The album was initially announced in a 2019 press release, revealing an animated music series created by Cudi, alongside American film producer Kenya Barris, for Netflix, with the album and the series to be released the same day.[3] The dual projects would later be delayed into 2022 in favor of Cudi focusing on the release of Man on the Moon III: The Chosen (2020).
In 2009, Cudi released his debut studio album Man on the Moon: The End of Day, to critical acclaim.[4] The album included a song titled "Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part I)", a "trippy disco anthem" that was inspired by when he and a female friend ate psilocybin mushrooms and listened to music by The Postal Service together.[5] In late 2009, Cudi began performing a song titled "Deep Sleep (Love Connection Part II)", which serves as a sequel to the original song, however it was never officially released.[6][7] In July 2019, Kid Cudi announced a full-length project with the title reminiscent of the 2009 album cut, Entergalactic, which he revealed would soundtrack an upcoming Netflix "adult-focused animated music series" co-created by himself and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris.[8]
Kid Cudi
@KidCudi
Entergalactic is a fantasy. It's what I wish I had. I live a very lonely life, but I have hope I'll find someone someday.
In Complex's September 2019 cover story, Cudi shared more details on what to expect from the album. Cudi told Complex's Karizza Sanchez he "needed to do something different" this time around with his music, which led to the decision to create a project that would narrate the first season of his Netflix show. "A lot of the songs aren't really from the Scott perspective; they're from the perspective of the character," he explained.[9] Cudi added: "A lot of the songs are about love and relationships. I'm not in a relationship right now, so it's purely written from my imagination and writing as this character." This new approach brought excitement back to the music-making process for Cudi, who had considered taking five years off from music.[9] Cudi went on to say, "I had this idea for the show, and then it was like, 'how can we incorporate the music? How can we have the music be a part of the show?' I initially wanted to make a visual album, but I was like, that's been done before. How can we give it a little twist? How can we do something different? That's how I came up with the idea for the show, Entergalactic. I'm trying my hardest to still introduce new sounds and push the envelope, sonically. So it's still gonna be like everything that people love about Kid Cudi music. The only difference is that it's gonna be told from a different perspective. Some songs, not all songs."[9]
Edwin Ortiz of Complex wrote, "along with the different perspective, fans can expect Entergalactic to highlight Cudi's rap abilities and thoughts on love." Reiterating what Cudi had said, "I have some songs where I'm just rapping—it's just Cudi having fun again, and I think people miss that side of me. I used to do that a lot on my mixtape, so getting back into that was fun, and I think people are gonna be into it. I think this [album] is my perspective on love, and people haven't really heard that. I'm not somebody who makes R&B music, and I'm not somebody who makes lovey-dovey songs like that. I've just never really had much luck in relationships, so I've never had anything to write from. And if I did write about my relationships, it would've been all disasters, so I needed something to inspire me to get me there, to wanna write about relationships, and this show did it for me."[9]
In a November 2019 interview, when speaking on the dual projects, Kenya Barris said, "The idea of there's never been an album and a series dropped at the same time, so each song will have a 30-minute narrative that kind of explains what that song is about and it's a love story . . . It's a youthful love story told through Cudi's music."[10] When speaking on working with Cudi, Barris said, he is someone who "created his own lane" by giving voice to issues often left ignored by other artists at the time of his ascension. Barris added, "He was one of the first rappers to sort of start talking about mental illness, his sort of depression ... We started talking and he's a huge fan of animation and that notion of animation lasts forever." While the music component of Entergalactic is an "amazing album" of "bangers", the series portion aims to give each track a full backstory.[10]
In September 2022, Cudi revealed the album is dedicated to his deceased friend, American fashion designer Virgil Abloh, detailing how the album's release date is also the birth date of Abloh.[11]
Recording and production
Entergalactic is an alternative R&B album that was recorded in 2019.[12][13] In a July 2019 interview with Kerwin Frost, American drummer Travis Barker revealed he had produced a track for Cudi saying "it has a Nirvanasample but it's on some Cudi rap shit."[14] In a November 2019 interview, American TV producer Kenya Barris said that Cudi fans can expect Dot da Genius, Ty Dolla Sign, and Gucci Mane to appear on the album.[10] In a December 2020 interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Cudi detailed how he went from working on Entergalactic and The Scotts (his collaborative album with Houston-based rapper Travis Scott) to ultimately working on the final installment of his Man on the Moon trilogy.[15]
In September 2021, Cudi took to Twitter to thank the team that helped bring the project to fruition, and reassured fans they would not be disappointed: "Wait til y'all hear and see Entergalactic. U have no idea. I really wanna thank Kenya Barris, Mike Moon, Elizabeth Porter and the whole team for believing in my vision and helping bring it to life. Everything about this show is next level. Ull see."[16][17]
On January 24, 2022, Cudi took to Twitter to write "ENTERGALACTIC is the greatest piece of art Ive ever made. I am so sooo fuckin proud of this show. U have no idea what ur in for. 3 years in the making. Id say watch the show first then consume the album."[18][19][20] He also confirmed the album will be released on the same day as the show, while revealing his favorite part about the whole creation process. "The voice acting was the most fun", he said. "the music too but Ive always wanted to do more voice acting and idk it was like another dream come true foreal."[18]
Kid Cudi
@KidCudi
Entergalactic is a Kid Cudi album. Not a sountrack. Please, dont think this is not as important or as big as MOTM3. This is another beautiful solo effort I think U all will enjoy. I need yall all to come out on Sept 30th and support.
