VASHTIE

We’ve come a long way since our downtown New York City years. You worked at the Bape store and I was just starting my brand Violette while doing the parties at Santos with Q-Tip.

It seems like just yesterday we were in my apartment doing imporomptu skits for YouTube and acting foolish at every club we were let into.

But, in fact, it’s been a very long time since I’ve actually seen you friend. The funny days and crazy nights we had still echo in my heart.

I remember us getting made fun of when we walked into clubs wearing Supreme t-shirts and Jordans. That was back when labels didn’t think there was a “market” for your music and you refused to bend.

You were always surfin’ your own wave — even back then when being different was utterly the uncoolest thing to the mainstream. It’s much different now with clones of clones and the social media era. Now everyone wants to be on this “I’m different” trend. Maybe that’s why we became friends, because we mirrored each other in that way.

But you were always more courageous and unapologetic. Something I always admired. You owned your weirdness and were never afraid about what others thought.

Reading your confession today made me cry sadness, yet happiness.

Sad because, although we artists always battle internal suffering (humans in general, I guess), it’s difficult when the pain outweighs the joy and seeing a friend in pain is hard. But on the other hand, I am so very happy. Happy that you were able to recognize it and make a positive change for yourself, your family and your fans.

Most of us live with our depression, masking it for others and numbing it with food, alcohol, sex, drugs and even social media. Think about how many of us eat when we are sad, bury ourselves in our phones to mute out the people around us or have a drink to take the edge off a hard day – it’s numbing the pain and we all do it  or have done it in our own way.

But, it takes courage to recognize it, speak it out loud and commit to healing.

I guess this is just another way you are starting a new trend, blazing a new trail in your usual “Kid Cudi” fashion. For that, I thank you. You represent so many of us who struggle with the internal wars that we wage on ourselves, but speaking your truth will only inspire the rest of us.

No matter how long or how far, I have nothing but love for you Scott <3

xo, Vashtie.