Wale is in album mode, and while celebrating the new work he opened up about a long running fracture with Kid Cudi that shaped a major part of his early journey. The conversation unfolded during a new Boardroom Talks sit down released December 5 where the D C artist finally walked through the timeline that shifted their bond and the impact it left behind.
In the interview Wale explained that he and Cudi were not just two artists trying to rise in the same era. They moved together during the early blog wave and shared real friendship before their connection took a sharp turn.
When asked where things stand today Wale kept it plain and said I do not talk to Cudi. I do not hold on to anything but I really felt like they kicked me when I was down.
The rift dates back to Cudi’s 2010 Complex interview where he brushed off Wale’s artistry in blunt fashion. Wale still remembers the moment in exact detail as Cudi said then people like Wale get mad that Ye ain’t give him no beats. Ye ain’t give you no beats because we ain’t messing with your raps. I
t is not a conspiracy theory. We do not mess with you musically so we are not going to provide music for you. Wale said the remarks cut deep because they came from someone he once considered a real ally. He added that they ran together during the rise of their careers which made the public dismissal feel like a direct hit to the fans he built through that same outlet.
The distance only grew when they tried to reconnect for a later collaboration. Wale claimed Cudi recorded his part over the phone and would not revisit it even as the album deadline approached. He recalled Cudi saying everybody just wants me to do everything for them which left Wale feeling dismissed again. That moment was the breaking point for him. He admitted that it shifted from music tension to something personal and he even challenged Cudi to settle things face to face. According to Wale the divide remained intense for years and their relationship has not recovered.