When we think of modern hip-hop and emotional vulnerability in music, one name stands above the rest: Kid Cudi. Born Scott Mescudi, he changed the landscape of rap by talking openly about depression and loneliness. However, to truly understand the artist, we have to understand the root of his pain and his inspiration. That root is his father, Lindberg Mescudi. While Scott became a global superstar known as the “Man on the Moon,” Lindberg Mescudi was the man who grounded him before tragedy struck. This is the story of a World War II veteran, a painter, and a father whose legacy lives on through his son’s groundbreaking music.
Quick Bio of Lindberg Mescudi
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Lindberg Styles Mescudi |
| Famous Son | Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) |
| Wife | Elsie Harriet Banks |
| Children | Maisha, Domingo, Dean, Scott |
| Father | Charles Manitow Mescudi |
| Mother | Essie Viola Lawson |
| Military Rank | Air Force Veteran (WWII) |
| Primary Profession | House Painter |
| Secondary Profession | Substitute Teacher |
| Death Year | 1995 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Place of Death | Cuyahoga County, Ohio |
| Ethnicity | African-American / Mexican |
Who Was Lindberg Mescudi?
Lindberg Mescudi was much more than just a celebrity’s father. He was a man of dignity, service, and artistic talent. Born into a multicultural family, his life story is a fascinating mix of American history and personal resilience. He served his country during one of its darkest times and returned home to build a life in Cleveland, Ohio.
Although he passed away before his son found fame, Lindberg Mescudi remains the central figure in the mythology of Kid Cudi. Fans of the rapper know that the loss of his father is the “origin story” for the emotional depth found in albums like Man on the Moon: The End of Day.

The Heritage of Lindberg Mescudi
The background of Lindberg Mescudi is unique and often surprises casual fans. Lindberg Mescudi parents came from distinct backgrounds that shaped the family’s identity. His father, Charles Manitow Mescudi, was originally from New Mexico. Charles had a rich heritage, combining Mexican and African-American roots.
On the other side, Lindberg Mescudi mother was Essie Viola Lawson. She was an African-American woman born in Pennsylvania. This mix of cultures gave the Mescudi family a unique history. Lindberg Mescudi grew up navigating these identities, eventually settling in the Midwest where he would raise his own family.
Lindberg Mescudi Birthplace and Early Years
Many fans often ask, where was Lindberg Mescudi born? While he spent the majority of his defining years in Ohio, his family roots stretched across the United States. He grew up in a time of great change in America. As a young man, he witnessed the shifting social landscapes of the mid-20th century.
Lindberg Mescudi was not born into wealth. He learned the value of hard work early on. These early lessons would later define his parenting style. He wanted his children to understand discipline, a trait he likely honed during his time in the military.
Service in World War II
One of the most defining chapters in his life was his military service. Lindberg Mescudi was a brave Air Force veteran who served during World War II. Serving in the Air Force during that era was no small feat. It required immense courage, intelligence, and fortitude.
Upon returning to civilian life, Lindberg Mescudi did not brag about his service. Like many men of his generation, he simply went back to work. He carried the discipline of a soldier into his daily life. This military background provided a sense of order in the Mescudi household, which Kid Cudi has referenced in various interviews.
Lindberg Mescudi: The Painter and Teacher
After the war, Lindberg Mescudi took on humble professions to support his growing family. He worked as a house painter and a substitute teacher. These two jobs show the duality of his character. As a painter, he worked with his hands, showing a creative side that his son Scott would later inherit.
As a teacher, he valued education and knowledge. Lindberg Mescudi was known to be a “cool” and smooth individual. He wasn’t just a strict disciplinarian; he had a style and charisma about him. Kid Cudi often describes his father as a superhero figure—someone who was strong yet gentle, and incredibly stylish.
Lindberg Mescudi Wife and Family Life
Lindberg Mescudi found love with Elsie Harriet Banks. Lindberg Mescudi wife, Elsie, was a school choir teacher. While Lindberg brought the visual arts and discipline, Elsie brought music into the home. Together, they created a balanced environment for their children.
The couple settled in Shaker Heights and later Solon, Ohio, which are suburbs of Cleveland. They had four children together: Maisha, Domingo, Dean, and the youngest, Scott Mescudi. Lindberg Mescudi was a dedicated husband and father, working long hours to ensure his family had a middle-class upbringing.
The Bond Between Kid Cudi and Lindberg Mescudi
The relationship between Kid Cudi Lindberg Mescudi was special. Scott was the baby of the family, and he idolized his dad. In interviews, Cudi recalls waiting for his father to come home from work. He viewed Lindberg Mescudi as the ultimate symbol of manhood and coolness.
They would spend time together on weekends, and these moments became core memories for Scott. Lindberg Mescudi would take Scott to movies or just hang out with him. This close bond made the inevitable tragedy that much harder to bear. Scott wasn’t just losing a father; he was losing his best friend and role model.
