Kid Cudi reveals he suffered a stroke in rehab in 2016: ‘Everything was f***ed’
The rapper also revealed that his speech and movement were slow after the stroke
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kid Cudi has revealed that he suffered a stroke while in rehab back in 2016.
The 38-year-old rapper checked into rehab six years ago due to anxiety and depression, describing himself as “a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions every day of my life”.
In a Facebook post at the time, the Ohio-born rapper said that he has checked himself into rehab “for depression and suicidal urges”.
In a new interview with Esquire, Cudi recalled his past, saying: “Everything was f***ed.”
The rapper also revealed that his speech and movement were slow after the stroke, and his manager Cummings suggested that he needed a break from music.
After that incident, Cudi spent a few months in physical rehab and didn’t fully feel back on his feet until he read with Michael Cera for a role in a Broadway play about law enforcement, Lobby Hero.
Apparently, the audition required Cudi to memorise dialogue and he felt up to the challenge.
“I proved to myself that I could do it. I needed that at the time,” Cudi said. “I was happy. Like, damn, my brain is still strong. I didn’t lose something in that shit that happened.”
In the interview, Cudi also addressed the escalation of his feud with Kanye West.
Following the break-up of West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian and comedian Pete Davidson, West, who is now formally known as Ye, posted a fake front page of The New York Times to his Instagram account with a headline that read: “Skete Davidson dead at age 28.”
In the smaller text below, it read: “Kid Cudi meant to play funeral but fearful of bottle throwers.”
West was referring to Cudi’s recent set at Rolling Loud Festival in Miami where Cudi stormed off stage after fans threw objects at him.
Cudi lambasted his former friend for mocking him on social media.
“That he had the power to f*** with me that week. That he used his power to f*** with me. That pissed me off,” Cudi said.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Addressing West’s situation with Kardashian, whom West has repeatedly criticised over her recoupling with Davidson, Cudi said: “If you can’t be a grown man and deal with the fact that you lost your woman? That’s not my f***ing problem. You need to own up to your s*** like every man in this life has.
“I’ve lost women, too. And I’ve had to own up to it. I don’t need that in my life. I don’t need it.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.