The mixtape helped Kid Cudi rise to prominence and establish a fan base, and it caught the attention of high-profile musician Kanye West, who subsequently signed Kid Cudi to his GOOD Music label imprint by late 2008.
162 Facts About Kid Cudi
2.
In 2010, Kid Cudi released his second album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr Rager, which attained platinum status and features the singles "Erase Me" and "Mr Rager".
3.
Kid Cudi would go on to release the self-produced solo album Indicud, which was certified gold by the RIAA and spawned the platinum-selling single "Just What I Am".
4.
Kid Cudi issued his eighth album Entergalactic, coinciding with the release of a adult animated special of the same name inspired by the album, which was critically praised.
5.
Kid Cudi ventured into acting in 2010, when he was cast in the HBO series How to Make It in America.
6.
Kid Cudi is founder, creator, and director of the clothing line "MOTR", which he launched in 2022.
7.
Kid Cudi has been widely recognized as an influence on several contemporary hip hop and alternative acts.
8.
Kid Cudi's lyrics are often autobiographical and describe his childhood hardships of depression, loneliness and alienation, his struggle with alcohol and drugs into adulthood, and themes of spirituality, heartbreak, dissipation and celebration.
9.
Kid Cudi has sold over 22 million certified records in the United States and has won two Grammy Awards from five nominations.
10.
Kid Cudi has worked with numerous prominent artists spanning several different genres in the music industry, namely Jay-Z, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, David Guetta, Steve Aoki, MGMT, Mary J Blige, Shakira, Ariana Grande and Michael Bolton, among others.
11.
Kid Cudi was born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 30,1984.
12.
Kid Cudi has two older brothers, Domingo and Dean, and an older sister, Maisha.
13.
Kid Cudi's mother, Elsie Harriet, is an African-American school choir teacher at Roxboro Middle School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
14.
Kid Cudi's father, Lindberg Styles Mescudi, was a house painter, substitute teacher, and World War II Air Force veteran of African-American and Mexican descent.
15.
When Kid Cudi was 11 years old, his father died of cancer; his passing had a significant effect on Kid Cudi's personality and music.
16.
Kid Cudi attended Shaker Heights High School for two years before transferring to Solon High School.
17.
Kid Cudi was expelled from the school for threatening to punch the principal, and would later earn his GED.
18.
Kid Cudi studied film at the University of Toledo, but dropped out after a year.
19.
Kid Cudi first began rapping in 2003, towards the end of his time in high school, and was inspired by alternative hip hop groups such as the Pharcyde and A Tribe Called Quest.
20.
Kid Cudi later moved to New York City to pursue a music career.
21.
Kid Cudi worked at a couple of Manhattan clothing stores, before eventually sharing an apartment with friend and collaborator Dot da Genius in Brooklyn.
22.
In 2006, Kid Cudi would run into his future mentor, rapper and producer Kanye West, in a Virgin Megastore.
23.
In July 2008, Kid Cudi released his first mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi, in collaboration with New York street-wear brand 10.
24.
Kid Cudi was promoted as an artist to watch for in media such as Rolling Stone, Vibe, The Source, XXL and BBC News's 2009 Sound of poll.
25.
In late 2008, Kid Cudi was revealed to be included in XXLs 2009 annual Freshman Class.
26.
On February 25,2009, Kid Cudi self-leaked a teaser trailer for the upcoming Transformers: 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.
27.
On March 16,2009, Kid Cudi performed on mtvU's Spring Break special, and the following day he performed three songs on NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly.
28.
Kid Cudi teamed up with partner and record producer Emile Haynie, to produce an exclusive single titled "Switchin Lanes", for the video game Midnight Club: Los Angeles, part of its "South Central Premium Upgrade" downloadable content, which came out March 19,2009, for the PlayStation 3 and March 27,2009, for the Xbox 360.
29.
Kid Cudi revealed information about his future plans via his blog, saying that a possible collaborative album with Chip tha Ripper could be followed with a collaborative project with electronic rock duo Ratatat.
30.
The song, featuring Kid Cudi, charted for 15 weeks on the Bulgarian Singles Top 40.
31.
In late 2009, Kid Cudi was featured on the highly anticipated Jay-Z album The Blueprint 3, on the song "Already Home".
32.
