Kid Cudi says the most important relationship in his life is with his daughter, who he describes as both his “best friend” and his biggest supporter. The 41-year-old rapper, who recently released his memoir Cudi: The Memoir, opened up about the deep bond he shares with his daughter, Vada, during a heartfelt conversation with People magazine.
“She literally texted me the other day, because I sent her a clip from when I was talking about her in my CBS interview, and she was like, ‘You’re the best dad ever,’” Cudi recalled. He said the moment moved him more than he expected. “It was just like… I remember the first time she said that to me, I was like, ‘Word.’ I was so weak. I almost cried,” he admitted.
Reflecting further, the Mr. Rager artist explained how much her words meant to him. “I was like, ‘Yo, she said, I’m the best dad ever. Holy shit. Out of all the dads? Oh, man. You know what I mean? She’s my best friend, my homie, my ride or die. She’s all those things.’”
Cudi also shared his fears from the early days of fatherhood. Before Vada was born, he said he worried about whether he could build a strong bond with her. “I was really worried because of the circumstances.
I wasn’t raising Vada 24/7. I only saw her a couple of times throughout the year, and I always felt that our relationship wouldn’t be strong because I’m not with her 24/7,” he said.
But those doubts, he admitted, proved unfounded. “That was one of the first things I thought that was really the wrong way to think about things. Of course, my daughter is going to want to have a relationship with me, and our relationship is going to be cool.”
The Better Place hitmaker said his daughter has been a source of joy and strength for him, shaping not just his personal life but his outlook on family and resilience. Their bond has also given him confidence as both a parent and an artist, something he describes as invaluable.
Cudi’s memoir, which traces his struggles, triumphs, and growth in music and in life, devotes significant attention to his journey as a father. For him, the connection he shares with Vada stands as his proudest achievement, a relationship that continues to anchor him no matter what challenges he faces.