Hip-hop fans still remember the tension between Kid Cudi and Drake that ignited in 2016 — but now, Cudi is revealing just how personal the fallout really felt.
In a new sit-down with CBS Mornings, Cudi detailed how the beef began, what hurt the most, and why, despite a later reconciliation, their friendship will never return to what it once was.
The Spark: Ghostwriting Allegations
Back in 2016, Kid Cudi took to X (formerly Twitter) with a bold claim:
Drake and Kanye West can’t be the “greatest rappers” when they have “30 people writing songs for them.”
The statement quickly went viral, striking at the heart of one of hip-hop’s most sensitive topics — authenticity in songwriting.
Drake Fires Back — Hard
Drake didn’t stay silent. Later that year, he released the diss track “Two Birds, One Stone,” which included a direct shot at Cudi — who was in a rehabilitation facility at the time, battling depression and mental health struggles.
For Cudi, the timing of the diss wasn’t just competitive — it was personal.
“I was like, oh okay, you wanna kick me when I’m down. Great,” he told CBS Mornings.
Why Cudi Refused to Respond in Music
While diss tracks are the norm in rap beefs, Cudi made it clear he wasn’t about to put Drake’s name in his lyrics.
“He wanted me to put him in my song or whatever, and I’m not that type of artist,” Cudi explained.
“I’m not going to the studio angry rapping about some other man and putting him in my art. That’s not what we’re gonna do here.”
Instead, Cudi says he took a more direct approach:
“I’m gonna come to your doorstep and I’mma let you know that I’mma see you. I’mma see you and that’s a promise.”
How Kanye West Played Peacemaker
Surprisingly, the man who helped repair the rift was none other than Kanye West. West arranged a meeting between the two, allowing them to clear the air and put their differences aside.
The truce led to Cudi contributing a guest verse to Drake’s 2021 album Certified Lover Boy.
Why They’ll Never Be Close Again
Even after working together, Cudi says the relationship never bounced back:
“I went on to do a record for him for his album, but granted, I haven’t heard from him ever since,” he admitted.
For Cudi, that silence spoke volumes.
“It just let me know that time is over. We’ll never be homies like we were before. I don’t have any beef with him anymore and I’m not mad at him or anything,” he said.
“It’s just time has gone by. We are in different places. It’s all good. I know he loves me. I know that. And I know he respects me as an artist. That’s good enough for me.”
Fans React to Cudi’s Comments
The interview quickly lit up social media. On Twitter, fans debated whether Drake went too far in 2016, with many pointing out the mental health aspect.
- “Drake dissing Cudi while he was in rehab was always foul. Glad they squashed it but that was low.”
- “Cudi’s maturity >>>. Not everything needs a diss track response.”
- “Kanye randomly being the peacemaker is the plot twist I didn’t expect.”
From Beef to Mutual Respect
While the two may never be as tight as they once were, Cudi made it clear there’s no lingering hostility — just an understanding that they’ve grown apart.
It’s a reminder that in hip-hop, rivalries can evolve into truce, but time often changes the closeness once shared.
Do you think Drake crossed the line with that 2016 diss? Share your thoughts below — and stay tuned to The Pop Radar for more exclusive celebrity interviews and hip-hop updates.