Kid Cudi
Biography
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, known professionally as Kid Cudi, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and fashion designer. Born on January 30, 1984, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was raised in Shaker Heights and Solon. The death of his father from cancer when Cudi was 11 had a significant impact on his personality and music. After being expelled from high school, he earned his GED and studied film at the University of Toledo for a year before dropping out.
Musical Career
Inspired by alternative hip-hop groups like The Pharcyde and A Tribe Called Quest, Cudi began rapping in 2003. In 2005, he moved to New York City to pursue his music career, where he eventually connected with his future mentor, Kanye West. Cudi gained recognition online with his song "Day 'n' Nite," which he self-published on his MySpace page. This led to the release of his debut mixtape, "A Kid Named Cudi," in 2008, catching the attention of Kanye West, who signed him to his GOOD Music label later that year. Cudi then contributed to West's album "808s & Heartbreak" as a songwriter and vocalist on tracks like "Heartless" and "Welcome to Heartbreak."
Cudi's debut studio album, "Man on the Moon: The End of Day," was released in 2009 and achieved commercial success, earning a double-platinum certification. It was followed by "Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager" in 2010. Throughout his career, Cudi has experimented with different sounds, forming the rock band WZRD with producer Dot da Genius and releasing a self-titled album in 2012. He has released several other solo albums, including "Indicud" (2013), "Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon" (2014), and the controversial alternative rock album "Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven" (2015). In 2018, he collaborated with Kanye West on the critically acclaimed album "Kids See Ghosts." His 2020 single with Travis Scott, "The Scotts," became his first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This was followed by the release of "Man on the Moon III: The Chosen" in 2020 and "Entergalactic" in 2022, which was accompanied by an animated TV special.
Musical Style and Influence
Kid Cudi is known for his revolutionary approach to hip-hop, blending it with elements of rock, indie, and electronica. His music often explores themes of loneliness, depression, and alienation, resonating with a wide audience. He has been cited as a major influence by contemporary artists such as Travis Scott, Drake, and Juice WRLD. Cudi's willingness to be vulnerable in his music has paved the way for more emotional expression within rap.
Acting Career
Cudi began his acting career in 2010, starring in the HBO series "How to Make It in America." He has since appeared in numerous films, including "Need for Speed" (2014), "Entourage" (2015), "Don't Look Up" (2021), and "X" (2022). He has also had roles in television shows like "One Tree Hill," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and "Westworld." In 2020, Cudi launched his production company, Mad Solar, and is set to make his feature directorial debut with the Netflix film "Teddy."
Personal Life and Advocacy
Mental Health
Kid Cudi has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety. In 2016, he checked himself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges, a decision he shared publicly to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly for Black men. His honesty has inspired a hashtag movement, #YouGoodMan, encouraging men to discuss their mental health. His experiences are often reflected in his music and were a central theme in his 2021 documentary, "A Man Named Scott."
Family
Cudi has a daughter, Vada Wamwene Mescudi, born in 2010. He was involved in a custody battle in 2012 and later moved to Chicago to be closer to her.