Most people know Kid Cudi for his emotional lyrics, unique style, and deep impact on modern hip-hop. But behind the scenes of his music is the story of a man who helped shape the artist he would become—his father, Lindberg Styles Mescudi.
Growing Up in Cleveland
Lindberg Mescudi was born on June 21, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio. His roots were as rich and diverse as the city he came from. His father, Charles Manitow Mescudi, came from Mexico, while his mother, Essie Viola Lawson, was African-American. With this background, Lindberg grew up with a unique blend of culture, language, and perspective.
He was one of six children in the Mescudi family. Life wasn’t always easy, but being part of a big household taught him the importance of loyalty, family, and sticking together through hard times. Those values would become a foundation for the life he later built.
Family Life and Fatherhood
In 1979, Lindberg married Elsie “Harriet” Mescudi. They had a notable age gap—he was 51, she was 30. Still, their love and partnership worked beautifully. Together, they raised four children: Domingo, Maisha, Dean, and the youngest, Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi—known today as Kid Cudi.
Lindberg was a steady, quiet figure in the home. He supported his children in every way he could. While Elsie focused on academics and speech education, Lindberg added balance through his life experiences, gentle wisdom, and encouragement.
Serving His Country with Pride
Before marriage and fatherhood, Lindberg served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during World War II. He enlisted at a time when opportunities for African-American and Mexican-American men were limited. But he chose to serve anyway, showing courage and loyalty.
His military service wasn’t just a career move—it helped shape his character. Discipline, responsibility, and a sense of duty became part of who he was. These values would later show up in the way he raised his kids.
A Simple but Meaningful Career
After the war, Lindberg returned to civilian life and took up several jobs. He worked as a substitute teacher and a house painter in Cleveland. These might not seem like glamorous roles, but for Lindberg, they were more than jobs—they were ways to support his family.
Being a teacher gave him the chance to influence young minds. Painting homes gave him a way to create beauty and order. Everything he did, he did with intention and care. And every dollar he earned helped build a future for his children.
Losing His Father at a Young Age
Lindberg passed away in 1995 after a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old. At the time, his son Scott was just 11. Losing a parent at that age leaves a deep mark. For Kid Cudi, the absence of his father was a turning point.
Without his dad around, Scott struggled. But instead of letting the pain bury him, he found a way to turn it into art. Cudi has often said that much of his music is inspired by feelings of loneliness, grief, and searching for meaning. These emotions came to life after Lindberg’s death.
The Echo of Lindberg in Kid Cudi’s Music
In songs like “Soundtrack 2 My Life” and “Ghost,” Cudi talks about the weight of losing his father. He often expresses feelings of isolation and confusion, but also strength. That strength didn’t come from nowhere—it came from the time he had with Lindberg.
Even though his dad didn’t live to see his success, Cudi never forgets where he came from. He’s spoken in interviews about how his dad’s influence still guides him. Whether it’s staying grounded, being a good father to his own daughter, or using music to heal, Lindberg’s legacy lives on.
A Lasting Legacy of Values
Lindberg Mescudi might not have been famous, but the way he lived still matters. He taught his kids that being strong doesn’t mean being loud. That hard work, even in the background, is powerful. That love and support matter more than anything.
His life was full of service—to his country, to his family, to his community. He didn’t need a spotlight to leave a mark. The lessons he passed down shaped a man who would go on to influence millions. Through Kid Cudi’s lyrics, stage presence, and vulnerability, pieces of Lindberg are always there.
He remains a quiet force behind the music, a father who built a foundation of strength, identity, and love.