How Kid Cudi Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Kid Cudi—a timeline of influence.
Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and fashion designer. He gained initial recognition with his song "Day 'n' Nite," which became a hit after being self-published on MySpace. This success led to collaborations with producers Plain Pat and Emile Haynie, culminating in his mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi (2008). The mixtape's popularity attracted the attention of Kanye West, who signed Cudi to his GOOD Music label, solidifying Cudi's rise in the music industry.
1993: Doggystyle Album
In 1993, Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle album was released which Kid Cudi stated was one of his all time favorite albums.
2008: Inspired Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak
In 2008, Kid Cudi's sound inspired Kanye West to create his cathartic album, "808s & Heartbreak", with West acknowledging Cudi's pure and natural writing style.
2009: Drake Shares Admiration for Cudi
In 2009, Drake shared his admiration for Kid Cudi on Twitter, acknowledging Cudi as an artist who pushes and inspires him.
2009: Cudi wanted to combine sounds
In a 2009 interview with HipHopDX, Cudi stated he wanted to combine sounds that really bring out intense moods in his debut album.
2009: Kid Cudi's Mainstream Debut and Impact
Since his mainstream debut in 2009, Kid Cudi's impact on contemporary hip-hop music has been noted for inspiring artists to explore a wide array of emotions and for representing those who felt unrepresented and alone.
2010: Kilt at New Year's Eve Party
In 2010, Kid Cudi made headlines when he wore a kilt to a New Year's Eve party in Miami, challenging traditional fashion norms.
2010: Kanye West Calls Cudi His Favorite Artist
In a 2010 interview with Billboard, Kanye West referred to Kid Cudi as his "personal favorite artist in the world right now," praising his unfiltered and uncensored artistry.
December 26, 2011: Ben Breedlove's Death
On December 26, 2011, Kid Cudi commented on the death of Ben Breedlove and his impact as an inspiration.
2011: Stopped Smoking Cannabis
In 2011, Kid Cudi stopped smoking cannabis, citing concerns for his child and frustration with being associated with drug culture, marking a significant lifestyle change.
2012: Complex Interview
Speaking to Complex in 2012, Cudi named Snoop Dogg is his favorite rapper and Doggystyle (1993) as one of his favorite albums of all time.
January 2013: Cessation of Cannabis Use
In a January 2013 interview, Kid Cudi revealed that he had stopped smoking cannabis in 2011 for his child's sake and due to constant association with drug culture.
March 2013: Fame and Substance Abuse
In a March 2013 interview, Kid Cudi discussed how his initial sudden and unexpected fame led him to alcohol and drugs, highlighting the challenges of early success.
2013: Article for the Boombox
In a 2013 article for The BoomBox, the author described that On [A Kid Named Cudi], Cudi raps and croons over samples and interpolations, seamlessly with hip-hop.
2013: Addiction to Anti-Depressant Medication
In a 2013 interview, Kid Cudi revealed he had suffered an addiction to anti-depressant medication after an emotional breakdown, a struggle reflected in songs like "Dr. Pill".
March 2014: Mission Statement
In March 2014, Cudi expressed his mission to help young listeners feel less alone and prevent suicide.
2014: Coachella Performance in Crop Top
In 2014, Kid Cudi made headlines when he performed in a crop top at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, challenging gender norms in fashion.
2014: Struggles with Depression and Suicidal Ideation
In a 2014 interview, Kid Cudi spoke on his struggles with depression and suicidal ideation, emphasizing feelings of loneliness and lack of self-worth.
2015: Emotional Artist
In 2015, Kris Ex of Billboard described Cudi as an emotional artist dealing with expansive and nebulous feelings.
2015: Article on Kid Cudi's Influence on Psychedelic Hip-Hop
In 2015, an article highlighted Kid Cudi's forgotten influence on psychedelic introspection in hip-hop, noting his role in bringing about a new era of electronic, psychedelic-driven production and his dark, drug-riddled approach to introspection.
2016: Kanye West Calls Cudi Most Influential Artist
In 2016, Kanye West declared Kid Cudi "the most influential artist of the past 10 years,"
2016: Went to Rehab
In 2016, Kid Cudi went to rehab for cocaine addiction, battling substance abuse issues, and starting the road to recovery.
October 2018: Pharrell Williams Praises Collaborations with Cudi
In October 2018, Pharrell Williams spoke on his collaborations with Kid Cudi, calling him a "GOAT" and expressing his love for their work together.
2019: Logic Talks About How Cudi Inspired Him
In 2019, American rapper Logic, who has interpolated Kid Cudi's records in his own songs, spoke about how Cudi's music inspired him to open up about mental health in his own music and rapper Baby Keem cited Cudi as a major influence.
2019: Pete Davidson Calls Cudi the 'Best Musician'
In 2019, Pete Davidson called Cudi "the best musician that's ever lived" and claimed Cudi's music has saved his life.
April 2021: SNL Performance in Tribute to Kurt Cobain
In April 2021, Kid Cudi performed on Saturday Night Live, paying tribute to Kurt Cobain by wearing a dress during his performance of "Sad People," making a statement against social norms.
April 2021: Musical guest on Saturday Night Live
In April 2021, Kid Cudi was the sole musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing "Tequila Shots" and "Sad People" in tribute to Kurt Cobain.
September 2021: New York Fashion Week and Met Gala Appearances
In September 2021, Kid Cudi made headlines at New York Fashion Week with electric blue hair and a skirt, followed by a Met Gala appearance in fluorescent green hair and dark eye makeup, solidifying his status as a fashion icon.
November 10, 2021: CFDA Fashion Awards in Bridal Gown
On November 10, 2021, Kid Cudi posed for photos at the CFDA Fashion Awards in a custom bridal gown, designed by ERL's Eli Russell Linnetz, paying homage to Kurt Cobain and challenging gender norms.
2022: Rehab for Cocaine Addiction
In 2022, Kid Cudi tweeted about going to rehab for cocaine addiction in 2016, sharing his struggles with substance abuse.
