Struggles of Kid Cudi during his rise to fame exposed in new memoir: "I was under immense public scrutiny"
Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi) has had a remarkable journey, marked by personal struggles and triumphs, in his career as a renowned rapper and singer.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, Mescudi's life took a tragic turn when he lost his father to cancer at the tender age of 11. This loss left a lasting impact on him, which would later find expression in his music.
In his early twenties, Mescudi moved to New York City to pursue his dreams in music. It was there that he met producer Dot da Genius, who played a significant role in his rise to fame. Their collaboration helped carve out a unique identity for Cudi in the hip-hop industry, one that embraced honesty and emotional vulnerability.
Cudi's music, particularly during his early career, was a cathartic journal of his battles with depression, addiction, and suicidal ideation. He described this period as "running to the grave," a time when he was struggling intensely with his mental health. However, he turned his life around by focusing on mental fitness, honesty, and connection through his art.
His music evolved to inspire and help others experiencing inner turmoil. This transformation is evident in his recent work, including the album Free, and his 2025 memoir, Cudi: The Memoir. These works reflect his journey of healing and joy, a testament to his resilience and determination.
Cudi is also deeply proud of being the father of 15-year-old Vada Mescudi. He credits his role as a father and later personal milestones, such as marriage, as part of his stability and clarity in life. In June, he married fashion designer Lola Abecassis Sartore.
Cudi's relationship with Kanye West (now known as Ye) is more complicated. The two once worked together on the same frequency, but their partnership ended on a sour note. Cudi's fallout with Ye was "really heartbreaking" and he considers it a "sad thing" that their collaboration is over.
Despite this, Cudi remains open and honest about his feelings, even commenting on Ye's disparaging comments about the late Virgil Abloh, a collaborator with both Cudi and Ye who passed away from cancer at the age of 41. Cudi found these comments particularly hurtful.
In May 2021, Cudi testified in the sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. This event marked another chapter in Cudi's life, demonstrating his commitment to truth and justice.
As Cudi continues to evolve and grow, his music remains a powerful testament to his journey, a beacon of hope for those struggling with their own mental health challenges. His raw emotional honesty continues to inspire and connect with listeners worldwide.
[1] Rolling Stone, "Kid Cudi Opens Up About His Darkest Moments: 'I Was Running to the Grave'", 2019. [2] Billboard, "Kid Cudi on His New Album 'Entergalactic': 'It's the Soundtrack to My Life'", 2022.
In the realm of entertainment, Kid Cudi's 2022 interview with Billboard revealed his new album, 'Entergalactic', as a reflection of his personal life journey, underscoring its significance as the soundtrack to his life. Moving past his struggles with mental health, Cudi also announced the release of his 2025 memoir, 'Cudi: The Memoir', where he delves into the intricacies of his journey more intimately, unveiling both his darkest moments and triumphs. This mix of engaging music and emotional scrutiny, as featured in 'Rolling Stone' and Billboard, solidifies Cudi's reputation as a prominent artist whose work, rooted in honesty and law, echoes widely and transcends musical genres, touching the lives of many.
