Kid Cudi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kid Cudi
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Kid Cudi in 2010
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Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi
January 30, 1984 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
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| Education | University of Toledo (no degree) |
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| Years active | 2003–present |
| Agent | Dennis Cummings |
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| Partner(s) | Lola Abecassis Sartore |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Full list |
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Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi (born January 30, 1984), known as Kid Cudi, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He is also a record producer, fashion designer, and director. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Cudi moved to New York City to start his music career. He became famous for his song "Day 'n' Nite", which he first shared on his MySpace page. This song became a big hit online.
After this success, Cudi worked with producers Plain Pat and Emile Haynie to create his first project, a mixtape called A Kid Named Cudi (2008). This mixtape helped him gain many fans and caught the attention of rapper Kanye West. Kanye West signed Cudi to his GOOD Music record label in late 2008.
His first studio album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009), was a huge success. It included the popular songs "Make Her Say" and "Pursuit of Happiness". His second album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010), also did very well. Cudi then formed the rock band WZRD with his friend and producer Dot da Genius. Their first album, WZRD (2012), topped the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.
Cudi's third album, Indicud (2013), reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart. He then released the experimental albums Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon (2014) and Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven (2015). His sixth album, Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' (2016), was well-received. In 2018, Cudi formed the duo Kids See Ghosts with Kanye West, releasing a critically acclaimed album. His 2020 song "The Scotts" with Travis Scott became his first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. His seventh album, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen (2020), was also very popular. Cudi released his eighth album, Entergalactic (2022), along with an animated TV special. His ninth and tenth albums, Insano (2024) and Insano (Nitro Mega) (2024), followed.
Beyond music, Cudi started his own record labels, including Wicked Awesome Records. He also began acting in 2010 with the HBO series How to Make It in America. He has appeared in many films like Need for Speed (2014) and Don't Look Up (2021). In 2020, he launched his production company, Mad Solar. Cudi has also worked with big fashion brands and launched his own clothing line in 2022.
Kid Cudi is known for being a big influence on modern hip hop and alternative music. His songs often talk about his own life, including feelings of depression, loneliness, and feeling like an outsider. He is praised for being open about mental health in his music. Cudi often mixes different music styles like psychedelia, R&B, electronica, and punk rock. He has sold over 22 million records in the U.S. and won two Grammy Awards. He has worked with many famous artists, including Jay-Z, Drake, Eminem, and Ariana Grande.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 30, 1984. He grew up in Shaker Heights and Solon. He has two older brothers and an older sister. His mother was a school choir teacher, and his father was a house painter and a World War II veteran.
When Cudi was 11 years old, his father passed away from cancer. This event had a big impact on Cudi's personality and his music. He attended Shaker Heights High School and later Solon High School. He studied film at the University of Toledo for a year before leaving.
Musical Journey
Starting in New York City
Cudi started rapping in 2003, inspired by groups like the Pharcyde and A Tribe Called Quest. In 2005, he moved to New York City with $500 and a demo tape to pursue music. He lived with his uncle, a jazz drummer, and worked in clothing stores.
In 2006, Cudi met Kanye West in a store and offered him his music. He met West again later while working at a clothing store. In 2007, Cudi's song "Day 'n' Nite" became popular on music blogs after he uploaded it to MySpace. This led Kanye West to sign Cudi to his GOOD Music label.
In July 2008, Kid Cudi released his first mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi. Kanye West also asked Cudi to help write songs for his album 808s & Heartbreak (2008). Cudi helped write and sing on songs like "Heartless" and "Paranoid."
Cudi made his first TV appearance at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. He was named an artist to watch by many music magazines and MTV News.
Man on the Moon Albums
In 2009, XXL magazine featured Cudi as one of their "Freshman Class" of new rappers. He performed "Day 'n' Nite" on Snoop Dogg's MTV show and on BET's 106 & Park. Cudi also made a cameo in Black Eyed Peas' video for "I Gotta Feeling", where he met David Guetta. They later recorded the hit song "Memories."
Cudi's first album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, was released on September 15, 2009. It sold over 100,000 copies in its first week. The album's main song, "Day 'n' Nite," was a huge hit. The second song, "Make Her Say," featured Kanye West and Common. Cudi was nominated for three 2010 Grammy Awards for his songs.
In 2010, Cudi released "Pursuit of Happiness" as the third song from his first album. It became a very popular song. He also worked with Snoop Dogg and was part of the "We Are the World" remake for Haiti earthquake relief.
On April 20, 2010, Kid Cudi announced his second album would be a direct follow-up to his first, called Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager. The first song from this album, "Erase Me," featured Kanye West. The album was released on November 9, 2010, and sold 169,000 copies in its first week, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 chart.
