirmed that he would have an upcoming collection with Italian luxury fashion labelOff-White, with the floral dress serving as one of the pieces.[318]
In late April 2021, it was revealed Kid Cudi had teamed up with theNFL to release a limited-editionStarter jacket commemorating the2021 NFL draft, which took place in Cudi's hometown of Cleveland.[319][320]
In June 2023, Cudi collaborated with American art collectiveMSCHF to release sneakers, which Cudi previewed during his headlining performance atLyrical Lemonade's Summer Smash Festival in Chicago.[321]
On January 26, 2021, Kid Cudi announced on Twitter that he would be starting his own clothing line and the first pieces would be available sometime in 2021.[322] In February 2022, Cudi launched his very own clothing line called MOTR, pronounced "motor"[323] and an acronym for "Members of the RAGE".[324] The clothing line is described as a fusion of "90s grunge with the soul of hip hop andelements from a distant future."[325] Its UFO logo was co-designed by Cudi and Japanese fashion designerNigo, while the retro-inspired website was designed by Cudi himself. The first piece that was issued was a t-shirt created in collaboration with Nigo's Human Made. Created forNBA All-Star Weekend, the shirt comes in white and features the MOTR logo in Cleveland Cavaliers colors and the Earth replaced with a basketball.[326] On September 21, 2022, Cudi announced that his MOTR fashion line, will debut atParis Fashion Week 2023.[327][328] He also revealed the line is all-unisex pieces, produced "in Italy and parts of Europe"; additionally the line will also feature sneakers.[328] After launching the line in Paris,Vogue wrote "hip-hop culture, retro-inflected futurism,Japanese street fashion and a general embrace ofgrunge are all brewing in his extroverted,Gen Z-leaning lineup."[329] On July 27, 2023, Cudi launched MOTR at the London department store,Selfridges. At the release, he spoke withHighsnobiety about how the brand came together. Cudi says the lateVirgil Abloh and hisOff-White brand served as an inspiration for the effort.[330]
In 2010, Cudi modeled for a campaign run by American fashion houseCalvin Klein.[331] In January 2015,Coach, Inc. announced Kid Cudi as the new face of their brand, along with actressChloë Grace Moretz, to front its Spring campaign.[332][333] In September 2021, Cudi partnered withCadillac, for the campaign for their 2023Lyriq.[334] In January 2022, Cudi modeled for theLevi Strauss & Co. campaign titled "The Number That Changed Everything".[335] In March 2022, Cudi was featured in a jewelry-focused campaign from French fashion houseLouis Vuitton. The LV Volt campaign sees Cudi,Alicia Vikander and Jin Chen, modeling a range of pieces from the unisex collection.[336] In August 2023, American fashion houseCalvin Klein officially launched its Fall 2023 campaign, adding Kid Cudi as one of their new ambassador features.[337] Modeling for Calvin Klein, Cudi posted a picture of himself posing in front of a Manhattanbillboard on Twitter, with the caption: "I always walked past this billboard and dreamed of being up there one day. This is unreal. I remember I mentioned I realllly wanted this billboard at the shoot and they told me, 'we'll see.' Thank u @calvinklein for makin another dream of mine come true."[338][339]
Dream On was an American record label founded in 2009, by Cudi alongside his managers at the time,Patrick Reynolds andEmile Haynie. In February 2011, Cudi announced the label had been dissolved. The label released the first two installments of Cudi'sMan on the Moon series.