Kid Cudi discussed his childhood, his move to New York to begin his career as an artist and more.
33.
In September 2009, Kid Cudi co-headlined 50 Cent's "50 Fest" concert, along with fellow American rapper Wale.
34.
Kid Cudi stated he had already recorded songs with Snoop Dogg, Travis Barker, Clipse, Cage and Pharrell, and would like to work with Drake, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Robin Thicke, the Killers and the Postal Service on the album.
35.
Kid Cudi was nominated for three 2010 Grammy Awards, for his singles "Day 'n' Nite" and "Make Her Say".
36.
In January 2010, Kid Cudi released Man on the Moon: The End of Days third and final single "Pursuit of Happiness", which was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA.
37.
In 2010, Kid Cudi was featured on Snoop Dogg's re-release of Malice n Wonderland, titled More Malice, on the lead single "That Tree".
38.
Kid Cudi later teamed up with independent artist Johnny Polygon, to remix Polygon's "The Riot Song", which appears on his mixtape Rebel Without Applause.
39.
Kid Cudi was invited to be a vocalist for the remake of the charity single "We Are the World" for its 25th anniversary to benefit Haiti after the earthquake.
40.
On June 11,2010, Kid Cudi was arrested in the Chelsea neighborhood of the Manhattan borough in New York City and charged with felony criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance.
41.
In October 2010, Kid Cudi had announced that he would be forming a rock band with frequent collaborator Dot da Genius, tentatively called Wizard.
42.
In early 2011, he announced that he would be releasing a mixtape titled A Man Named Scott, reminiscent of his A Kid Named Cudi title, prior to the rock album.
43.
On February 26,2011, Kid Cudi took to his Twitter account to announce that Dream On, the record label he launched back in 2009 with partners Patrick "Plain Pat" Reynolds and producer Emile Haynie, has been dissolved.
44.
Kid Cudi renamed his band on the same occasion to 2 Be Continuum, renaming it from the original Wizard.
45.
The song, produced by Dot da Genius, features Kid Cudi singing and contains elements of rock music.
46.
Kid Cudi released the music video for his second album's title-track "Mr Rager", on September 8,2011.
47.
On October 30,2011, Kid Cudi released Maniac, a short horror film co-starring fellow American rapper Cage and directed by American actor Shia LaBeouf, through his blog.
48.
On November 13,2011, a previously unreleased demo tape Cudi had recorded from 2002 to 2003, under the pseudonym Kid Mesc, titled Rap Hard, leaked online.
49.
On November 18,2011 Kid Cudi renamed his band for the second time to WZRD.
50.
Kid Cudi announced that the upcoming rock project would be released on his 28th birthday, January 30,2012.
51.
In late 2011, Kid Cudi was mentioned in a viral video by vlogger Ben Breedlove, about his near death experiences.
52.
In January 2012, Kid Cudi appeared on two songs from Chip tha Ripper's mixtape Tell Ya Friends, "Ride 4 You" which featured Far East Movement and "GloryUs", which credited the duo as they are collectively known, The Almighty GloryUs.
53.
In 2012, Kid Cudi was featured on the soundtrack to the film The Hunger Games, crafting an original song for the film titled "The Ruler and the Killer".
54.
In June 2012, Kid Cudi was seen in the music video for "Mercy," the lead single from GOOD Music's compilation album Cruel Summer, in which he, along with other GOOD Music recording artists were featured on.
55.
Kid Cudi was ultimately featured on two songs from the compilation, "The Morning" and a solo track originally meant for Man on the Moon II, titled "Creepers", produced by Dan Black.
56.
On June 8,2012, Kid Cudi announced Indicud, will be a double-disc album.
57.
The album was announced to be released in early 2013 with Kid Cudi focusing on scoring movies, followed by the third installment of the Man on the Moon series.
58.
On March 14,2013 Kid Cudi performed at MySpace's South by Southwest secret show in Austin, Texas and after performing his many hits, he previewed a new verse from Indicud.
59.
Three days later, Kid Cudi announced via Twitter that the album had officially been completed and turned in to his label, Universal Republic.
60.
Kid Cudi revealed he left the label on good terms, with him saying West respected his decision and will always be "big brother".
61.
In late 2013, Kid Cudi went on tour in support of Indicud on The Cud Life Tour 2013.
62.
