RAP BEEF TIMELINE · 2016–2024
Kanye West vs. Kid Cudi
GOOD Music fallout, Donda 2, and a Vultures-era reunion
Years of creative collaboration give way to public friction over Cudi’s 2016 ghostwriting criticism and Kanye’s 2022 decision to exclude him from Donda 2 over Pete Davidson. Their public reunion and “Gun To My Head” return the relationship to a resolved creative alliance.
THE RECORD
The moments
Social media · disputed account
Cudi’s ghostwriting post brings Kanye into the argument
Kid Cudi’s Twitter thread about writers is understood to include Kanye and Drake. Kanye reacts during a Saint Pablo Tour stop, then soon calls Cudi his brother and wishes him well.
Read the receipt ↗Social media · disputed account
Donda 2 turns Pete Davidson into a friendship test
Kanye says Cudi will not appear on Donda 2 because of Cudi’s friendship with Davidson. Cudi replies that he does not want to be on the album and challenges Kanye’s creative framing.
Read the receipt ↗Performance · disputed account
Rolling Loud becomes another flashpoint
Cudi takes Kanye’s place as a festival headliner; objects thrown from the crowd lead him to leave the stage early. The episode is documented as a concert incident, not attributed to either artist.
Read the receipt ↗Reconciliation
A Vultures-era reunion restores the collaboration
Kanye and Cudi publicly hug at a Vultures listening event and preview “Gun To My Head,” signaling a repaired working relationship.
Read the receipt ↗
THE RECEIPTS
Sources and listening
Kanye West public conflicts — broadcasts, posts, released music, and interviews ↗ARTIST LENSES