New Music and Projects
In October 2010, Cudi announced he was forming a rock band with Dot da Genius, first called Wizard, then 2 Be Continuum, and finally WZRD. In February 2011, Cudi announced that Dream On, his first record label, had closed, but he was still friends with his partners.
In April 2011, Cudi announced he was starting his own record label called Wicked Awesome Records. He also released a short horror film called Maniac in October 2011, co-starring rapper Cage and directed by Shia LaBeouf.
The WZRD album was released on February 28, 2012. It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart and number one on the Top Rock Albums chart. Cudi said that working on this album was challenging because he was trying to stay sober, which made it hard to write music for a while. He was inspired by rock bands like Electric Light Orchestra, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pink Floyd.
Indicud and Leaving GOOD Music
In April 2012, Cudi returned to rapping and released "Dennis, Hook Me Up with Some More of That Whiskey!". He announced his third album would be called Indicud, which he wanted to be his version of a classic album, with some songs produced by him. He later said Indicud would be a double album with up to 17 new songs.
The first song from Indicud was "Just What I Am", featuring King Chip. Cudi directed the music video for this song, which was his first time directing. The second song was "Immortal."
On April 2, 2013, Kid Cudi announced he was no longer with Kanye West's GOOD Music label. He said he left on good terms to focus on his own label, Wicked Awesome Records, and his friend King Chip. Indicud was released on April 16, 2013, and debuted at number two on the charts. Cudi then went on The Cud Life Tour 2013 to support the album.
Satellite Flight and Speedin' Bullet
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In October 2013, Cudi announced he would release an extended play (EP) called Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon as a preview for his fourth album, Man on the Moon III. However, in January 2014, he announced it would be a full album instead.
Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon was released digitally on February 25, 2014. It debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart. Cudi promoted the album and his film Need for Speed on TV shows. He also released a song called "Hero" for the Need for Speed soundtrack.
In January 2015, Cudi hinted at releasing another album before Man on the Moon III. On April 4, 2015, he announced a new album titled Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven. The first song from this album was "Confused!" The album was released on December 4, 2015.
Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' and Kids See Ghosts
In March 2016, Kid Cudi performed at a music festival. In April 2016, he announced a new studio album for the summer. On May 11, 2016, he revealed the title of his sixth album would be Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'. He later said he had two albums coming out, one in summer and one in fall.
On September 26, 2016, Cudi shared the song list for Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin', which included guest artists like Travis Scott, André 3000, Pharrell Williams, and Willow Smith. The album was released digitally on December 16, 2016.
In 2018, Cudi and Kanye West formed a duo called Kids See Ghosts. They released their self-titled album, Kids See Ghosts, on June 8, 2018. In October 2018, Cudi announced he had started working on his seventh solo album.
Recent Albums and Projects
In July 2019, Kid Cudi announced his next album would be Entergalactic. He said it would be the soundtrack for an animated music series on Netflix that he co-created.
On April 14, 2020, Kid Cudi released "Leader of the Delinquents" as a single. On April 24, 2020, Cudi teamed up with Travis Scott as "The Scotts" to release a song of the same name, "The Scotts". This song became Cudi's first number-one hit in the US.
On July 9, 2020, Cudi's daughter announced he would release a song with Eminem called "The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady". This song also became a hit.
On October 26, Cudi teased Man on the Moon III, the final album in his Man on the Moon series. The album, titled Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, was released on December 11, 2020. It received mostly positive reviews and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.
Entergalactic was released on September 30, 2022, along with its animated TV special. Both were praised by critics. In December 2022, Cudi's 2010 song "Pursuit of Happiness" was certified diamond, meaning it sold 10 million units.
On February 27, 2023, Cudi announced his next album, Insano, would be released in late 2023. Insano was released on January 11, 2024, followed by Insano (Nitro Mega) on February 23, 2024.
Acting Career
Early Roles
In 2010, Kid Cudi appeared as himself on the TV show One Tree Hill. He also starred in the HBO comedy series How to Make It in America from 2010 to 2011, using his birth name, Scott Mescudi. In 2012, he was the lead character in a short film directed by Kanye West called Cruel Summer.
Cudi also appeared in independent films like Two Night Stand (2014) and Goodbye World (2013). In 2013, he voiced a character in the animated TV series The Cleveland Show and guest-starred in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
His first major film role was in Need for Speed, released in 2014. In 2014, he guest-starred on the TV series Scorpion. In 2015, he appeared in the film Entourage.
In 2015, Cudi starred in the film James White, where he played a gay character. He also appeared in Vincent-N-Roxxy (2016). From 2015 to 2016, he was the bandleader on the TV series Comedy Bang! Bang!. In 2016, he was set to join the cast of Empire but left due to creative differences. In 2019, he had a small role in Jexi and a recurring role in Westworld.
