Kid Cudi, the renowned artist born Scott Mescudi, is sharing his personal journey in his debut memoir, titled Cudi, which releases on August 12, 2023. The 320-page autobiography explores his early life in Cleveland, his rise to fame, and the battles with depression and addiction that have marked his career.
In Cudi, the artist reflects on the dichotomy between his public persona and private struggles. His breakout single, “Day ’N’ Nite,” and the critically acclaimed album “Man on the Moon: The End of Day,” established him as a significant voice in contemporary music. While these works addressed feelings of alienation, the depth of his personal challenges remained largely unexamined—until now.
The memoir delves into the darker moments of Cudi’s life, particularly a harrowing experience he describes in an excerpt published by GQ. He recounts a night in his Tribeca apartment where he felt overwhelmed by substance abuse. “I couldn’t make sense of what was plaguing me,” he writes, detailing feelings of desperation and isolation.
Cudi explains that the pressures of fame drove him towards cocaine, which he used in solitude. “Grappling with fame pushed me toward cocaine, which I only ever did alone,” he reveals. His increasing isolation caused significant emotional turmoil, impacting his relationships and creativity. “The anger was boiling in me. My rage came from my reality not aligning with my dream,” he admits.
The memoir not only recounts this pivotal night but also examines the aftermath—an industry comedown and the isolating nature of success. Cudi’s journey back to stability is filled with reflections that mirror the emotional depth found in his most personal musical works.
In sharing these intimate details, Cudi aims to foster understanding and connection among his readers, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health issues openly. His narrative serves as a reminder of the often-hidden struggles many face, even when appearing successful on the surface.
Through Cudi, he hopes to inspire others who may be dealing with similar challenges, illustrating that healing is possible even after the darkest of nights.