Kid Cudi Teams Up with Ariana Grande for New Single “Just Look Up”

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a grande collaboration for Kid Cudi…

The 37-year-old part-Mexican American rapper, real name Scott Mescudi, has joined voices with Ariana Grande on the new single “Just Look Up.”

The track appears on the soundtrack for the new Netflix film Don’t Look Up, a film in which they both appear.

The film, which stars Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill and Leonardo DiCaprio, will be released on December 10.

The song — which was nominated at this week’s Hollywood Music in Media Awards for Song – Onscreen Performance — features Grande’s signature vocals belting out a high note as footage from the film plays.

Kid Cudi and Grande both have writing credits on the song, in addition to Nicholas Britell and Taura Stintson.

The summary of the movie reads, “Kate Dibiasky (Lawrence), an astronomy grad student, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (DiCaprio) make an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. The problem — it’s on a direct collision course with Earth. The other problem? No one really seems to care. Turns out warning mankind about a planet-killer the size of Mount Everest is an inconvenient fact to navigate.”

The collaboration marks Grande and Kid Cudi’s first time working on a song together.

Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon III: The Chosen was released in December 2020 and charted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

Amazon Prime Video Releases Trailer for Kid Cudi Documentary “A Man Named Scott”

Posted on October 26, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Kid Cudi’s life story is headed your way…

The 37-year-old part-Mexican American rapper, singer, songwriter, guitarist, record producer and actor, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, will be the subject of Amazon Prime Video’s new documentary A Man Named Scott.

The documentary comes 13 years after Kid Cudi’s debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi catapulted him into the hip-hop scene in 2008.

Helmed by director Robert Alexander, who has previously directed episodes of LeBron James‘ HBO talk series The Shop, the film will cover Kid Cudi’s decade-plus tenure in the spotlight as both a “musical star and cultural hero.”

Amazon Prime Video will release the documentary globally on November 5.

The documentary will explore the creative choices that went into Kid Cudi’s records, including those outside the Man on the Moon trilogy, along with the personal struggles that affected his life throughout the process. The trailer features clips and dialogue from Kid Cudi about his philosophy as an artist, from fans about his music’s impact on their lives, and thoughts from his closest collaborators about Kid Cudi’s artistry.

Kid Cudi is most celebrated for his Man on the Moon album trilogy, which includes songs about topics like depression, anxiety and loneliness.

Before Man on the Moon: The End of Day‘s 2009 release, those subjects were treated as taboo in the hip-hop world, with the exception of influential records like frequent collaborator Kanye West‘s 808s and Heartbreaks, which came a year prior.

The documentary comes almost a year after Kid Cudi released his last full-length project, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, in December 2020 to close out the trilogy, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, selling 144,000 album-equivalent units, and at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Kid Cudi Joins Young Thug & Strick for Psychedelic New “Moon Man” Video

Posted on September 11, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Kid Cudi is trippin’ through space…

Young Thug and fellow Young Stoner Life Records (YSL) signee, Strick, have enlisted the 37-year-old half-Mexican American rapper/singer and veteran moon traveler for their psychedelic new video for “Moon Man.”

The deep cut is featured on the label’s compilation album Slime Language 2, which was released on April 16 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. SL2 showcased YSL’s roster of artists including Strick, a college graduate and veteran-turned-artist who is slated to release his new album Strickland by the end of the year.

“‘Moon Man’ feels like the lighting ceremony for my torch,” North Carolina native Strick tells Billboard. “I wouldn’t say passing the torch because Thug and Cudi are both still very relevant, but it’s two of the most influential artists in the game stamping my versatility and influence for my own lane in the business.”

Kid Cudi Volunteers to Collaborate with Lil Nas X

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Kid Cudi is stepping in for a Lil project…

The 37-year-old half-Mexican American rapper, singer, and actor has volunteered to collaborate with Lil Nas X.

On Wednesday (Sept. 1), Lil Nas X revealed the star-studded track list for his highly anticipated debut album Montero, which will feature collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion, Elton John, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat and Miley Cyrus.

When one Twitter user called out the lack of Black male guest artists, LNX responded in his defense on Twitter, “Maybe a lot of them just don’t wanna work with me.”

Durand Bernarr, Breland and more Black male artists eagerly flooded his replies to assure him this wasn’t the case, and it looks like Cudder has his back, too. The Man on the Moon rapper reshared Lil Nas X’s explanation and wrote back to him, “N—a ill work w u and frolic in rose gardens w u singin about my pain,” while referencing the Garden of Eden-esque, SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired painting that’s being used as the album artwork.

“U heard it here first everybody,” Lil Nas X wrote, “Kid cudi x lil nas for montero deluxe.”

Montero is set to be released on September 17. It remains unclear if and when a deluxe version of the LP will be released.

https://twitter.com/LilNasX/status/1433197945369759746

Christina Aguilera Among Celebrities Urging U.S. Senators to Stop Gun Violence Now

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Aguilera is calling for politicians to take action on the issue of gun reform…

The 40-year-old half-Ecuadorian American Grammy-winning singer has joined a roster of celebrities who’ve signed an open letter to U.S. Senators urging them stop gun violence now.

Five years ago, amidst a string of deadly attacks at live music venues including the horrific mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016, the cover of Billboard‘s July 2016 issue featured an open letter to U.S. Congress signed by 200 artists and music industry executives calling for gun reform.

Unfortunately, the need for reform has only grown stronger as shootings have continued around the country at a terrifying rate.

So now, five years later, as venues prepare to reopen after their pandemic shutdown and music fans ready to return to concerts and festivals, we stand again with the music community to ask lawmakers to take swift action to stop the violence. — Hannah Karp, Billboard editorial director

An Open Letter to Senators: Stop Gun Violence Now

As leading artists and executives in the music industry, we are adding our voices to the chorus of Americans demanding change.

Music always has been celebrated communally, on dance floors and at concert halls. But this life-affirming ritual, like so many other daily experiences — going to school or church or work — continues to be threatened, because of gun violence in this country.

The one thing that connects the tragedies like the shootings in Boulder, El Paso, Las Vegas, Parkland and so many other places in America, to the one that happened in Orlando five years ago this June, is that it is far too easy for dangerous people to get their hands on guns.

We call on the Senate to do more to prevent the gun violence that kills more than 100 Americans every day and injures hundreds more: Take action on background checks.

Billboard and the undersigned implore you — the people who are elected to represent us — to close the deadly loopholes that put the lives of so many music fans, and all of us, at risk.

Sincerely,

Christina Aguilera, Tori Amos, Sara Barielles, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tony Bennett, Selim Bouab, Rob Bourdon, Scooter Braun, Cortez Bryant, Michael Bublé, Vanessa Carlton, Joseph Carozza, Steve Cooper, Tom Corson, Lee Daniels, Ellen DeGeneres, Brad Delson, Diplo, Mike Easterlin, John Esposito, Melissa Etheridge, Fletcher, Luis Fonsi, Becky G, Kevin Gore, Julie Greenwald, Josh Groban, Horacio Gutierrez, Joe Hahn, Halsey, Billy Joel, Craig Kallman, Alicia Keys, Kid Cudi, Carole King, Elle King, Adam Lambert, Cyndi Lauper, Kevin Liles, Dre London, Jennifer Lopez, Macklemore, Zayn Malik, Carianne Marshall, Ricky Martin, Paul McCartney, Julia Michaels, Guy Moot, Jason Mraz, Gregg Nadel, Yoko Ono, Mark Pinkus, Gregory Porter, Prince Royce, Bonnie Raitt, Dawn Richard, RMR, Paul Robinson, Maggie Rogers, Kelly Rowland, Mike Shinoda, Sia, Matt Signore, Britney Spears, Rob Stevenson, Sting, Barbra Streisand, Justin Tranter, Sir Trilli, Sharon Van Etten, Aimie Vaughn-Fruehe, Eddie Vedder, Andrew Watt.

If you’re interested in signing the letter, you can email guncontrol@billboard.com.

Kid Cudi Taking Part in Amazon Prime Day Show with ‘Out of This World’ Performance

Posted on June 5, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Kid Cudi is getting primed…

The annual Amazon Prime Day Show will feature a streaming music performance by the 37-year-old half-Mexican American singer/songwriter and actor, whose real name is Scott Mescudi.

In addition to Kid Cudi, who appeared this March as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, Billie Eilish and H.E.R. will also perform.

The events will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video for 30 days starting June 17, with Amazon Prime Days set for June 21 and 22. The streaming is available to all without a Prime subscription needed.

The special will offer performance and storytelling, inspired by Paris, the Dunbar Hotel, and outer space.

“Working with Billie Eilish, H.E.R., and Kid Cudi to bring their music to life through these imaginative experiences has been incredible,” said Ryan Redington, VP of music industry at Amazon Music. “Watching these globally renowned artists create three shows from the depths of their imagination has been unlike anything we’ve ever done before. We’re thrilled to bring fans along with us to celebrate these three remarkable artists and Prime Day.”

“These iconic artists have not only broken new ground in music but are inspired storytellers, culture creators, and visionaries,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “We’re thrilled to partner with Billie, H.E.R., and Cudi to bring these authentic and deeply personal specials to fans around the world as we celebrate Prime Day.”

Kid Cudi will depart earth to establish a new community on the moon in his performance. Featuring music from his album, Man on the Moon III, he collaborates with the International Space Orchestra, the world’s first orchestra composed of space scientists from NASA Ames Research Center, the SETI Institute, and the International Space University as his backing band.

The Prime Day Show with Kid Cudi is produced by Fremantle, Wolf + Rothstein, Mad Solar, and Amazon Studios, and is directed by Sam Wrench. Ashley Edens served as executive producer, along with Chad Wolf, Fam Rothstein and Sam Wrench as co-executive producers. Runtime is approximately 25 minutes.

Beginning today, Amazon Music subscribers and Prime members can access the official Prime Day Show playlist here or by asking, “Alexa, play the Prime Day Show playlist,” to stream Billie Eilish, H.E.R., and Kid Cudi. The Prime Day Show will also be available to stream on Twitch, IMDb TV, and on Amazon devices including Fire TV, Echo Show, and Fire tablets on Prime Video.

Scott Mescudi to Star in Disney+’s Sci-Fi Adventure “Crater”

Posted on May 21, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Scott Mescudi is preparing for a crate(r) experience…

The 37-year-old part-Mexican American actor/singer, known as Kid Cudi in the music world, has joined the ensemble of sci-fi adventure Crater for Disney Plus.

Mescudi will star opposite Isaiah Russell-Bailey, Billy Barratt, Orson Hong, Thomas Boyce and Gifted’s Mckenna Grace in the film.

Kyle Patrick Alvarez is on board to direct.

The film will be overseen by Disney’s live-action team with hopes to shoot in the spring. Shawn Levy and Dan Levine will produce through their 21 Laps Entertainment banner.

Crater is described as a coming-of-age story about a boy growing up on a lunar colony who takes a trip to explore a mysterious crater with his four best friends. Mescudi will play Russell-Bailey’s dad.

John Griffin penned the script. The film was originally set up at 20th Century Fox with Levy circling the directing chair, but after it moved to Disney Levy chose to focus on producing duties as the film gained momentum.

Mescudi has been busy in the past year most recently seen in HBO and Luca Guadagnino series We Are Who We Are, earning some of the best reviews of his career. On the film side, he was last seen in Bill & Ted Face The Music. He can be seen next in the drama Dreamland opposite Gary Oldman. He most recently finished production on the Ti West horror pic X.

Kid Cudi to Make Musical Guest Debut on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live”

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Kid Cudi is ready for a Saturday night first…

The 37-year-old half-Mexican American singer/songwriter and actor, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, will make his debut as a musical guest on NBC’s Saturday Night Live next month.

Kid Cudi will appear on the April 10 episode, alongside the night’s host, Oscar-nominated Promising Young Woman actress Carey Mulligan.

Kid Cudi previously made his one-and-only musical cameo during Kanye West‘s star-studded run through “Ghost Town” from ye when West was the musical guest in 2018.

Kid Cudi’s last album, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, landed the rapper his fifth top 10 album on the Billboard 200 in December. He tweeted the happy news and emphasized it was a “dream come true” on his Instagram Story.

https://twitter.com/KidCudi/status/1371891717905944578

Kid Cudi’s “Beautiful Trip” Makes History on Billboard Hot 100

Posted on December 26, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Kid Cudi is making history with less than a minute of music…

The 36-year-old half-Mexican American rapper/singer and actor’s “Beautiful Trip” runs just 37 seconds long and debuts at the No. 100 anchor spot on the latest Billboard Hot 100 chart, enough for the song to make history.

Upon its entrance, the track breaks the record for the shortest Hot 100 hit by song length in the chart’s entire 62-year archives.

The song is eight seconds shorter than the former record-holder, Piko-Taro‘s “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen).” At 45 seconds in its quickest form, “PPAP” reached No. 77 on the Hot 100 in October 2016.

Kid Cudi sets the mark on the Hot 100 dated December 26, 2020, a year after Lil Nas X‘s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, became the shortest No. 1 hit by length since 1965, running 1:53 in its briefest iteration.