Shortly after revealing the first single's release date, Cudi divulged information about how "Do What I Want" fits into his collaborative history with production duo Take a Daytrip, revealing the single was the first song he had ever created with Daytrip (prior to his number-one single "The Scotts") and he subsequently began heavily collaborating with them for Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, thereafter.[22]
In an August 2022 interview with Esquire, Cudi revealed he recorded the music first—"a suite of songs on the beauty of being freed by love"—and worked backward to storyboard the narrative before hiring a writing team to script it.[23] As a project, Entergalactic started with three songs, but then the developing film elements began to shape the later songs and vice versa.[24]
Release and promotion
Kid Cudi
@KidCudi
Entergalactic will be something you've never experienced. I promise it'll be a fun ride. Lot of good friends involved. Great songs too! The cast is coming together. I know a year from now seems like forever but it'll be here before u know it!
In April 2020, Cudi previewed a song titled "Do What I Want", which he said would be included on Entergalactic. Cudi shared the preview during a Thursday night Instagram Live session with Black AF stars Rashida Jones and Kenya Barris, the latter of whom serves as an executive producer on the series that will coincide with the album.[26]
Although the album was originally set for a 2020 release, it was pushed back due to Cudi releasing his long-awaited Man on the Moon III: The Chosen album instead.[27] In January 2021, when asked by a fan on Twitter why Entergalactic's new release date says 2022 on Netflix, Cudi responded, "[Because] that's when it drops. I just gave y'all an album y'all gotta chill and be patient fr[sic] man I'm not doin[g] an album every year."[28]
On May 17, 2021, Kid Cudi reiterated both the Netflix show and Entergalactic would arrive sometime next year in a tweet that read, "Entergalactic album and show droppin 2022 end of summer!! Recorded the first season and couldn't be more hyped for yall to see. Ur gonna be blown away. Next level shit only. Changing the game as always."[29] Later on May 20, Cudi previewed a song from the album on his Instagram story, unveiling a snippet of a song tentatively titled "Wild".[30][31]
During his 2021 headlining performance at the Rolling Loud music festival, Cudi revealed intentions on releasing two full-length projects in 2022, with plans of releasing an album prior to Entergalactic "I have Entergalactic coming in the summer, and I wanna drop another album before that. I got some tasty surprises and I'm really excited about all this new shit, this new music, to give to you guys," he said before playing a recording of a song that has since been dubbed "Freshie", concluding with "That's why I'm teasing this shit now because it's coming out soon."[2][37] The songs "Wild" and "Freshie" were seemingly set to appear on the unreleased album before Entergalactic.
On April 24, 2022, Cudi took to Twitter to write "Entergalactic is gonna be something really fucking special. Minds will melt. This cast?? The MUSIC?? Listen. U heard it here first. Remember this tweet. Stay tuned for more news in June!"[38] On June 10, 2022, Cudi released the album's lead single, titled "Do What I Want".[39]
On July 12, Cudi revealed on Twitter that the official trailer for the show would premiere in August featuring two new songs, with one of the songs set to be released as the second single.[40] On September 12, Netflix unveiled a new trailer for Entergalactic.[41] On September 16, Cudi announced "Willing to Trust", included in the trailer, as the album's second single, featuring vocals from fellow American singer Ty Dolla Sign.[42]
In September 2022, Cudi starred in an advertisement for Bose, alongside American football player Joe Burrow, with the Entergalactic album cut "Burrow" playing throughout the commercial.[43] On September 28, 2022, Cudi appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he was interviewed to promote the album and performed the single "Willing to Trust" alongside Ty Dolla Sign.[44] Upon the project's release, Cudi partnered with Staple and Netflix to release promotional merchandise. The collection features t-shirts, jackets, and beanies, also including a disposable camera and a skate deck.[45] When announcing the album, Cudi also revealed his role as Jabari in the upcoming film he announced when the album was announced.