Kid Cudi revealed he would be producing it alongside Dot da Genius and that frequent collaborator King Chip, would appear on the EP.
63.
Kid Cudi then called the EP a prelude to his fourth album Man on the Moon III, which he announced would be released in 2015.
64.
On October 19,2013, Kid Cudi revealed "Going to the Ceremony", a song he had released via online audio distribution platform SoundCloud, earlier in July, would be included in the EP.
65.
On November 25,2013, via his Twitter, Kid Cudi revealed the title of the EP to be Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon.
66.
On December 16,2013, Kid Cudi utilized SoundCloud to release "Satellite Flight", the EP's title-track.
67.
On January 27,2014, Kid Cudi revealed on Twitter that Satellite Flight: Journey to Mother Moon would no longer be an EP, but a full-length album instead.
68.
On March 4,2014 Kid Cudi appeared on Chelsea Lately, where he was interviewed by Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, to promote Satellite Flight and the 2014 film Need for Speed.
69.
On March 12,2014, Kid Cudi released a song titled "Hero", a collaboration with American singer-songwriter Skylar Grey, recorded for the soundtrack to Need for Speed.
70.
On March 15,2014, Kid Cudi appeared on The 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.
71.
On March 3,2015, Kid Cudi officially released his first song since his album Satellite Flight, was put on the market.
72.
On October 27,2015, Kid Cudi announced the new album will be released on December 4,2015.
73.
Kid Cudi leaked two songs off the project, "Wedding Tux" and "Judgemental Cunt".
74.
In November 2015 Kid Cudi announced an Especial Tour, that will bring the rapper to various theaters all across the United States.
75.
On December 1,2015, Kid Cudi announced the cancellation of his Especial Tour, due to various reasons, such as production and personal issues.
76.
In March 2016, Kid Cudi performed at McDowell Mountain Music Festival in Phoenix, Arizona.
77.
On June 1,2016, Kid Cudi announced that he had two upcoming albums.
78.
Kid Cudi has shared the song "Baptized in Fire," which features Travis Scott.
79.
On March 1,2017, Kid Cudi performed the song "Kitchen", with a string orchestra, live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
80.
On October 23,2018, in response to a fan on Twitter, Kid Cudi revealed he had begun working on his seventh solo album.
81.
In July 2019, Kid Cudi announced his next album would be titled Entergalactic, which he revealed would soundtrack an upcoming Netflix "adult-focused animated music series" co-created by himself and Kenya Barris.
82.
The song, which Kid Cudi had first performed back in 2012, was later released in a limited edition pressing of the track on 7" vinyl, 12" picture disc, and cassette.
83.
The album title and release date were not shared with the video, however on December 7, Kid Cudi announced the album would be titled Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, with a release date of December 11,2020.
84.
The concept album's theme follows Kid Cudi overcoming his darkness, but fighting to win his soul back from his alter-ego "Mr Rager".
85.
Kid Cudi was the sole musical guest on Saturday Night Live in April 2021, having previously featured alongside Kanye West and 070 Shake in "Ghost Town" in 2018.
86.
Kid Cudi played "Tequila Shots" and "Sad People" with both performances in tribute to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.
87.
Kid Cudi's performance included a mission to establish a new community on the moon, while performing with the International Space Orchestra, a new group composed of space scientists from NASA Ames Research Center, the SETI Institute and the International Space University.
88.
On June 24,2022, a collaboration between Dot da Genius, JID, Denzel Curry, and Kid Cudi, titled "Talk About Me", was released, along with a music video directed by Cole Bennett.
89.
In June, Kid Cudi announced his first arena tour with To the Moon World Tour, set to begin in Vancouver on August 16,2022 and conclude in Milan on November 22,2022.
90.
On July 4,2022, Kid Cudi announced a compilation album, The Boy Who Flew to the Moon, Vol.
91.
In October 2022, on an episode of Hot Ones, Kid 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.
92.
Kid Cudi revealed it would not be released in 2023 and that he does not know what he will continue to do following the release.
93.
On February 27,2023, Kid Cudi announced his last contractual album with Republic Records would be released in autumn; adding that the rollout for the album will begin in the summer, with singles to be released.
94.
In 2010, Kid Cudi made a guest appearance on American television drama One Tree Hill, starring as himself and performing his Man on the Moon II single "Erase Me", during the episode.
95.
In 2010, Kid Cudi began starring in the HBO comedy series How 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.
96.
On October 31,2010, Kid Cudi released a short film, directed by Shia LaBeouf, in which he and fellow American rapper Cage, star as French-speaking serial killers.
97.
The short film, titled Maniac, was inspired by Kid Cudi's song of the same name, from his 2010 album Man on the Moon II and is an homage to the 1992 Belgian black comedy crime mockumentary, Man Bites Dog.
98.
In 2013, Kid Cudi guest starred in the animated TV series The Cleveland Show, voicing a character named Devon, in the Season 4 episode "Brownsized".
99.
In January 2013, Kid Cudi was cast in the film adaptation of Need for Speed.
100.
In June 2013, it was revealed Kid Cudi would appear in Mark Webber's film The Ever After, alongside Teresa Palmer and Melissa Leo.
101.
On November 10,2014, Kid Cudi guest starred on the CBS American television series Scorpion, as Peyton Temple, a musical prodigy who created a controversial algorithm that generates the perfect hit pop song, who later helps Scorpion investigate the murder of his friend who was a music industry blogger.
102.
In February 2014, it was announced Kid Cudi would appear in Entourage, the film adaptation of the popular HBO TV series of the same name.
103.
Also in January 2015, Kid Cudi revealed he had just finished filming a movie titled Vincent-N-Roxxy, alongside Zoe Kravitz and Emile Hirsch.
104.
In 2017, Kid Cudi appeared in the comedy film Killing Hasselhoff.
105.
In 2019, Kid Cudi had small roles in Drunk Parents, directed by Fred Wolf, and Jexi directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, the latter of which he played himself.
106.
In 2020, Kid Cudi starred in We Are Who We Are, an eight-episode miniseries for HBO directed by Luca Guadagnino, alongside Chloe Sevigny.
107.
In January 2021, Kid Cudi revealed he would potentially be partnering with TV producer and fellow American rapper 50 Cent, for an upcoming series.
108.
In early 2021, Kid Cudi appeared in Crisis, directed by Nicholas Jarecki.
109.
In late 2021, Kid Cudi appeared in the ensemble cast of Don't Look Up, where he performed an original song for the film alongside fellow American singer Ariana Grande.
110.
Kid Cudi starred in Ti West's slasher film X, released in March 2022 to critical acclaim.
111.
Kid Cudi is set to star in Disney's upcoming sci-fi film Crater, which will be released exclusively on the streaming service, Disney+.
112.
Kid Cudi announced the news in a social media post, noting that he'd been working on the project since 2013.
113.
Kid Cudi melded indie rock, electronica and dubstep seamlessly with hip-hop without pandering or reaching.
114.
Kid Cudi was gifted a guitar by his manager in 2011, encouraging Kid Cudi to learn.
115.
Kid Cudi taught himself how to play the guitar and went on to utilize the instrument in his rock music throughout his career.
116.
In 2021, Kid Cudi appeared on American TV talk show The Shop, where he spoke on his writing and recording process.
117.
Kid Cudi mentioned for his early albums he would sit down and write entire verses.
118.
In 2021, during Songwriter's Roundtable for The Hollywood Reporter, Kid Cudi called his music "space punk rock".
119.
Kid Cudi has credited fellow Ohio native Camu Tao, as an influence.
120.
Kid Cudi has been inspired by the sounds of the O'Jays, Ratatat, MGMT and The Postal Service.
121.
In 2010, he began experimenting with rock music; rock acts that inspired Kid Cudi include the Electric Light Orchestra, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, the Pixies and Pink Floyd.
122.
In February 2011, Kid Cudi announced a collaboration with Parisian brand Surface to Air.
123.
Kid Cudi announced a partnership with Adidas in March 2019.
124.
On May 20,2020, Kid Cudi announced he was partnering with American designer Virgil Abloh, to release an exclusive "Leader of the Delinquents" t-shirt.
125.
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.
126.
Just hours before releasing his long-awaited Man on the Moon III album, Kid Cudi rolled out a small batch of merchandise in support of the album.
127.
In late April 2021, it was revealed Kid Cudi had teamed up with the NFL to release a limited-edition Starter jacket commemorating the 2021 NFL Draft, which took place in Cudi's hometown of Cleveland.
128.
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.