Here’s an updated look at the shortest and longest Hot 100 hits of all-time, as confirmed by Paul Haney of Joel Whitburn‘s Record Research. (Songs are measured by the shortest version of a song for the first list and the longest for the second, and/or by their single lengths in the chart’s earlier eras.)

The Shortest Hot 100 Hits
(:37) “Beautiful Trip,” Kid Cudi, No. 100 peak (to date), 2020
(:45) “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen),” Piko-Taro, No. 77, 2016
(1:02) “Little Boxes,” The Womenfolk, No. 83, 1964
(1:06) “Deck the Halls,” Nat King Cole, No. 47 (to date), 2020
(1:13) “Pete Davidson,” Ariana Grande, No. 99, 2018
(1:16) “Difference (Interlude),” XXXTentacion, No. 84, 2018
(1:17) “Some Kind-A Earthquake,” Duane Eddy His Twangy Guitar and the Rebels, No. 37, 1959
(1:19) “Forward,” Beyonce feat. James Blake, No. 63, 2016
(1:20) “What I’ve Been Looking For (Reprise),” Andrew Seeley & Vanessa Anne Hudgens, No. 67, 2006

The Longest Hot 100 Hits
(10:21) “Fear Inoculum,” Tool, No. 93 peak, 2019
(9:57) “Blackstar,” David Bowie, No. 78, 2016
(9:30) “Better Place to Be (Parts 1 & 2),” Harry Chapin, No. 86, 1976
(8:55) “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” Hillsong UNITED, No. 83, 2014
(8:55) “November Rain,” Guns N’ Roses, No. 3, 1992
(8:50) “4 Your Eyez Only,” J. Cole, No. 29, 2016
(8:37) “American Pie (Parts I & II),” Don McLean, No. 1 (four weeks), 1972

Kid Cudi Earns Third No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart with “Man on the Moon III: The Chosen”

Posted on December 24, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Kid Cudi has another smash on his hands…

The 36-year-old part-Mexican American rapper/singer has earned his third No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart as Man on the Moon III: The Chosen debuts at the top of the chart dated December 26.

The set, released through Republic Records on December 11, earned 144,000 equivalent album units in the week ending December 17, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

Prior to the Man on the Moon III landing, Kid Cudi previously reigned with the set’s previous installment, 2010’s Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager and 2013’s Indicud, both of which debuted in the top slot and reigned for one week.

Beyond the two leaders, Kid Cudi’s three other projects all reached the top five: 2009’s Man on the Moon: The End of Day (No. 5), 2014’s Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon (No. 2) and Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’ (No. 5, 2017).

In addition, the act Kids See Ghosts, a duo comprising Kid Cudi and Kanye West, also claimed a No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums with their eponymous LP in 2018.

Man on the Moon III: The Chosen likewise debuts at No. 1 on the Top Rap Albums chart and at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200, behind Taylor Swift’s Evermore.

As Man on the Moon III arrives, 18 of its tracks dot the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, led by the top 10 arrivals “Tequila Shots” (No. 7) and “She Knows This” (No. 9). The pair produce Kid Cudi’s third and fourth top 10s, following his 2009 breakthrough “Day and Night” (No. 5) and this year’s “The Scotts,” billed to The Scotts, Travis Scott, and Kid Cudi, which debuted at No. 1 in May and held for one week.

Here’s a full rundown of where all 18 Man on the Moon III cuts show on the ranking:

No. 7, “Tequila Shots”
No. 9, “She Knows This”
No. 12, “Show Out,” with Skepta and Pop Smoke
No. 16, “Another Day”
No. 21, “Mr. Solo Dolo III”
No. 22, “Dive”
No. 24, “Heaven on Earth”
No. 27, “Sad People”
No. 28, “Damaged”
No. 32, “Beautiful Trip”
No. 33, “The Void”
No. 35, “Rockstar Knights,” with Trippie Redd
No. 37, “Sept. 16”
No. 39, “Elsie’s Baby Boy (Flashback)”
No. 40, “Lovin’ Me,” featuring Phoebe Bridgers
No. 44, “The Pale Moonlight”
No. 47, “4 Da Kidz”
No. 50, “Lord I Know”

With 18 simultaneous placements, Kid Cudi becomes the fifth artist to post at least that many entries on the chart in a single week. His company includes Drake, who has claimed 10 separate weeks with 18-plus entries, Lil Uzi Vert and The Weeknd, each with two such weeks, and Lil Wayne and Pop Smoke, who have managed the feat once apiece.

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