Entergalactic was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received an average score of 75, based on four reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[46] Neil Yeung of AllMusic gave it a 4 out of 5 rating, writing "paired with the highly stylized animation and outer space scene-scapes that pull viewers in and out of modern-day Manhattan, Entergalactic is one of Cudi's most engaging listens, boosted by a balanced blend of hedonist club anthems ('Can't Believe It' with 2 Chainz, 'Do What I Want'), ethereal instrumentals ('Entergalactic Theme'), and lovelorn yearnings ('Angel', 'Ignite the Love')."[47] Mark Braboy of Rolling Stone wrote "Entergalactic continues in the same sonic vein as his 2020 effort, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, with creamy, dreamy production via longtime collaborator Dot da Genius. This time out, though, the sad, melodramatic tone of Cudi's previous work has been replaced with focused lyrics about falling in love and what it's like to finally open your heart after having it broken so many times."[52]
Joshua Robinson of HotNewHipHop concluded with "for his eighth studio album, Kid Cudi has delivered yet another strong non-MOTM effort, and while he can definitely be commended for releasing an album and dropping a Netflix show on the same day, what's really important to point out is that Entergalactic stands on its own as an LP, with most of its best songs being unassisted solo tracks."[50] Jaelani Williams of Complex noted "Guests on Entergalactic enhance the album's affectionate nature, most notably being Ty Dolla Sign who flawlessly harmonizes with Cudi on 'Willing to Trust'. On solo tracks, including standouts 'New Mode', 'Do What I Want', and 'Ignite the Love', Cudi is at his most energetic and spacey, giving fans Man on the Moon nostalgia."[48]
Evan Peter Mast, also known by his stage name E*vax or E.VAX, is an American electronic music artist and record producer. He is one-half of the New York–based electronic rock band Ratatat, alongside Mike Stroud.
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, also known by his stage name Kid Cudi, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and fashion designer. Born and raised in Cleveland, Cudi moved to New York City in pursuit of a musical career, where he first gained recognition for his song "Day 'n' Nite". Initially self-published on his MySpace page, the song became a hit online and served as a catalyst for Cudi to team up with record producers Plain Pat and Emile Haynie to record his first full-length project, a mixtape titled A Kid Named Cudi (2008). Its release helped Cudi rise to prominence and establish a fanbase, catching the attention of rapper Kanye West—who signed Cudi to his GOOD Music label by late 2008.
A Kid Named Cudi is the debut mixtape by American rapper Kid Cudi, released on July 17, 2008, by New York City streetwear brand 10.Deep, in conjunction with independent record label Fool's Gold Records. The mixtape features guest appearances from Chip tha Ripper and Wale. Considered his breakout project, the mixtape marked Cudi's first official release, issued prior to his debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009).
"Mr. Rager" is a song recorded by American rapper Kid Cudi, taken from his second studio album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010). The song was officially released via digital download, on October 25, 2010, as the album's second single. The semi-autobiographical lyrics were written by Cudi, while the composition was written by his frequent collaborator, Emile Haynie, who also served as the song's producer.
Patrick Reynolds, professionally known as Plain Pat, is an American music executive, record producer, songwriter and disc jockey (DJ). He is perhaps best known for overseeing American musicians Kanye West and Kid Cudi, during their respective early vocations. He is also noted for working with prominent artists such as Drake, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Lupe Fiasco, Ghostface Killah, The Roots, Lloyd, Young Gunz, Ashanti, Ludacris, Freeway, Ja Rule, N.O.R.E. and The Mutton Birds among others.
WZRD is an American alternative rock band and record production team composed of longtime friends and frequent collaborators Dot da Genius and Kid Cudi. Formed in New York City in 2010, Cudi originally named the band Wizard, inspired by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath's song of the same name. However, Cudi renamed the band on two occasions, the first being in April 2011 to 2 Be Continuum, explaining: "I needed something more original, something different...". The second time occurred in November 2011, to the band's current namesake. The eponymous debut album, WZRD, was released in February 2012, peaking at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album was supported by the lead singles, "Brake" and "Teleport 2 Me, Jamie".
