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Kid Cudi Saved My Life
How one artist changed mental health in pop culture forever.
If you’ve paid any attention to hip-hop over the last decade, you understand the transcendence of Kid Cudi and his music. Unlike his contemporaries, Cudi’s popularity isn’t an offshoot of “hard raps,” fashion statements, or mainstream dominance. Rather, he’s made waves through sentiment, ethics, intuitions of originality.
Without question, he’s one of most influential artists of the 21st century.
The ‘Man on The Moon’ Series
From 2008–10, Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) attained chart success and subtly pioneered his way to prominence. Amid a culture shifting musically, in terms of style and lyrical content, Cudi paved way for mental health’s inclusion in rap culture.
On his first album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, Cudi delivered a dreamy, space-like persona that was introspective, honest, and somewhat revolutionary for the genre. Thanks to tracks like “Day n Nite,” “Pursuit of Happiness,” and “Soundtrack 2 My Life” Cudi rendered a composite of artless feeling among listeners world-wide.
Success continued for Mescudi on his bittersweet sophomore album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager. This project significantly shifted to a darker, more vulnerable tone due to tribulations of an intense drug addiction — the man had fallen into a black hole. The album acted as his psychedelic synopsis of misfortune, sorrow, and rage.
It was an open confession to suicidal thoughts and depression.
Relation to Mental Health
Mescudi grew up an artsy, uncoordinated child in Cleveland, Ohio. On multiple occasions, he’s expressed moments in grade-school where he felt awkward and out of place. At times, Scott was bullied for being an outcast and, worst of all, his father died of cancer when he was 11 years old. His troubled disposition lead him to expulsion from high-school — he threatened to punch the principal in the face.
Childhood was not one of ease or popularity for the young artist.
His struggle and bereavement had notable effect on his personality and subsequently his music.