Wicked Awesome Records is an American record label founded by Cudi in 2011. It is distributed by Republic Records. In a 2013 interview, Cudi said "Wicked Awesome was there officially when I didWZRD. That was the first project that I did on Wicked Awesome and it was an outlet for me to just branch out on my own, and creatively and business-wise take things to a different space for me. Wicked Awesome..where do I see it going? Right now it's just the music but who knows? Wicked Awesome is maybe gunna be beyond music it could be movies, it could be a lot of things, producing T.V. shows. Just the name I think is really dope it has a ring to it."[340] Cudi continued, explaining the motivation behind his label. "The whole motivation is just bringing authenticity back to the forefront. Bringing real content, bringing real emotion [...] Wicked Awesome is about being a real human being, making real music, talking about real things that people deal with on a day-to-day basis."[340] In January 2021, Cuditweeted that he is prepared to sign artists and producers.[341]
On November 17, 2020, it was revealed Cudi teamed with Dennis Cummings and Karina Manashil to found production and music management company Mad Solar, with the backing ofBron Studios, which provides corporate back office and production support, including financing, marketing, and sales. In a statement Cudi said, "Beyond excited to be launching my production company Mad Solar and partnering with Bron, whose creative vision and storytelling has transformed the industry."[342] Mad Solar has produced the Netflix animated specialEntergalactic, which Cudi co-created alongside Kenya Barris. Additionally, Mad Solar teamed withA24 and Bron Studios on the horror filmX. Written and directed byTi West,X starsMia Goth, Cudi andJenna Ortega. Cudi served as an executive producer on the film, which began production in early 2021.[343]
In October 2020, it was announced Cudi teamed with screenwriter Ian Edelman and startup veteran Jonathan Gray to launch Encore Music Technologies, amobile-based platform to help artists monetize their connections with fans. Earlier in 2020, Encore closed a $2 million seed round led by global investment firmBattery Ventures.[344]
In 2022, it was revealed Encore Studio was backed by $9 million funding led by Battery Ventures along with investments from 468 Capital, Parade Ventures, Nomad Ventures, Moving Capital, Kayak Ventures, andGaingels.[2]
In September 2022, Cudi revealed that he had begun working on hismemoir.[345]
DuringNew York Comic Con 2023, it was revealed that Cudi would be teaming up with writerKyle Higgins to make his comic writing debut with the seriesMoon Man. Cudi and Higgins write the series, with art and colors being provided by Marco Locati and Igor Monti respectively. A collaboration between Cudi's Mad Solar and Higgins' Black Market Narrative and published byImage Comics, the series revolves around Ramon Townsend, an astronaut fromCleveland who, following a mission that almost killed him and his crew, begins to develop abilities and becomes the world's first superhero. The series was anticipated to launch in January 2024 and to be accompanied by a mixtape composed by Cudi.[346]
Cudi and Higgins debuted the first issue ofMoon Man on January 31, 2024.[347] The comic series launched to immediate commercial success, with Image Comics reporting that the first issue had sold out to high demand and outpaced distributor supply, thus prompting an urgent reprint.[348] The second issue was released on April 17, 2024, and the third issue followed on July 10, 2024.[349][350] On the same day that the third issue released, Cudi also released "Dreams I See", a single intended to support the issue's launch.[351]
Kid Cudi has been described by the media as avisionary,[352][353] and afashion icon.[354][355][356]In his early career, Kid Cudi received criticism in the hip-hop community for wearingskinny jeans, before they became trendy after being worn by mainstream rappers, such as Lil Wayne and Kanye West.[357] Cudi made headlines when he wore akilt to a 2010 New Year's Eve party inMiami.[358] In April 2012, he made headlines again in a now-infamous moment when he gaveTMZ paparazzithe finger, claiming they have never "posted anything to make him look good".[359]
In 2014, Cudi made headlines when he performed in acrop top at the annualCoachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.[360][361] In April 2021, he appeared as the sole musical guest onSaturday Night Live, where he performed "Tequila Shots" and "Sad People". Both performances were in tribute toNirvana's late frontmanKurt Cobain, however it was his performance of "Sad People" that made headlines because Cudi wore a dress as a statement against social norms much like his idol Cobain had done.[190]
In September 2021, Cudi made headlines twice; first arriving atNew York Fashion Week with electric blue hair, a Nirvana long-sleeve tee and a floor-length black skirt.[362] A few days later, Cudi showed up to theMet Gala wearing fluorescent green hair and dark eye makeup. At the Gala, Cudi was in head-to-toeLouis Vuitton (LV), with a blue sweater, another floor-length skirt and blue-and-green LV sneakers.[362]
