Kanye West, once a guiding light and frequent collaborative partner for Kid Cudi, has seen their bond severely strained, prompting the "Pursuit of Happiness" artist to sever ties following a series ofcontentious clashes. During a Wednesday appearance on CBS Mornings, Cudi delved into the demise of their relationship. After labeling the situation as "sad," interviewer Anthony Mason inquired further, seeking clarity on the nature of his disappointment.
"The unbridled creativity and freedom we once shared in our collaborations is a chapter forever closed," Cudi reflected. "That, more than anything, is what tears at my heart. Yet, life has shown me that heartache is a necessary evil; I've weathered storms before and emerged stronger."
Pressed by Mason if West had, in any sense, "broken his heart," Cudi conceded, "I'd say he has, repeatedly, over numerous occasions." He further alleged that West had violated "the unwritten rules of friendship." When Mason pondered the possibility of reconciliation, Cudi recounted numerous past attempts to mend their fractured relationship.
"We've tried, numerous times, to bridge the gap," he shared. "But our efforts are always undercut by renewed conflict. Some things he's said— particularly his vitriolic outbursts against Virgil Abloh—are so despicably cruel and disturbing that forgiveness seems impossible. Virgil was a beacon of kindness to all; his memory deserves better than the venom West spewed," Cudi emphasized, referencing West's scathing social media tirades against the late fashion designer, who passed away in 2021 at age 41 after battling cancer.
"Every barbed remark directed at Virgil only fueled my rage. He was a guardian angel to many; there's no turning back from such malice," Cudi continued. "I've had enough. It's heart-wrenching because I once adored Kanye. He played a pivotal role in reshaping my life. At one point, he was a cherished friend, but the person he's become is unrecognizable to me. I barely know him anymore. That transformation is genuinely painful."
Their journey began years before Cudi was officially signed to West's G.O.O.D. Music label in 2008. While they shared a period of camaraderie, their public relationship was marked by a rollercoaster of highs and lows. In 2014, West utilized Cudi's unapproved vocals on Yeezus, sparking public disagreement, though they eventually reconciled and shared the stage again in collaborations spanning 2016 and 2017.
However, fresh tensions arose in February 2022 when West's estranged wife, Kim Kardashian, embarked on a relationship with Cudi's friend Pete Davidson. In a since-deleted Instagram post, West declared, "Just so everyone knows, Cudi won't be on Donda because he's friends with you-know-who," tagging both Kardashian and Cudi.
Cudi swiftly responded via X, writing, "We addressed this weeks ago. It's low for you to flip the script and post this lie just for internet attention. You're no friend. BYE."
This narrative underscores a complex and emotional journey shared by two once-inseparable artistic minds, now divided by a chasm of hurt and disappointment.
