Inside Kid Cudi's new podcast, where he offers 'Big Bro' advice and good vibes

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Kid Cudi is lounging in a colorful attic much like the one in his childhood home in Cleveland.He’s surrounded by treasures of his childhood: movie posters of “The Last Dragon” and “The Truman Show” (the latter inspired artwork for his latest album, “Free”), a Nintendo 64 game console, a vintage house phone with a long cord, posters of Outkast and Nirvana, a green lava lamp and at least a dozen Pokémon figures.A makeshift window on the back wall opens onto what looks like a portal to outer space.Kid Cudi gives a tour of his “Big Bro with Kid Cudi” podcast studio.

“It’s kind of like the world outside of this attic,” the Grammy-winning and multihyphenate artist says, reaching toward the window as if he could leap through and enter another dimension.“It’s like you’re traveling through the cosmos.”The ’90s-themed attic, which he says is a metaphor for his mind, serves as the backdrop for his latest project: a podcast called “Big Bro With Kid Cudi,” premiering Wednesday via Wave Sports and Entertainment.The idea to launch a podcast began during the pandemic, when touring — and the world — came to a screeching halt.

By then, Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, had already logged 20 years of a successful emo rap career, launched a clothing line, forged an acting career and created an animated film.Still, he was eager to explore a fresh frontier.

“I was really hyped on the idea of having a weekly show where I’m kind of like shooting the s— with my friends and having real positive conversations,” says Cudi, 42.“I want it to be a light in people’s lives.

Something they can just put on, tune out the world and have a good time.”He named it “Big Bro” because that’s exactly how he’s been seen by fans and peers throughout his career.“I realized that’s who I am,” says Cudi.

“I’m the one that’s meant to show you what not to do ...