Kid Cudi may be one of the biggest names in hip-hop, but he's got some strong feelings about how the musical genre is represented. The "Day 'n' Nite" artist went on Arsenio Hall to express his views, and though he says he's not political, it all makes for a very powerful statement.
"I think the braggadocio, money, cash, hoes thing needs to be deadened," he told Hall to much applause. "I feel like that's holding us back as a culture, as black people. It doesn't advance us in any way, shape, or form."
Instead, Cudi thinks hip-hop artists should use their influence in a more positive way. "If you're going to be an artist, embrace the responsibility," he urged, his voice shaking. "Why not use that for good? Why not tell kids something that they can connect with and use in their lives?"
As he told Hall, his own personal battle with loneliness and thoughts of suicide has driven his music. Though he says he drew comfort listening to Jay Z in his youth, he wants to excise the flashy hip-hop image that comes with fame. "All I wanted to do," he says, "is help kids not feel alone and stop kids from committing suicide."
Watch the above interview in full to see his message. We've always loved this guy's music, but now we're inspired by his drive. Any other artists care to join him?