Kid Cudi & Kanye West’s friendship, from G.O.O.D. Music collaborations to public feuds and their complicated history.
- April 30, 2026
AceShowbiz - The relationship between Kid Cudi and Kanye West, now known simply as Ye, has been marked by a series of ups and downs throughout their careers. These two influential artists have shared moments of friendship and collaboration, as well as public disagreements and social media disputes.
Kid Cudi originally signed with Ye’s G.O.O.D. Music label in 2008, following their initial meeting a few years prior. Ye contributed to Cudi’s 2009 breakthrough single "Make Her Say (I Poke Her Face)" from the album Man on the Moon: The End of Day, which helped propel Cudi’s career under the G.O.O.D. Music umbrella.
Before establishing his solo career, Cudi also worked on projects such as Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3 and Ye’s 808s & Heartbreak. Their collaborations extend to tracks like "Erase Me" from 2010’s Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, "Gorgeous" and "All of the Lights" off Ye’s acclaimed 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and "Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1" from Ye’s 2016 album The Life of Pablo.
Their professional relationship has been turbulent, featuring public disputes but also moments of reconciliation. These dynamics have played out through live performances and social media interactions, reflecting a complex bond between mentor and protégé.
In recent years, the tension appeared to soften when Cudi, despite initially ruling out future collaborations in 2025, performed a track from their joint project Kids See Ghosts during the opening night of his 2026 Rebel Ragers Tour. This gesture suggested the possibility of renewed collaboration and reopened the door to another chapter in their evolving partnership.
Below is a key moment that illustrates their changing relationship:
April 2, 2013: Kid Cudi Parts Ways with G.O.O.D. Music
On April 2, 2013, Kid Cudi publicly announced during an interview on Power 106 in Los Angeles that he was no longer signed to Ye’s G.O.O.D. Music label. He clarified, "Man, everything is cool. Everything is peace with everybody on the label. There's never been any issues, but I am announcing that I'm no longer on G.O.O.D. Music."
Cudi explained that this decision was difficult because he viewed Ye as a "big brother" figure. Their conversation about Cudi’s desire to pursue his own path—launching Wicked Awesome Records—occurred over the phone, and Ye understood, as he too was interested in moving in a new direction.
Their journey reflects the complexities of artistic partnerships, where mutual respect and creative differences often intertwine. Both artists have left a significant mark on each other’s careers, despite periods of distance and disagreement.