Few other rap stars have shared their dark and lonely journey through hip-hop’s galaxy more than the self-professed “Man On the Moon,” KiD CuDi, who’s seen his career blossom and fade and blossom again triumphantly, all while watching his personal world crumble around him on numerous occasions, thanks to drug addiction, label issues and custody battles with his baby’s mother. Now, the resilient rapper is back with a new album, Indicud, a new lease on life and a provocative new Complex magazine cover that’s turning heads with its dark imagery.
For the February/March cover of Complex, which CuDi shares with pop star Rihanna, the rapper channeled his new zeal for life into a disarmingly dark cover that plays with the motifs of suicide and resurrection, as CuDi is seen lying in a coffin full of bloody water with his wrists slit (CuDi actually has slit wrist tattoos) and the words “Born to Die” splashed across the image.
The feature also boasts images of Cudi rising out of the ground from his grave.
“Beyond is being reborn. I’m returning to hip-hop. It’s more just like, not only am I back, I’m new and improved,” CuDi said in a video interview with Complex. The interview also sees CuDi talking about his painful breakup with ex-girlfriend Jamie Baratta, his recent drug relapse and his time in therapy.
The issue goes on sale Feb. 4, but you can read the full article here. Check out some other rappers with provocative images below. –nicholas robinson
