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 (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 popular online after being self-published on MySpace. This led to collaborations with producers Plain Pat and Emile Haynie, resulting in his first mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi (2008). The mixtape increased Cudi's popularity, earning him a fanbase and attracting the attention of Kanye West, who signed him to GOOD Music in 2008.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1993: Release of Doggystyle

In 1993, Snoop Dogg released the album Doggystyle which became one of Kid Cudi's favourite albums.

2008: Inspiration for 808s & Heartbreak

In 2008, Kid Cudi's sound inspired Kanye West to create his cathartic album "808s & Heartbreak", with West stating that he and Cudi were the originators of the style.

2009: Drake expresses admiration for Kid Cudi

In 2009, Drake shared his admiration for Kid Cudi on Twitter, calling him an inspiring artist.

2009: Combination of Sounds

In a 2009 interview with HipHopDX, Kid Cudi stated that he wanted to combine sounds that really bring out intense moods in his music.

2009: Kid Cudi's mainstream debut

Since Kid Cudi's mainstream debut in 2009, he has had a significant impact on contemporary hip-hop music, inspiring artists to explore a wide range of emotions and providing a voice for those who felt unrepresented.

2010: Experimentation with rock music

In 2010, Kid Cudi began experimenting with rock music, drawing inspiration from acts like the Electric Light Orchestra, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, the Pixies, and Pink Floyd. He also credits David Bowie as a "huge inspiration".

2010: Kanye West calls Kid Cudi his favorite artist

In a 2010 interview with Billboard, Kanye West called Kid Cudi his "personal favorite artist in the world right now".

December 26, 2011: Ben Breedlove's Death and Cudi's Response

On December 26, 2011, following the death of vlogger Ben Breedlove, who had mentioned Kid Cudi in a viral video about his near-death experiences, Cudi shared his emotional response on his Tumblr blog, expressing sadness and inspiration from Breedlove's story.

2011: Kid Cudi stops smoking cannabis

In 2011, Kid Cudi stopped smoking cannabis because of his child and the association with stoner culture.

2012: Use of Screamed Vocals

On 2012's WZRD, Kid Cudi incorporated the use of screamed vocals.

2012: Cudi names Doggystyle as one of his favourite albums

Speaking to Complex in 2012, Kid Cudi named Doggystyle (1993) as one of his favorite albums of all time, revealing, "Snoop Dogg is my favorite rapper ever. It was the first time I was introduced to the man and I thought he was the coolest motherfucker alive. His whole cadence, his delivery, his swag—it was real. It was something that I never heard before."

January 2013: Kid Cudi discusses quitting cannabis

In a January 2013 interview, Kid Cudi disclosed that he had quit smoking cannabis in 2011 for his child's sake and due to frustration with being associated with stoner culture.

March 2013: Kid Cudi discusses fame and substance abuse

In a March 2013 interview, Kid Cudi talked about how his sudden fame led him to alcohol and drugs.

2013: Review of A Kid Named Cudi

In a 2013 article for The BoomBox, the author described Kid Cudi's blending of indie rock, electronica, and dubstep with hip-hop on "A Kid Named Cudi".

2013: Kid Cudi reveals addiction to anti-depressants

In a 2013 interview, Kid Cudi revealed that he suffered from an addiction to anti-depressant medication prescribed after an emotional breakdown.

March 2014: Cudi on Helping Young Listeners

In March 2014, Kid Cudi talked about his mission to provide guidance for young listeners with his music, aiming to help them feel less alone and prevent suicide.

2014: Kid Cudi discusses depression and suicidal thoughts

In a 2014 interview, Kid Cudi opened up about his struggles with depression and suicidal ideation, describing years of consistent suicidal thoughts due to loneliness and lack of self-worth.

2015: Article highlights Kid Cudi's influence on psychedelic introspection in hip-hop

A 2015 article noted that Kid Cudi helped bring about a new era of electronic, psychedelic-driven production in hip-hop. Cudi is praised for his openness about depressive thoughts and the progression of alternative rock aesthetics into hip-hop.

2015: Emotional Artist Description

In 2015, Kris Ex of Billboard described Kid Cudi as an emotional artist, dealing with expansive and nebulous feelings in acute and often destructive ways.

2015: Use of Screamed Vocals

On 2015's Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven, Kid Cudi incorporated the use of screamed vocals.

July 2016: Kid Cudi reveals survivor guilt

In a July 2016 interview, Kid Cudi shared that he experienced survivor guilt, feeling troubled by his success while others he knew didn't have the same opportunities.

October 2016: Kid Cudi enters rehab for depression and suicidal urges

In October 2016, Kid Cudi announced on Facebook that he checked himself into rehabilitation for depression and suicidal urges.

November 2016: OG Maco releases 'For Scott' EP as tribute to Kid Cudi

In November 2016, Atlanta-based rapper OG Maco, who often cited Cudi as a major influence, released an EP titled For Scott as a tribute to Kid Cudi.

2016: Kanye West calls Kid Cudi the most influential artist of the past 10 years

In 2016, Kanye West called Kid Cudi "the most influential artist of the past 10 years".

2016: Kid Cudi goes to rehab for cocaine addiction

In 2016, Kid Cudi went to rehab for cocaine addiction, as he revealed in 2022.

2016: Use of Yodeling

On 2016's Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin', Kid Cudi can be heard yodeling.

October 2018: Pharrell Williams calls Kid Cudi a GOAT

In October 2018, Pharrell Williams praised Kid Cudi, calling him a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) and highlighting his inspiring collaborations, melodies, concepts, consistency, and convictions.

2019: Pete Davidson praises Kid Cudi

In 2019, Pete Davidson called Kid Cudi "the best musician that's ever lived" during an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

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2019: Baby Keem cites Kid Cudi as a major influence

In a 2019 interview, rapper Baby Keem cited Kid Cudi as a major influence, mentioning inspiration from Cudi's cadences.

August 2022: Kid Cudi reveals he suffered a stroke after entering rehab in 2016

In an August 2022 interview, Kid Cudi revealed that he suffered a stroke two weeks after entering rehab in 2016, which led to months of physical rehabilitation.