Sixteen years after the release of Man on the Moon II, we revisit Kid Cudi’s explosive 2010 Complex interview, in which he opened up about his struggles with addiction, becoming a father, his arrest, and his issues with Wale.
Joe La PumaKid Cudi
Kid Cudi is a hip-hop artist, singer, and producer from Cleveland known for merging rap with rock and electronic elements, highlighted by his introspective and often melancholic lyricism. He broke through with the 2008 single "Day 'n' Nite," a track that helped pioneer a moodier, more atmospheric style of alternative hip-hop. His relevance traces back to his pioneering role in bringing mental health themes into mainstream hip-hop, openly addressing depression and isolation in ways that deeply connect with listeners. Cudi’s signature use of humming as a melodic device and his genre-blurring approach have influenced artists like Travis Scott and Juice WRLD, who similarly blend emotional vulnerability with experimental sounds.
Featured
Sixteen years after its release, Kid Cudi's 'Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager' remains a classic. We revisit our original oral history, featuring firsthand stories from the producers and collaborators who helped bring the album to life.
Insanul Ahmed
Natalie Nunn, who dressed as North West for Halloween, was also in attendance.
Trace William Cowen
From the "Power" remix to "Christian Dior Denim Flow" here's every 2010 G.O.O.D. Friday release, ranked.
Frazier TharpeLatest Stories
Kid Cudi Recalls Smoking Up to 20 Blunts a Day Before Rehab: 'I Was Really Overdoing It'
The 'Free' artist would keep "hundreds" of pre-rolls in his suitcase while traveling.
Jaelani Turner-Williams5 hours ago
Kid Cudi Reunites With Kanye West For 'Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1' During Record-Breaking Concert
Cudi was the surprise guest at Ye's tour stop that became the most-attended rap concert in U.S. history.
Trey Alston3 days ago
Kid Cudi Announces He’ll Write, Direct, and Star in a Movie About Jean-Michel Basquiat
Kid Cudi will write and direct the film after years of being asked when he'll portray the late visual artist.
Jaelani Turner-Williams22 days ago
Kid Cudi Overcame His Fear of Heights to Reunite With Kanye West at Soldier Field: 'I Was So Shook'
The Cleveland rapper was so excited about his reunion with Ye that he forgot he was afraid of heights.
Will Lavin42 days ago
Kid Cudi Wishes Virgil Abloh 'Happy Heavenly Birthday'
In a post shared on Instagram, Kid Cudi wished a happy birthday to his late friend.
Joe Price43 days ago
Advertisement
Willow Shares How Will Smith Declined Certain Roles to Protect Family 'Energy'
The pop star has opened up about her father's role-selecting process in a new interview.
Jaelani Turner-Williams49 days ago
Kid Cudi on Kanye West Convo Drama: 'I'm Not Runnin My Mouth About Personal Things'
The "Day N Nite" hitmaker's comments come after Ebro Darden shared excerpts of a private conversation they had without permission.
Will Lavin54 days ago
Kid Cudi Accepts Ebro's Apology After 'Thirsty' Kanye West Convo Controversy
Kid Cudi accused Ebro Darden of being "classless" by sharing the details of their private conversation.
Joe Price55 days ago
The 10 Best ComplexCon Performances of All Time
The best ComplexCon performances feature sets from Kid Cudi, Pharrell, Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, and more.
Dimas Sanfiorenzo57 days ago
Kid Cudi Teams Up With Barbie Ferreira for New Horror Flick 'Wrong Number'
The 'Man on the Moon' hitmaker will write, direct, score, and star in the
Trey Alston61 days ago
Advertisement
Kanye West's Chicago Homecoming Concert: Everything That Happened at Ye’s Greatest Show
Kanye West returned to Chicago with a bang, reuniting with Kid Cudi, and performing with Chief Keef, Don Toliver, Travis Scott, and many more.
Antonio Johri65 days ago
DJ Akademiks Rips Peter Rosenberg Over Kanye West Forgiveness Stance: ‘Shut Yo Punk A** Up'
Akademiks defended Ye after Rosenberg questioned fans' support following the rapper's two sold-out concerts at Chicago's Soldier Field.
Mark Elibert66 days ago
Kanye West at Soldier Field in Chicago, Night 2: It's a G.O.O.D. Music Reunion
The second night of Ye's Chicago stadium shows proved to be a special guest bumper edition that saw him reunite with a number of artists including Kid Cudi.
Will Lavin68 days ago
Kid Cudi Defends Forgiving 'Brother' Kanye West: 'I Held Him Accountable'
It comes after Peter Rosenberg called out those who performed with Ye during his Chicago shows this week.
Jaelani Turner-Williams68 days ago