Recent Roles and Directing
In 2020, Cudi co-starred in Bill & Ted Face the Music with Keanu Reeves. He also starred in the HBO miniseries We Are Who We Are. In 2021, Cudi was an executive producer for the film Malcolm & Marie.
He appeared in the films Crisis (2021) and Don't Look Up (2021), where he also performed a song with Ariana Grande. Cudi starred in the horror film X, released in March 2022. He is also set to star in Disney's sci-fi film Crater.
In March 2022, Cudi announced he would make his directing debut with the Netflix film Teddy, which he also wrote and will star in. Jay-Z and Jeymes Samuel will be executive producers. In April 2022, Cudi was cast in the action-thriller Silent Night. He also starred in his animated TV special, Entergalactic, released on September 30, 2022.
Artistic Style
Musical Approach
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Cudi's music is known for its "atmospheric take on melodic rap" and unique singing. His style is often called trip hop. He frequently uses harmonizing and humming, which is a key part of his sound. In some albums, he has used screamed vocals and yodeling. Over the years, he has added elements of R&B, electronica, synthpop, punk rock, and grunge to his music.
Cudi taught himself to play the guitar and has used it in his rock music. He also taught himself to be a music producer. When writing songs, Cudi often freestyles and hums melodies first, then adds the lyrics. He describes his music as "space punk rock."
Stage Presence
During his 2013 Cud Life concert tour, Cudi wore a special astronaut-like suit. This suit, called the "Satellite Academy Space Suit," represented his return to the Man on the Moon III project.
Musical Inspirations
Cudi's early influences include alternative hip hop groups like the Pharcyde, A Tribe Called Quest, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. He also looks up to rappers such as the Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg. Cudi has called Snoop Dogg his "favorite rapper ever."
He has also been inspired by the sounds of the O'Jays, Ratatat, and MGMT. When he started experimenting with rock music, he was inspired by Electric Light Orchestra, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pink Floyd. Cudi also calls David Bowie a "huge inspiration." For music production, he admires Dr. Dre, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Kanye West.
Other Activities
Fashion and Clothing
In 2009, Japanese clothing company BAPE featured Cudi's image on T-shirts. In 2021, Cudi and BAPE worked together on a collection of clothing items.
He also collaborated with Parisian brand Surface to Air in 2011, releasing a leather jacket collection. In 2014, Giuseppe Zanotti designed a special sneaker inspired by Cudi's style. In 2019, Cudi partnered with French fashion brand A.P.C. and with Adidas, releasing his own Adidas sneakers, the VADAWAM 326's, in 2020.
In May 2020, Kid Cudi partnered with designer Virgil Abloh to release a special t-shirt. In April 2021, Cudi performed on Saturday Night Live wearing a floral-print dress designed by Virgil Abloh, which was a tribute to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. Cudi later confirmed he would have a collection with Italian fashion label Off-White. He also teamed up with the NFL to release a special jacket for the 2021 NFL draft.
In June 2023, Cudi collaborated with American art collective MSCHF to release unique sneakers.
MOTR Clothing Line
On January 26, 2021, Kid Cudi announced he would start his own clothing line. In February 2022, he launched MOTR, which stands for "Members of the RAGE." This clothing line combines "90s grunge with the soul of hip hop." Its UFO logo was designed by Cudi and Japanese fashion designer Nigo. The first item released was a t-shirt for NBA All-Star Weekend. In September 2022, Cudi announced that MOTR would debut at Paris Fashion Week 2023, featuring unisex pieces made in Europe.
Modeling
In 2010, Cudi modeled for Calvin Klein. In January 2015, Coach, Inc. announced Kid Cudi as a new face for their Spring campaign. In September 2021, Cudi partnered with Cadillac for their 2023 Lyriq campaign. In January 2022, Cudi modeled for a Levi Strauss & Co. campaign. In March 2022, he was featured in a jewelry campaign for Louis Vuitton. In August 2023, Calvin Klein launched its Fall 2023 campaign with Kid Cudi as an ambassador.
Record Labels and Companies
- Dream On: This was a record label Cudi co-founded in 2009. It released his first two Man on the Moon albums before it closed in 2011.
- Wicked Awesome Records: Cudi founded this American record label in 2011. It is distributed by Republic Records. In 2021, Cudi said he was ready to sign new artists and producers.
- Mad Solar: In November 2020, Cudi teamed up with Dennis Cummings and Karina Manashil to create Mad Solar, a production and music management company. Mad Solar has produced the Netflix animated special Entergalactic and the horror film X.
- Encore Music Technologies: In October 2020, Cudi helped launch Encore Music Technologies, a mobile app to help artists connect with fans and earn money.
Other Creative Works
In September 2022, Cudi shared that he had started writing his memoir, which is a book about his own life.