129.
On September 21,2022, Kid Cudi announced that his MOTR fashion line, will debut at Paris Fashion Week 2023.
130.
Kid Cudi revealed the line is all-unisex pieces, produced "in Italy and parts of Europe"; additionally the line will feature sneakers.
131.
In 2010, Kid Cudi modeled for a campaign run by American fashion house Calvin Klein.
132.
In September 2021, Kid Cudi partnered with Cadillac, for the campaign for their 2023 Lyriq.
133.
In February 2011, Kid Cudi announced the label had been dissolved.
134.
On November 17,2020, it was revealed Kid Cudi teamed with Dennis Cummings and Karina Manashil to found production and music management company Mad Solar, with the backing of Bron Studios, which provides corporate back office and production support, including financing, marketing, and sales.
135.
Kid Cudi served as an executive producer on the film, which began production in early 2021.
136.
In October 2020, it was announced Kid Cudi teamed with screenwriter Ian Edelman and startup veteran Jonathan Gray to launch Encore Music Technologies, a mobile-based platform to help artists monetize their connections with fans.
137.
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, and Gaingels, with Kid Cudi issuing a statement "My number one priority has always been inspiring others and providing them the space to tell their own stories in an authentic and meaningful way," Kid Cudi said in a press release.
138.
In September 2022, Kid Cudi revealed that he had begun working on his memoir, when he announced he's started writing the first chapter of his first book.
139.
Kid Cudi has been described by the media as a visionary, and a fashion icon.
140.
Kid Cudi made headlines when he wore a kilt to a 2010 New Year's Eve party in Miami.
141.
In 2014, Kid Cudi made headlines when he performed in a crop top at the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
142.
In September 2021, Kid Cudi made headlines twice; first arriving at New York Fashion Week with electric blue hair, a Nirvana long-sleeve tee and a floor-length black skirt.
143.
At the Gala, Kid Cudi was in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton, with a blue sweater, another floor-length skirt and blue-and-green LV sneakers.
144.
On November 10,2021, Kid Cudi posed for photos at the CFDA Fashion Awards in a custom bridal gown, standing hand-in-hand with its designer, ERL's Eli Russell Linnetz, lace-gloved fingers interlocked, both wearing American Gothic expressions.
145.
However, in 2022, Kid Cudi tweeted about going to rehab for cocaine addiction in 2016:.
146.
Kid Cudi has been open about his addiction to pharmaceuticals in his music, namely the songs "Dr Pill" and "The Nothing".
147.
In October 2016, Kid Cudi revealed on his Facebook page that he had checked himself into rehabilitation for depression and suicidal urges.
148.
Kid Cudi has since purchased a property in Chicago to be close to his daughter.
149.
On February 7,2015, Kid Cudi partnered with TED 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.
150.
Kid Cudi has been a volunteer for Musicians on Call, a charity with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.
151.
In December 2015, Kid Cudi arranged a dance party for the teenage participants of the Children's Hospital At Montefiore's B-N-Fit program, in the Bronx.
152.
Kid Cudi hosted a group of young patients and their families from CHAM, at his sold-out Roseland Ballroom shows in April 2016.
153.
In June 2016,49 celebrities, including Kid Cudi, honored the 49 victims killed in the Orlando nightclub shooting in a video tribute.
154.
In 2019, Kid Cudi teamed up with delivery service Postmates to deliver $10,000 worth of Popeyes takeout to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.
155.
Hundreds in need at the Indio shelter were presented with Popeyes' chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, and fries the evening before Kid Cudi's second set at Coachella.
156.
In June 2022, at an event organized by Tory Burch, Brent Saunders, and Anna Wintour, supporting the New York-Presbyterian Hospital's Youth Anxiety Center, Kid Cudi led the conversation on youth anxiety, depression, and the importance of self-care and treatment.
157.
Never caring to fit into the conventional boundaries of music, Kid Cudi became a voice for those who felt unrepresented and alone.
158.
Paul Thompson of Rolling Stone wrote Kid Cudi has "dozens of stylistic children".
159.
Kid Cudi's whole take on the game is just unfiltered, uncensored artistry.
160.
Kid Cudi 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.
161.
Kid Cudi has appeared in several feature films and television shows.
162.
Kid Cudi is often credited by his birth name Scott Mescudi.