On November 10, 2021, Kid Cudi posed for photos at theCFDA Fashion Awards in a custom bridal gown, standing hand-in-hand with its designer, ERL's Eli Russell Linnetz, lace-gloved fingers interlocked, both wearingAmerican Gothic expressions. On the red carpet, Linnetz lifted Cudi's veil. "Be yourself, be free, baby, yeah," Cudi said into a microphone, with a grin; he'd paired the dress with a white tux jacket, crystal-covered sneakers, grungy eyeliner, an icy Black Jesus pendant, and Manic Panic-pink hair. The dress was another homage to Kurt Cobain.[363][364]
In a January 2013 interview, Cudi revealed that he had stopped smokingcannabis in 2011, both for the sake of his child and due to frustration with constantly being associated with the drug andstoner culture.[365]
In a March 2013 interview, Cudi talked about how his initial sudden and unexpected fame drove him to alcohol and drugs:
For me, I just got to this point, and especially up until recently, I gave up liquor, I don't drink anymore, it's been five and a half months I've been sober. The booze was a new thing for me, I didn't realize I was an alcoholic all these years. I had a problem, I think with any addiction you have to be ready to make the choice, whether it's cigarettes or anything. You have to just commit and you just have to stick with it. I stopped everythingcold turkey. When I had my cocaine problem I stopped cold turkey, I didn't go to rehab. I don't believe in these things. Some people need the extra help, not me. I wasn't a drug addict before this crap, I wasn't doing cocaine, I wasn't getting wasted every night because I didn't want to be alone. I wasn't this dark person before the madness, I was a whole other dude. I don't even think I smoked weed as much 'cause we couldn't afford it. You just have to make the choice and decide the person you wanna be and stick with it. You get to a certain age where the people around you are not gonna be on that rollercoaster all day long ready for you to go up, ready for you to go down, and stick with you through all the madness. People want you to be one person and stick with it and I chose to be clean and be sober and get my life together. For myself, for my health, for my daughter, for my family.[366][367]
However, in 2022, Cudi tweeted about going to rehab for cocaine addiction in 2016:
I was in rehab when the "Frequency" video came out. I shot it, then went on a 2 week cocaine run. Edited the video sneaking into the bathroom to do bumps. Then, I woke up one day and said, "Ima die if things dont change". So, I made sure things changed.[368]
In a 2013 interview, Cudi revealed he had suffered an addiction toanti-depressant medication, which had been prescribed to help him deal with an "emotional breakdown" after a failed relationship.[369][370] Cudi has been open about his addiction to pharmaceuticals in his music, namely the songs "Dr. Pill"[371] and "The Nothing".[372] In a 2014 interview, Cudi spoke on his struggles withdepression andsuicidal ideation: "I've dealt with suicide for the past five years. There wasn't a week or a day that didn't go by where I was just like, 'You know, I wanna check out.' I know what that feels like, I know it comes from loneliness, I know it comes from not having self-worth, not loving yourself."[373][374]
In a July 2016 interview, Kid Cudi revealed he suffered fromsurvivor guilt: "I didn't like that I had money and success and I had made it. Everybody I had ever met in my life, good people, weren't able to experience the same, and I wasn't able to truly enjoy my success. Even though I worked hard for it, it bothered me that I had just had so much and my friends didn't."[375]
In October 2016, Cudi revealed on his Facebook page that he had checked himself intorehabilitation fordepression andsuicidal urges.[376] In an August 2022 interview withEsquire, Cudi spoke on how two weeks after being admitted to rehab in 2016, he had suffered astroke, revealing the incident forced him to spend the next few months in physical rehabilitation.[377]
On March 26, 2010, Cudi's daughter, Vada Wamwene Mescudi, was born.[378][379] Throughout 2012, Cudi was in acustody battle over his daughter. Reports surfaced that Cudi gave up custody after his child's mother accused him of being an absentee father, as well as having violent tendencies and a "long history of consistent drug and alcohol abuse." These claims were disputed by Cudi and his attorney in a statement, which noted: "Cudi did not give up custody but reached an amicable agreement with the mother; that 'both parents are fit and proper persons to have custody of their child,' as stated in the final custody judgment; results came back negative for drugs in a drug test voluntarily taken by Cudi; and that the court acknowledged Cudi attempted to establish a relationship and visit his child since her birth and "voluntarily provided financial support, including child support, rent and other monthly payments, for his daughter since her birth until the time that a child support order was entered as part of the normal course of the case." Details of the official custody agreement remain private.[380] Cudi has since purchased a property inChicago to be close to his daughter.[381]
