Artist and producer Kid Cudi was covered for Esquire's September issue and sat down with the magazine to discuss topics from his happiness to new music on the way.
Esquire, Photo: Norman Jean Roy
2022 has been an eventful year for Cudi. His relationship with Kanye deteriorated after refusing to cut ties with Pete Davidson, Kim Kardashian's boyfriend at the time. The longtime collaborator announced that he would no longer produce music with the 'Gold Digger' rapper, with his last appearance on a Pusha T single produced by Kanye.
“Do you know how it feels to wake up one day, look at your social media, and you’re trending because somebody’s talking some shit about you?...And then you got this person’s trolls sending you messages on Instagram and Twitter? All in your comments? That shit pissed me off. That he had the power to fuck with me that week. That he used his power to fuck with me. That pissed me off...You fucking with my mental health now, bro.” ~ Kid Cudi, Esquire
The singer also recently walked off stage after fans repeatedly threw water bottles at him, refusing to perform under such treatment.
These actions reflect a man who has grown past the barriers previously keeping his emotional state fragmented and unhealthy and will go to any lengths to protect his happiness.
“I actually can say, at thirty-eight, that I love myself. And I couldn’t have said that six years ago. I can say that with confidence now and truly believe it, and it shows.” ~ Kid Cudi, Esquire
Esquire, Off-White™ overalls; Michael Kors scarf; Louis Vuitton sneakers, belt and necklace, Photo: Norman Jean Roy
Always open about his mental health journey, Cudi discussed his progress from going to rehab to maintaining his inner peace through the highs and lows of the turbulence of celebrity life. Going to therapy helped him cope with his emotions and the tools to control it.
"I have so much awesome shit going on in my life. My family is good. Work is good,” Cudi says. “I won’t allow anything to fuck up my mojo right now. I can’t.” ~ Kid Cudi, Esquire
Esquire, Dior, Photo: Norman Jean Roy
He is set to release his 10th studio album, Entergalatic, accompanied by a Netflix animation under the same name. The series centers around Jabara (voiced by the Cudi) looking for love in New York. No stranger to the film industry Cudi has produced and starred in many projects and recently made his directorial debut in a film backed by rapper Jay-Z.
Cover Image: Esquire, Dior, Photo: Norman Jean Roy