Towards the end of high school is when Cudi first began rapping. The Pharacyde and A Tribe Called Quest, were a few groups that inspired him to rap. Moving to Brooklyn in pursuit of a music career, Cudi released his first mix tape in July of 2008. A Kid Named Cudi, caught the eye of many famous figures such as Kanye West. A year later Cudi signed a contract with GOOD Music. That’s how it all started; it then evolved into MTV television appearances with Travis Barker, Snoop Dogg, and the Black Eyed Peas. Kid Cudi’s popularity took off and he hasn’t slowed down one bit.