In 2009, Cudi began dating entertainment attorney Jamie Baratta.[382] They were in anon-again, off-again relationship, and were a prominent couple in the music industry.[383][384] They ultimately broke up in 2012, but not before Cudi dedicated a song to her titled "Teleport 2 Me, Jamie", which he recorded as a member of the alternative rock duo, WZRD.[385] In 2020, Cudi wrote "Sept. 16", a song titled after the birthdate of his girlfriend at the time, costume designer and actress Raquel Deriane, to whom the song is dedicated.[386]
According to a 2023 lawsuit filed byCassie Ventura against her former partnerSean Combs, Ventura dated Cudi in or around 2012, resulting in Combs threatening Ventura that he would "blow up [Cudi's] car."[387] Cudi confirmed that soon after this threat, his car had exploded.[387]
In a January 2013 interview, Cudi said that he believes in God but does not follow an organized religion. He considers himselfspiritual but not religious.[365]
Cudi expressed solidarity with Palestine during the2023 Israel–Hamas war. In November 2023, he signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire and an end to Israel'sblockade of the Gaza Strip.[388] He called Israel's offensive in Gaza agenocide.[389]
On April 8, 2014, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services announced that it would recognize mental health advocates Kid Cudi,Ronda Rousey and Natasha Tracy, during its annual Erasing the Stigma Leadership Awards on April 24, at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Committed to helping depressed and suicidal youth through the power of music, Cudi joined Didi Hirsch's Erasing the Stigma Efforts as a Mental Health Ambassador.[390][391]
On February 7, 2015, Kid Cudi partnered withTED to give a TED Talk at his former school,Shaker Heights High School, to help inspire the students with his story, for the school's independently organized "TEDxSHHS" conference.[392][393]
Kid Cudi has also been a volunteer for Musicians on Call (MOC), acharity with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.[394] In December 2015, Cudi arranged adance party for the teenage participants of theChildren's Hospital At Montefiore's (CHAM) B-N-Fit program, inthe Bronx. Kid Cudi also hosted a group of young patients and their families from CHAM, at his sold-outRoseland Ballroom shows in April 2016.[394]
In June 2016, 49 celebrities, including Kid Cudi, honored the 49 victims killed in theOrlando nightclub shooting in a video tribute.[395]
In 2019, Kid Cudi teamed up with delivery servicePostmates to deliver $10,000 worth ofPopeyes takeout to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. Hundreds in need at the Indio shelter were presented with Popeyes' chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, and fries the evening before Cudi's second set at Coachella.[396]
In June 2022, at an event organized byTory Burch, Brent Saunders, andAnna Wintour, supporting the New York-Presbyterian Hospital's Youth Anxiety Center, Cudi led the conversation on youth anxiety, depression, and the importance of self-care and treatment.[397]
A number of publications have noted Kid Cudi's impact on contemporary hip-hop music since his mainstream debut in 2009.[398][399][400] Luke Hinz ofHotNewHipHop said "Cudi has inspired a generation of young artists to be unafraid to explore a wide array of emotions, and many have sought to adapt elements of Cudi's music into their own. Never caring to fit into the conventional boundaries of music, Cudi became a voice for those who felt unrepresented and alone."[401]
In a 2015 article titled "KiD CuDi – A Forgotten Influence on Psychedelic Introspection in Hip-Hop", the author wrote "Cudi helped bring about a new era ofelectronic,psychedelic driven production. And his dark, drug-riddled approach to introspection has already taken hold in the up-and-comers in the hip-hop world."[12]Uproxx stated "Compared to modern icons likeDrake, West, andWayne, Cudi doesn't have a boatload of sales, or a room full of accolades, but his weighty impact is reflected in adulation from the people, which is the intangible, everlasting achievement that most artists live for. He's one of the first artists to be unabashed about his depressive ruminations and did so in a melodically intriguing manner that progressedalternative rock aesthetics into the hip-hop world one cadence at a time."[13]
Eric Diep ofComplex said "Cudi is an omnipresent figure inpop culture who has inspired many. He's a voice for young creatives who don't fit in. He's a therapeutic light for people who need a helping hand. He's afashion icon. He's more than a cool cameo in television and movies, but a full-fledged actor."[402]Revolt writer Preezy Brown noted "His knack for displaying vulnerability and addressing bouts withmental health has made him an inspiration for a long list of artists includingJuice Wrld,Logic,Lil Yachty, and other leaders of the new school."[403]
Paul Thompson ofRolling Stone wrote Cudi has "dozens of stylistic children".[404] Several artists have gone on to credit Kid Cudi as influence or inspiration, such asrappersKanye West,[405]Travis Scott,[406]Kendrick Lamar,[407]Schoolboy Q,[408]Chance the Rapper,[409][410][411]Childish Gambino,[412]Logic,[413]ASAP Rocky,[414][415]ASAP Nast,[416]Allan Kingdom,[417]Kyle,[418]Isaiah Rashad,[419]Raury,[420][421]Key!,[422]Denzel Curry,[423]Kevin Abstract,[424][425]Saba,[12]Baby Keem[426] andJaden Smith,[427][428] as well as singersWillow Smith,[429]Jhene Aiko,[430]Lissie[431] andTinashe,[432] among others.