Indicud is the third studio album by American rapper Kid Cudi. It was released on April 16, 2013, by GOOD Music, Wicked Awesome Records, and Republic Records. It was the first album of Cudi's solo career to not be an installment of his Man on the Moon series. The album's cover artwork was designed by Kid Cudi himself, who also served as an executive producer of Indicud. It was Cudi's goal to make more uptempo and positive music with the album. He described it as a completely new format compared to his previous albums.
"Just What I Am" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kid Cudi, released on October 2, 2012 as the lead single from his third studio album Indicud (2013). The song, produced by Cudi himself, features a guest verse from his frequent collaborator and fellow Cleveland-based rapper King Chip. Complex named the song #40 of the best 50 songs of 2012. As of January 26, 2016 "Just What I Am" has reached platinum status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon is the fourth studio album by American musician Kid Cudi. The album, which was issued on February 25, 2014, with only few hours' notice, was first released to digital retailers by Wicked Awesome Records and Republic Records. The album features a sole guest appearance from Raphael Saadiq. Satellite Flight received generally mixed reception from music critics, although some praised the album for its production and surprise release strategy.
Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven is the fifth studio album by American musician Kid Cudi. The album was released on December 4, 2015, through Republic Records and Cudi's Wicked Awesome Records imprint. The album is a complete departure from his previous projects, excluding WZRD, a 2012 collaborative effort which was his first venture into rock music. Inspired by the 1990s indie music scene, Cudi included commissioned skits featuring Mike Judge voicing the titular characters of his '90s animated sitcom, Beavis and Butt-Head.
"Confused!" is a song written and recorded by American musician Kid Cudi, taken from his fifth studio album Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven (2015). The song was officially released on August 1, 2015 as the album's lead single. The song features production, guitar and bass from Cudi.
Kids See Ghosts was an American hip hop superduo composed of rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Formed during West's 2018 Wyoming sessions, the duo's first album Kids See Ghosts was released in June of that year by Def Jam Recordings, along with their respective label imprints, GOOD Music and Wicked Awesome Records. Met with critical and commercial success, the album peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 and received Gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The duo disbanded in 2022 due to personal disagreements, although they reconciled the following year.
Entergalactic is a 2022 adult animated music television special created by American musician and actor Kid Cudi, that serves as a visual companion piece to the album of the same name. Initially announced as a television series, in August 2022, Entergalactic was then redeveloped as a TV special. The special premiered on September 30, 2022, exclusively on Netflix, simultaneously with the album.
Man on the Moon III: The Chosen is the seventh studio album by American musician Kid Cudi, released on December 11, 2020 by Wicked Awesome Records and Republic Records. It is the final installment of Cudi's Man on the Moon trilogy of albums.
Kid Cudi is an American actor, producer, film composer, music video director and musician.
The To the Moon World Tour was the fifth concert tour by American musician Kid Cudi. The excursion, which was his first tour in five years, also served as his first arena tour. The tour began in Portland on August 18, 2022 and concluded in Milan on November 22, 2022. The tour dates included 26 cities, on three continents.
"Willing to Trust" is a song by American musicians Kid Cudi and Ty Dolla Sign. It was released on September 23, 2022, as the second single from Cudi’s eighth studio album, Entergalactic (2022). The lyrics were handled by Cudi and Ty Dolla Sign, while the music was written and produced by Cudi, alongside Dot da Genius, E. Vax and Ramii.
Insano is the ninth studio album by American rapper Kid Cudi. It was released on January 12, 2024, via Wicked Awesome Records and Republic Records. Kid Cudi had initially announced this would be his last contractual album with Republic, the major-label he had been with since his commercial debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009). The album follows his 2022 effort Entergalactic, which was accompanied by its visual component, an award-winning TV special of the same name.
Insano (Nitro Mega) is the tenth studio album by American musician Kid Cudi. The album was released on February 23, 2024, through Wicked Awesome and Republic Records. It serves as a partner album to Insano, which was issued the previous month. While initially planned as the deluxe version of Insano, it was confirmed by Cudi that the project was a separate album, without any shared tracks from the previous album. The album features guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, Chip tha Ripper, Pusha T, Steve Aoki, Lil Yachty, Layzie Bone, and Krayzie Bone. Production was primarily handled by record producers who had worked on Insano, such as Cudi and Lil Yachty themselves, alongside Anthony Kilhoffer, Justin Raisen, Jean-Baptiste, Dot da Genius, Sadpony, and Bnyx, among others.
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