Jake Paul’s attempt to have rapper Kid Cudi perform at his boxing match against Tyron Woodley was thwarted after Cudi asked for a fee that Paul deemed too high, leading to a public exchange where Paul questioned Cudi’s loyalty to their shared hometown of Cleveland, and Cudi defended his professional boundaries and value as an artist.
Jake Paul had big plans for his boxing match against ex-UFC champ Tyron Woodley. He wanted to make a splash in his hometown of Cleveland and thought Grammy award-winning rapper Kid Cudi would be the perfect addition to his walkout performance.
But, alas, things didn’t pan out as planned. According to Paul, his fellow Cleveland native asked for a hefty fee to make an appearance. This unexpected demand put the brakes on their collaboration.
Paul didn’t hold back his disappointment. In a recent podcast with LeBron James’ business partner Rich Paul, he discussed the situation. Both men are from the northern Ohio city, and the topic of local loyalty came up.
Paul was pretty blunt about it. He said, “I tried to get him to perform at the Tyron Woodley fight just before I came out and he asked an astronomical fee that was like ‘f*** you,.’” He added, “And I get it. But this was some s*** to tap in back with the city, first event back from COVID.”
He then questioned why Cleveland doesn’t embrace Kid Cudi the same way as many other prominent artists from the city. He even questioned whether the rapper actually represented Cleveland since becoming a multi-platinum recording artist.
Paul didn’t stop there. He said, “I just have to say for Cleveland, I think he switched up and just said f*** this,” Paul said. “He just acts like he’s not from there. No one even really knows that and doesn’t tap in with the people.”
Kid Cudi didn’t let these comments slide. He explained his reasons for not making an appearance alongside Paul for his boxing match in Cleveland.
“As far as Jake Paul, listen chief, I’m an artist. A real one,” Kid Cudi wrote on Twitter. “I make art for a living. I’m not some guy that comes out to perform at boxing matches. I entertained it though cause it was you, and though it went against what I stand for I submitted a fee. My fee is my fee. Especially for some s*** that’s not my style.”
He added, “If I’m gonna do it, it’s gonna be worth it for my pockets and time. This is business baby. I’m not these other rapping ass n****** that will show up for a lil check.”
Kid Cudi made it clear that he didn’t know Paul outside of both living in the public spotlight. He suggested that the 26-year-old boxer shouldn’t speak like they’re friends.
“You came to me,” Kid Cudi wrote. “You shoulda knew what time it was young man. You don’t know me either to say I’m anything broski. So there’s that.”
With this exchange, it seems unlikely that Kid Cudi will be making an appearance at Paul’s upcoming fight against Andre August on Dec. 15 in Orlando.