In 2009, Canadian recording artistDrake shared his admiration for Cudi on Twitter with a picture of him holding both his and Cudi's respective projects, stating "We are rarely proud when we are alone. But to have another artist who pushes me and inspires me is a blessing."[433][434]
In a 2010 interview withBillboard, Kanye West called Cudi his "personal favorite artist in the world right now. His whole take on the game is just unfiltered, uncensored artistry."[435] In 2016, Kanye West called Cudi "the most influential artist of the past 10 years".[436][437]
West Coast hip-hop duoAudio Push have also praised Cudi, in 2016, saying "The thing I love about Cudi is he's unapologetically real. He birthed so much of, not even the new generation of artists, but a lot of [your] favorite artists wouldn't be [your] favorite artists if it wasn't for Cudi."[438] In November 2016,Atlanta-based rapperOG Maco, who has cited Cudi as a major influence on several occasions,[420] released anEP titledFor Scott, as a tribute to Kid Cudi.[439]
In October 2018, American musician and high-profile producerPharrell Williams, spoke on his collaborations with Cudi in an interview withComplex, saying: "He's so inspiring, and I'm only as good as my collaborations anyway. I love the stuff that we did. Love, love [...] So to me, Cudi is a GOAT. His melodies and his concepts—he's a timeless alien."[440] In another interview withComplex, Williams also stated "When they say Cudi is the [greatest of all time], they're talking about the consistency of his convictions and how that's played out into the choices that he makes, the taste that he has, and the tone that he takes with everything that he does. That's my idea of Cudi."[402]
American comedian and actorPete Davidson, who called Cudi "the best musician that's ever lived" in a 2019 interview onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, has also shared his own struggles with his mental health and claims Cudi's music has saved his life.[441][442] Houston-based rapper Travis Scott, whose stage name is derived from Cudi's first name, has also claimed Cudi's music saved his life and has a tattoo of the word "rager" in honor of Cudi.[443][444] American musician070 Shake shared withPigeons & Planes, "All my life I grew up listening to […] Kid Cudi. I've cried to their music. They've definitely changed my life, and saved me from a lot of stuff."[445]Brockhampton'sKevin Abstract has said "I love how he incorporated melody into his raps," Kevin explained. "A kid like me would say, like, Kid Cudi saved my life."[446]
American rapperLogic, who hasinterpolated Kid Cudi's records in his own songs, has also spoke about how Cudi's music inspired him to open up about mental health in his own music. "He was the dude that was like, 'It's okay to be sad. It's okay to talk about these things, and go through these things.'"[446] In a 2019 interview, then-up-and-coming rapperBaby Keem, cited Cudi as a major influence: "I was inspired by Cudi'scadences and shit like that. Kid Cudi's one of my favorite artists."[447]
In an interview with New York City radio stationHot 97,Jaden Smith spoke on Cudi's influence on him: "Cudi would always say things that just would, like, change my life [...] I thought it was just me and my brother for a while. Then I got older and started going tofestivals and then I realized, oh man, everybody has felt that from Cudi. Everybody says that Cudi saved their life. [...] Everybody had that same experience listening to Cudi. If someone listened to Cudi, you knew something about them. You could tell certain things about them."[448]
American-French actorTimothée Chalamet considers Kid Cudi to be one of his biggest inspirations.[449] Chalamet would later star alongside Cudi inEntergalactic, the documentaryA Man Named Scott, and as members of the ensemble cast ofDon't Look Up.[450][451][452] In aEsquire interview, Cudi revealed he met 17-year-old Chalamet at a concert inMontreal and later become friends with him after a phone call. In 2022, Cudi stated that he considers Chalamet and Jaden Smith as "the little brothers I wish I had."[453]
Studio albums
Collaborative albums
Kid Cudi has appeared in severalfeature films andtelevision shows. He is often credited by his birth name Scott Mescudi.
Headlining
Supporting
In one incident described in the court papers, Ms. Ventura says that in early 2012, Mr. Combs grew so angry about her dating the rapper Kid Cudi that he said he would blow up the rapper's car. "Around that time," the suit says, "Kid Cudi's car exploded in his driveway." Through a spokeswoman, Kid Cudi confirmed Ms. Ventura's account that he had a car that exploded. "This is all true," he said.
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