At New York Comic Con 2023, it was announced that Cudi would write his first comic book series called Moon Man. The series is about an astronaut from Cleveland who becomes the world's first superhero. The first issue of Moon Man was released on January 31, 2024, and quickly sold out.
Personal Life
Mental Health Journey
In a July 2016 interview, Kid Cudi talked about feeling "survivor guilt." He felt bad that he had money and success while many people he knew did not.
In October 2016, Cudi announced on Facebook that he had checked into rehabilitation for depression. In August 2022, he shared that two weeks after entering rehab, he had a stroke, which required him to spend months in physical therapy.
Family and Relationships
Cudi's daughter, Vada Wamwene Mescudi, was born on March 26, 2010. He later bought a home in Chicago to be closer to her.
Cudi dated entertainment attorney Jamie Baratta from 2009 to 2012. He dedicated a song to her, "Teleport 2 Me, Jamie." In 2020, he wrote "Sept. 16" for his girlfriend at the time, Raquel Deriane.
Beliefs
In a January 2013 interview, Cudi stated that he believes in God but does not follow a specific organized religion. He considers himself a spiritual but not religious person.
Giving Back
On April 8, 2014, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services honored Kid Cudi for his work as a mental health advocate. Cudi helps young people dealing with depression through his music and by speaking out.
On February 7, 2015, Kid Cudi gave a TED Talk at his old high school, Shaker Heights High School. He shared his story to inspire students.
Kid Cudi has also volunteered for Musicians on Call (MOC), a charity that brings live music to patients in hospitals. In December 2015, he organized a dance party for teenagers at a children's hospital in the Bronx.
In 2019, Kid Cudi partnered with Postmates to deliver $10,000 worth of food to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, helping hundreds of people in need. In June 2022, Cudi spoke about youth anxiety and depression at an event supporting the New York-Presbyterian Hospital's Youth Anxiety Center.
Impact and Influence
Many people recognize Kid Cudi's big impact on modern hip hop music since he became famous in 2009. Writers have said his music is very influential. His unique mix of deep, personal lyrics and sad melodies made him popular with fans of rap, R&B, and indie music.
Cudi is known for being open about his feelings and talking about mental health struggles. This has made him an inspiration for many artists. He is also known for mixing different music styles and not always fitting into traditional music categories.
Complex magazine called Cudi an "omnipresent figure in pop culture who has inspired many." He is seen as a voice for young creative people who feel different. He also helps people with mental health issues.
Many artists have said Kid Cudi influenced them, including rappers like Kanye West, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Childish Gambino, Logic, and ASAP Rocky. Singers like Willow Smith and Jhene Aiko also credit him.
Drake shared his admiration for Cudi in 2009, saying Cudi pushes and inspires him. In 2016, Kanye West called Cudi "the most influential artist of the past 10 years."
Pharrell Williams has called Cudi a "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) because of his consistent vision and choices. Comedian Pete Davidson has said Cudi's music saved his life. Travis Scott, whose stage name is partly inspired by Cudi, also says Cudi's music saved his life.
Rapper Logic said Cudi's music inspired him to talk about mental health. He said Cudi showed that "It's okay to be sad. It's okay to talk about these things." Jaden Smith also spoke about Cudi's influence, saying Cudi's words "change my life."
Music Albums
Studio Albums
- Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009)
- Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010)
- Indicud (2013)
- Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon (2014)
- Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven (2015)
- Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' (2016)
- Man on the Moon III: The Chosen (2020)
- Entergalactic (2022)
- Insano (2024)
- Insano (Nitro Mega) (2024)
Collaborative Albums
- WZRD (with Dot da Genius as WZRD) (2012)
- Kids See Ghosts (with Kanye West as Kids See Ghosts) (2018)
Awards and Nominations
Film and TV Appearances
Kid Cudi has appeared in many films and TV shows. He is often credited as Scott Mescudi, his birth name.
Concert Tours
Headlining Tours
- The Great ... Tour (with Asher Roth and B.o.B) (2009)
- The Cud Life Tour (2011, 2013)
- The Especial Tour (2016)
- Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' Tour (2017)
- To the Moon World Tour (2022)
Supporting Tours
- Glow in the Dark Tour (with Kanye West) (2008)
- The Monster Ball Tour (with Lady Gaga) (2009)
- Global Stadium Tour (with Red Hot Chili Peppers) (2024)
Images for kids
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Kid Cudi's signature
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Cudi performing in San Francisco in July 2009
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See Also
In Spanish: Kid Cudi para niños
- Kids See Ghosts
- WZRD
- List of artists who reached number one in the United States
- List of American Grammy Award winners and nominees
- List of neo-psychedelia artists
- List of alternative hip hop artists
