x1023 joins the Hispanic and Latino community in observing National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This year’s theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.

The Hispanic and Latino community represent one of the fastest growing populations in America. Their roots stem from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, and North America.

Kid Cudi was born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi in Cleveland, Ohio. His mother, Elsie Harriet (née Banks), is African-American, and his father, Lindberg Styles Mescudi, was of African-American and Mexican descent. Kid Cudi is a n American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He has been widely recognized as an influence on several contemporary hip hop and alternative acts.

Cudi has sold over 22 million certified records in the United States and has won two Grammy Awards from five nominations. He has worked with numerous prominent artists spanning several different genres in the music industry.

Kid Cudi has always embraced his roots. Early in his career he talked about an alter ego he created named Juan Pablo, a Black kid who was raised by a Mexican family. “He feels that he’s Mexican to the point where he tries to make his appearance like a Mexican,” he told MTV years ago. “He talks like a Mexican, but it’s not good Spanish. He’s got swag but he’s so silly because he doesn’t understand that he’s not Mexican. But people let him do his thing because he has so much confidence in himself. I think the message is to be yourself and be confident in who you are.”