Kid Cudi, an American hip-hop recording artist and actor, has amassed a net worth of $16 million. As an influential figure in the hip-hop and alternative music scene, Kid Cudi has sold over 5.2 million digital singles, collaborating with renowned artists such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, Common, Mary J. Blige, David Guetta, Shakira, MGMT, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bolton.

Kid Cudi’s Background

Early Life

Born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi on January 30, 1984, in Cleveland, Ohio, Kid Cudi is the youngest of four children born to Elise and Lindberg Mescudi. After losing his father to cancer at the age of 11, Cudi’s music was heavily influenced by the emotional impact of the loss. He began his education at Shaker Heights High School, transferring to Solon High School after two years. Following expulsion for threatening to punch his principal, Cudi eventually earned his GED. He briefly studied film at the University of Toledo before attempting to join the US Navy, but was denied due to his juvenile police record.

Beginning of Music Career

Cudi started rapping in high school and later moved to Brooklyn, New York, to pursue a career in music. In 2008, he released his first full-length project, a mixtape titled “A Kid Named Cudi.” The mixtape caught Kanye West’s attention, leading to Cudi signing with West’s GOOD Music label. He began writing songs and featuring on tracks for other artists, making his first TV appearance at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards and gaining recognition in publications like Rolling Stone.

Kid Cudi’s Discography

Studio Albums

Kid Cudi’s debut album, “Man on the Moon: The End of Day,” was released in 2009. Its lead single, “Day ‘n’ Nite,” became an international hit, reaching the top five on the Billboard charts. The album achieved double platinum certification by the RIAA and reached number four on the Billboard 200 chart.

His follow-up album, “Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager,” was released in 2010, topping the US Rap and US R&B charts and placing third on the Billboard 200. Cudi then formed a rock band, WZRD, with collaborator Dot da Genius, releasing their self-titled album in 2012. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. That same year, Cudi won his first Grammy for Best Rap Performance for “All of the Lights.”

In 2013, Kid Cudi released “Indicud,” which reached number one on the US Rap and US R&B charts and number two on the Billboard 200. His 2014 album, “Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon,” reached number two on the US Rap and R&B charts and number four on the Billboard 200. He has also released “Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven” (2015) and “Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'” (2016). In 2018, he released a joint album with Kanye West under the name “Kids See Ghosts,” which received widespread critical acclaim. In 2020, Cudi earned his first Number One song on the Billboard Hot 100 with “The Scotts,” a collaboration with rapper Travis Scott. He has since launched his own record label imprints, Dream On and Wicked Awesome Records, and announced the upcoming release of “Man on the Moon III.”

Acting Career

Kid Cudi has also established himself as an actor, making his on-screen debut in 2010 on the television drama “One Tree Hill.” He appeared as himself, performing his single “Erase Me” during the episode. In 2010, Cudi began starring in the HBO comedy series “How to Make It in America” as part of the main cast. He starred on the show for two seasons until it was canceled in 2012.

In 2010, Kid Cudi released a short film called “Maniac” directed by Shia LaBeouf, in which he and fellow rapper Cage star as French-speaking serial killers. In 2012, Cudi starred in an indie romantic comedy called “Two Night Stand” and the indie thriller “Tacoma” alongside Patricia Clarkson. In 2013, Cudi guest-starred on the FOX comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and starred alongside Adrian Grenier in “Goodbye World.” He was then cast in his feature film debut, “Need for Speed,” in 2014. The following year, Cudi starred on the CBS series “Scorpion” and appeared in the film adaptation of the HBO series “Entourage.”

In 2014, Cudi starred in and curated the film score for “James White,” alongside Christopher Abbott and Cynthia Nixon. In 2015, he took on his first villain role in “Vincent N Roxxy,” alongside Emile Hirsch and Zoe Kravitz. In 2019, Cudi had small roles in “Drunk Parents,” “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot,” and “Bill & Ted Face the Music.” He is slated to appear in “Dreamland” and HBO’s “We Are Who We Are.”

Personal Life and Real Estate

Kid Cudi began an on-again, off-again relationship with entertainment attorney Jamie Baratta in 2009. The couple was well-known within the music industry.

Cudi has a daughter, Vada Wamwene Mescudi, born in March 2010. In 2012, he was involved in a custody battle with her mother. Although Cudi’s child’s mother accused him of being an absentee father with violent tendencies and a history of drug and alcohol abuse, Cudi and his attorney disputed these claims. Cudi provided proof of his financial contributions to his daughter’s life and passed a voluntary drug test. The details of the official custody agreement remain private, but Cudi has since purchased a house in Chicago to be closer to his daughter.

In July 2021, Kid Cudi bought a $7.7 million home in Calabasas, California. The 9,000 square-foot property sits on 11.5 acres in a gated community.