Kid Cudi Discusses Hip-Hop Culture, Suicidal Tendencies On ‘Arsenio’ Show [Video]

Kid Cudi stopped by The Arsenio Hall Show on Friday and proceeded to discuss the current state of hip-hop music, sharing some personal demons in the process.

Cudi is concerned with the popular mentality of the culture surrounding hip-hop and its long-term effect on the black community in general. Cudi was referring specifically to the subject matter of this genre of music, suggesting “the braggadocio ‘Money, Cash, Hoes’ thing needs to be deaded.”

Cudi remarked on a desire to change the message that seems to permeate hip-hop culture and music, seeking to channel the substance of the material in a more positive direction:

“I feel like that’s holding us back as black people. It doesn’t advance us in any way, shape or form. […]I feel like if you’re gonna be an artist, there’s a time where you have to embrace the responsibility and understand that the power of music is so special and to be able to do it to a magnitude to reach millions of people. It’s like why not use that for good? Why not tell kids something that they can connect with and use in their lives?”

The multi-talented Cudi is certainly expanding his entertainment reach, with both his music and acting careers currently flourishing. Cudi appeared on Arsenio primarily to discuss his new album Satellite Flight: The Journey To Mother Moon, but decided to use the opportunity to shed light on some serious issues that influence his fans. Kid shared his own personal experiences with depression, and it appears these thoughts have motivated Cudi to assist others with similar problems:

“Really my mission statement since day one […] all I wanted to do was help kids not feel alone, and stop committing suicide. I dealt with suicide for the past five years. There wasn’t a week or a day that didn’t go by where I was like ‘You know, I wanna check out.’ I know what that feels like. I know it comes from loneliness. I know it come from not having self-worth, not loving yourself. […] Kids don’t have music that can coach them and give them that guidance.”

In addition to the new album, Kid Cudi can be seen in Need For Speed, an action vehicle currently playing in theaters on which he also contributed the track Hero. Also, Cudi will be appearing in the upcoming Entourage film, set for release in June.