Musician Scott Mescudi, aka Kid Cudi, returns to his high school to talk about growing up and his career path in the music industry.

Born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi in Cleveland, Kid Cudi began rapping while attending Shaker Heights High School and later Solon High School. In 2004, Kid Cudi moved to Brooklyn, NY to pursue his rap career. He released his first mixtape, “A Kid Named Cudi,” in 2008. The mixtape earned Kanye West’s attention, leading him to sign Cudi to his GOOD Music imprint. As an up-and-coming artist, Cudi contributed hooks and lyrics to songs by West and Jay-Z, including “Heartless,” “Paranoid” and “Already Home.” These collaborations set the foundation for Kid Cudi’s successful solo career. He signed with Universal Motown in 2009 and released his first full-length album later that year. Cudi earned his first three Grammy Award nominations in 2010, two for his single “Day ‘n’ Nite” and one for the collaboration “Make Her Say.” In 2012, he won two Grammy Awards for “All of the Lights,” a collaboration with West, Rihanna and Fergie.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx