Kid Cudi has defended his decision to perform alongside Kanye West in Chicago after facing criticism online over his appearance with the controversial rapper on Friday 4 September 2026.
Cudi performed in support of West, also known as Ye, during the first of a two-date run in the rapper’s hometown. The appearance marked another sign of a repaired relationship between the pair, who have known each other for almost two decades.
West signed Cudi to his GOOD Music label in 2008, helping establish a professional relationship that developed into a close friendship.
Kid Cudi responds to criticism
Cudi addressed the backlash on Saturday after one fan questioned his decision to perform with West.
The “Day ’N’ Nite” artist made it clear that his relationship with Ye was personal and extended well beyond their musical partnership.
“I understand ur frustration, I don’t really care if ur disappointed in me. That man is my brother.”
Cudi continued by explaining why he believes outsiders cannot fully understand the history between the two artists.
“U don’t have a relationship w him like I do. Damn near 2 decades of art and friendship. U not family. So I get it.”
He went on to say that his relationship with West has changed following a difficult period in the rapper’s life.
“I’ve been around Ye, and I can honestly say talking to him now is how it use to be when I first signed to him, but even better.”
Cudi also defended West by referring to the mental health struggles he says the rapper experienced over a number of years.
“He was dealing w mental health struggles for years and now he’s good. Everyone deserves some grace when they family.”
He added that he had previously held West accountable for his behaviour and believed the rapper’s apology was genuine.
“I was the hardest on him out of anybody. I held him accountable. He apologised, and it was sincere. But like I said, u not family so I get it.”
Cudi previously said he was “done” with Kanye
Cudi’s latest comments represent a significant shift from his position during West’s most controversial period.
Following West’s antisemitic rants last year, including the release of a pro-Hitler song, Cudi publicly distanced himself from the rapper.
At the time, Cudi said he was “done” with West and spoke about the pain of watching someone who had once been an important friend change so dramatically.
“And it breaks my heart, because I loved Kanye, you know?”
He continued:
“I really loved him, he was a part of my life changing. And at some point, he was a really good friend, but the man that he has become, I don’t know that version of him, and it’s heartbreaking.”
West later issued a public apology for his antisemitic statements, including through a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal in January.
Kanye West’s live return
Following his apology, West began the Ye Live Concert Tour in April. The tour is scheduled to continue with a performance in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 24.
The rapper has also faced difficulties securing performances in the UK and France amid continued controversy surrounding his antisemitic statements.
Cudi’s decision to join West on stage in Chicago therefore carries particular significance given their complicated history and Cudi’s previous public criticism of his former collaborator.
For Cudi, however, the explanation is straightforward: his decision is rooted in a friendship that stretches back to the late 2000s, rather than West’s relationship with the wider public.
