Kid Cudi’s recent admission that he was seeking treatment to deal with severe anxiety and depression drew an outpouring of support from a wide range of supporters. From social media commenters to celebs, many people from all walks of life gave words of encouragement to the rapper-actor, ultimately spawning the #YouGoodMan hashtag on Twitter.
Weeks later and the topic’s still ongoing, thanks in part to Drake, but mostly because of people like Pete Davidson. The Saturday Night Live cast member was a guest on The Breakfast Club Tuesday morning to promote his Comedy Central special SMD and his love for Cudi came up along with his admission that the rapper’s early work saved his life.
The topic emerged during a segment of the interview when Davidson was asked to pick between artists a series of different entertainers. When he was asked to choose between Drake or Cudi, the actor didn’t hesitate to reply saying “Cudi’s the best of all.”
He continued, “He saved my life. I would’ve killed myself if I didn’t have Kid Cudi. If you’re 25 and under, I truly believe that Kid Cudi saved your life.” Later in the segment, he gets more specific by crediting Cudi’s 2009 debut project as a lifesaver. “I would’ve killed myself. Absolutely 100%. I truly believe if Man on the Moon didn’t come out, I wouldn’t be here,” the 22-year-old explained.
Even if people don’t agree with the opinion, it’s not hard to understand Davidson’s perspective. For most rap listeners, their reality is far from the glitzy or gangster images often attached to rap. Most people’s daily routine means trying as best they can and learning to cope with the world. Chances are everyone has experienced a family member or friend’s battle with addiction or mental health issues. These aren’t fantasies; they’re realities regular people can identify with. Topics like these have always been part of Cudi’s story, ones he’s incorporated into his music and dealt with public long after the beat stopped playing. Watching and listening to the rapper’s story are part of what drew people in and keep them rooting for him now. Davidson said, “I think that’s why a lot of kids my age can relate to Cudi and people love him so much is ’cause he’s a very emotional dude, and he saves all of us.”
Davidson later said, “It’s kind of comforting to know your hero goes through the same stuff you do.” And somehow, our heroes find a way to make through life’s rough patches and give us hope that we can all do the same.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ESQ5bGF7mkE
