Kid Cudi Launches Mobile App Encore to Help Artists Monetize Their Connections with Fans

Kid Cudi is keepin’ people connected to their idols…

The 36-year-old half-Mexican American rapper/actor, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, has joined forces with screenwriter Ian Edelman and startup veteran Jonathan Gray to launch Encore, a mobile-based platform to help artists monetize their connections with fans.

Kid Cudi

“The current streaming model puts artists in competition with one another and only rewards the top 1% of artists who collect 90% of the money,” a press release announcing the app explains. “Encore offers an all-new format that encourages collaboration amongst artists and makes it easy for up-and-coming and established artists to manage and grow a direct relationship with their fans. Artists can drop new music, chat with fans and host live shows from anywhere in the world.”

Encore enables live music experiences through smart phones, fan interaction, community centered content and merchandise offerings to give fans new ways to reward the artists they love.

“The energy from a concert is undeniable, both for the fans and artists. I am excited to launch Encore to help bring the live music experience back to our fans. Encore is committed to empowering both established and new artists and delivering the best mobile music experience out there,” Cudi says.

Earlier this year, Encore closed a $2 million seed round led by global investment firm Battery Ventures. General partner Roger Lee will join the board of directors.

Learn more at clapforencore.com.

Swizz Beatz Joins Voices with DJ Snake, Jeremih & Young Thug on “The Half”

Swizz Beatz is doing a Half step…

The 38-year-old half-Puerto Rican hip-hop artist and record producer appears on the “The Half,” a dance anthem from French deejay DJ Snake.

Swizz Beatz

In addition to Swizz Beatz rap, the track also features rap verses from Jeremih and Young Thug.

Directed by X, the clip for the new song was shot at a trippy mirror room. It also features a giant light installation, which was created by Steve Goncalves & Nonotak. Donning a shiny gold coat and matching sunglasses, Swizz starts off the video by rapping his verse. Jeremih, Thug and Snake then alternately enter the frame.

As the video continues, the rappers have some fun with a curvaceous model as they begin caressing her enormous backside. The model is also seen twerking along to the music before she walks down the set with orange flares in-hand.

“The Half” is a cut off Snake’s album”Encore“, which was released on August 5.