The Tragedy: Lindberg Mescudi Death
The turning point for the family occurred in 1995. This was the year of Lindberg Mescudi death. He had been battling cancer, a disease that slowly took away his strength. For a young Scott Mescudi, watching his hero fade away was a traumatic experience that would scar him forever.
Where did Lindberg Mescudi die? He passed away in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, surrounded by his family. At the time of Lindberg Mescudi death, Scott was only 11 years old. The loss created a void in the young boy’s life that he didn’t know how to fill.
The Immediate Aftermath
After Lindberg Mescudi passed, the house felt empty. Elsie Harriet Banks did her best to keep the family together, but the grief was overwhelming. For Scott, the death of his father triggered a deep depression. He began to feel like an outcast, struggling to relate to other kids who still had their fathers.
This period marked the beginning of the “lonely stoner” persona. Scott turned to music as a way to cope with the pain. He began to write lyrics that expressed his confusion and sadness. The ghost of Lindberg Mescudi became a silent muse for his son’s blossoming creativity.

Lindberg Mescudi in the Music
If you listen closely to Kid Cudi’s discography, Lindberg Mescudi is everywhere. In the song Soundtrack 2 My Life, Cudi explicitly mentions his father’s passing with the line: Since my father died, I ain’t been right since. This raw honesty resonated with millions of fans.
In another track, The Prayer, Cudi reflects on his own mortality and his desire to make his father proud. The entire concept of being the “Man on the Moon” is a metaphor for the isolation he felt after Lindberg Mescudi left the world. The moon represents a place of solitude where he could feel close to his dad.
A Father’s Legacy
Lindberg Mescudi father figure status extends beyond just his biological children. Through Kid Cudi’s music, Lindberg has become a symbol for anyone who has lost a parent. His life story teaches us that even ordinary men—painters, soldiers, teachers—can leave extraordinary legacies.
Kid Cudi has often said that he hopes to be half the man Lindberg Mescudi was. He named his own production company and projects in ways that honor his family name. By keeping the name Mescudi in the spotlight, Scott ensures that the world never forgets Lindberg Mescudi.
Facts About Lindberg Mescudi Age and Life
It is important to document the specific details of his life. Lindberg Mescudi age at the time of his death was typically around his late 60s or early 70s, marking the end of a life well-lived. He lived through the Great Depression, a World War, and the Civil Rights movement.
Although he died young in the eyes of his son, Lindberg Mescudi lived a full life. He saw his children grow, he served his country, and he loved his wife. These simple facts paint a picture of a man who was dedicated, loyal, and loving until the very end.
The Lindberg Mescudi Husband Role
As a husband, Lindberg Mescudi was a partner to Elsie in every sense. Lindberg Mescudi husband duties involved providing stability. While Elsie managed the emotional and musical education of the children, Lindberg provided the structure.
Their marriage was a partnership that withstood the challenges of raising four children in the Midwest. Even after his death, Elsie spoke of him with great love and respect. The strength of their union provided a foundation that allowed their children, especially Scott, to eventually find their own paths.
Why the “Mescudi” Name Matters
The name Lindberg Mescudi carries weight because of its rarity and history. The Mexican-African blend is a testament to the diverse fabric of America. Kid Cudi has proudly embraced this heritage, often correcting interviewers about the pronunciation and origin of his last name.
By exploring who Lindberg Mescudi was, we learn more about the cultural melting pot that created a hip-hop icon. It wasn’t just about growing up in Cleveland; it was about the blood of a New Mexican grandfather and a Pennsylvanian grandmother flowing through his veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Lindberg Mescudi?
Lindberg Mescudi was a World War II Air Force veteran, house painter, substitute teacher, and the father of hip-hop artist Kid Cudi.
2. How did Lindberg Mescudi die?
He passed away in 1995 after a battle with cancer. His death occurred when his son, Scott (Kid Cudi), was just 11 years old.
3. What was Lindberg Mescudi’s ethnic background?
He came from a multicultural background. His father was of Mexican and African-American descent (born in New Mexico), and his mother was African-American (born in Pennsylvania).
4. What did Lindberg Mescudi do for a living?
After serving in the Air Force during WWII, he worked primarily as a house painter and also served as a substitute teacher.
5. How many children did Lindberg Mescudi have?
He had four children with his wife Elsie: Maisha, Domingo, Dean, and Scott (Kid Cudi).
Conclusion
Lindberg Mescudi was a soldier, a provider, and a beloved father. His life was cut short by cancer in 1995, but his spirit endures. Through the music of his son, Kid Cudi, the memory of Lindberg Mescudi has touched millions of lives around the world.
From his service in World War II to his days painting houses in Ohio, he lived a life of quiet dignity. Today, we remember Lindberg Mescudi not just for his death, but for the incredible life he lived and the genius son he raised.
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