Entertainment

Kid Cudi Headlined His First Show Since Rehab

by Jordana Lipsitz

Participants of ComplexCon, Complex's weekend-long festival, as well as those watching from home were overjoyed to see Kid Cudi's first performance since the star entered rehab in October. Cudi took over the main stage for the first night of the convention, which took place the weekend of Nov. 5 in Long Beach, California, thrilling his many fans. The Cleveland rapper shared via his Facebook on Oct. 4, in an honest and deeply emotional post, that he bravely checked himself into rehab for "depression and suicidal urges," and so to see him back on stage, doing what he loves, is simply fantastic.

Cudi's description of his illness was devastating, but it was so commendable that he decided to share what he was going through with his fans. "I simply am a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions everyday of my life," he wrote. "Theres a ragin violent storm inside of my heart at all times. Idk what peace feels like. Idk how to relax. My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it."

Now, it appears he's feeling better and performing once more. For his first jaunt back into the spotlight, Cudi rapped some of his famous hits like "Pursuit of Happiness," "Frequency," and "Erase Me", but was also sure to share the love and performed with Travis Scott and Pharrell on collaborations like "Surfin'," "Through the Late Night," and "Way Back." He even represented his hometown of Cleveland by bringing out his long-time bestie and collaborator, King Chip on their deeply powerful song, "Just What I Am."

Perhaps the most touching moment of Cudi's set was his inspiring speech during one of his most famous songs, "Pursuit of Happiness." The singer spoke directly to the audience, referencing his struggles with depression, saying, "Now listen. I miss every single one of you. I love every single one of you. I know life is crazy and shit as sh*t comes our way. But we can get through his sh*t, we can make it through. I'm living proof. I'm living proof."

Now that Cudi's back in the game, fans can look forward to his upcoming album, Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' — which features the previously mentioned singles "Frequency" and "Surfin.'" It truly is inspiring to see Cudi continue to work on himself and get better, all while doing what he loves on-stage.