Citing depression and suicidal thoughts, rapper Kid Cudi checks himself into rehab

The experimental rap-turned-rock artist and multi-instrumentalist Kid Cudi, who is slated to release his new album this month, has committed himself to an institution after experiencing suicidal thoughts, he wrote in a moving Facebook post Tuesday.

The musician, whose curious, immediately recognizable work over the past eight years is virtually its own sub-genre, has acknowledged struggling with depression in the past, and on Tuesday, he revealed the extent of his experience.

In the unflinching post, after admitting that he felt ashamed for what he was experiencing, the artist wrote, “Yesterday I checked myself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges. I am not at peace. I haven’t been since you’ve known me. If I didn’t come here I would have done something to myself.” His website contains a simple message: “Kid Cudi #brb.”

The artist, who was born Scott Mescudi, released his debut album on Kanye West’s GOOD Music imprint in 2009, has released five studio albums and collaborated with West, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and Michael Bolton. The charismatic Cudi also has acted on HBO’s “How to Make It in America,” Fox’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” 2014’s “Need for Speed” videogame adaptation and 2015’s Sundance fave “James White.”

As he has evolved as a musician, Cudi broadened his skill set from rapper to instrumentalist, and the result has been a series of records as expansive as they are unique. Best known for his two-album series “Man on the Moon,” Cudi’s most recent album was the double-disc “Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven.” A long, strange trip of a work, it received mixed reviews. His forthcoming album, “Passion, Pain & Demon Slaying,” is finished, but its release date has not been set.

The artist wrote in his letter that he hoped to be on the road to recovery before he’s slated to perform at ComplexCon, a Pharrell Williams-directed music and culture festival taking place Nov. 5-6, but said his mental health was paramount.

“I’m scared, I’m sad, I feel like I let a lot of people down and again, I’m sorry. It’s time I fix me. I’m nervous but I’ma get through this.”

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