Immortal (Kid Cudi song)

Last updated
"Immortal"
IndicudIMMORTAL.jpg
Single by Kid Cudi
from the album Indicud
ReleasedMarch 14, 2013
Recorded2012
Genre
Length5:02
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi singles chronology
"King Wizard"
(2012)
"Immortal"
(2013)
"Girls"
(2013)
Audio sample
"Immortal"

"Immortal" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kid Cudi, released on March 14, 2013, as the third official single from his third studio album Indicud (2013). The song, produced by Cudi himself, samples "Congratulations", as performed by MGMT, with whom Cudi had collaborated on his 2010 single "Pursuit of Happiness". [1] On March 26, 2013, Cudi appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and performed "Immortal", as well as "Just What I Am", on the late-night talk show. [2] [3]

Contents

Background

On October 29, 2012, Cudi announced he would be releasing the album's third single at the end of November. [4] On November 7, he revealed the upcoming single's title to be "Immortal", and that it again was produced by himself like the two previous releases, "Just What I Am" and "King Wizard". He claimed the song "will make you feel amazing in the heart and soul." [5] However, on November 30, he revealed "Immortal" would not be released until 2013. "Immortal" was ultimately premiered on March 1, 2013, via SoundCloud. [6] The song was produced by Cudi, with the main sample being a track from one of his favorite bands, MGMT's "Congratulations". He reversed the song, sped it up, and produced over it. [1] [7] The song was officially released via iTunes on March 14, 2013. [8]

The song also contains a quote from American actor Adam Sandler in his 1995 film Billy Madison : "That’s one of my favorite movies, man. From my childhood, straight up. I love Adam Sandler. Throughout the album I wanted to include clips from some of my favorite movies to kind of narrate the album a bit and liven it up and give it some personality." [9] Cudi claimed the quote, which is "I am the smartest man alive!", expressed his feelings best when he had completed the song:

"That’s how I felt when I finished the song. 'Oh my God. It’s so good!' [Laughs] So there had to be a way that I could express myself. So I had to find some of my favorite quotes from my favorite movies. I put on Billy Madison and just watched that. There were so many lines that I picked that were great. But “I’m the smartest man alive!” resonated with me. And Adam Sandler is like a god to me. He’s so amazing. I just wanted to pay homage through song and let him know, like, 'You’re the shit!'" [9]

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak
position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [10] 48

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabel
United StatesMarch 14, 2013 [8] Digital download Universal Republic

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ratatat</span> American electronic rock duo

Ratatat is a Brooklyn-based electronic rock duo consisting of Mike Stroud and producer Evan Mast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mind Playing Tricks on Me</span> 1991 single by Geto Boys

"Mind Playing Tricks on Me" is a song by Geto Boys, featured on their 1991 album We Can't Be Stopped . The lyrics describe the mental anguish and exhaustion of life as a gangster, including dealing with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, paranoia, suicidal ideation, and loneliness. It also samples "Hung Up on My Baby" by Isaac Hayes, from his 1974 film Tough Guys. At the song's peak, it reached 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the highest-charting single by the Geto Boys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kid Cudi</span> American rapper and singer (born 1984)

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.

<i>Man on the Moon: The End of Day</i> 2009 studio album by Kid Cudi

Man on the Moon: The End of Day is the debut studio album by American rapper Kid Cudi. It was released on September 15, 2009, through Dream On, GOOD Music, and Universal Motown Records. A concept album, narrated by fellow American rapper Common, it follows the release of his first full-length project A Kid Named Cudi (2008), and is the first installment of the Man on the Moon trilogy. Production was handled by several high-profile record producers, including Kanye West, Emile Haynie, Plain Pat, and Jeff Bhasker, as well as contributions from Dot da Genius, Free School and The Kickdrums, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MGMT discography</span>

The discography of indie rock band MGMT consists of five studio albums, one compilation album, one demo album, four extended plays, eleven singles and fourteen music videos. Originally known under the name The Management, the group was founded in 2002 by Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser during their freshman year as art students at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. After graduating and changing the band's name to MGMT, they released an EP titled Time to Pretend in 2005 through the independent record label Cantora Records; music videos were recorded for two of the EP's songs, "Boogie Down" and "Destrokk". The critical success of the EP and extensive touring brought the group to the attention of Columbia Records, which signed them in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pursuit of Happiness (song)</span> 2009 single by Kid Cudi

"Pursuit of Happiness" is a song by American musician Kid Cudi, respectively featuring production and vocals from American electronic rock duo Ratatat and American neo-psychedelic act MGMT. The song was officially released on September 15, 2009, as the third single from Cudi's debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009).

<i>Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager</i> 2010 studio album by Kid Cudi

Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager is the second studio album by American rapper Kid Cudi. It was released on November 9, 2010, through Dream On and GOOD Music, and distributed by Universal Motown Records. It serves as a sequel to his debut studio album Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009), and is the second installment of the Man on the Moon trilogy. Production for the album took place during 2009 to 2010 at various recording studios and was handled by long-time collaborators Emile Haynie and Plain Pat. It also featured contributions from Anthony Kilhoffer, Blended Babies, Chuck Inglish, Dot da Genius, Jim Jonsin, and Rami Beatz, among others. The album was supported by two singles: "Erase Me" and "Mr. Rager".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congratulations (MGMT song)</span> 2010 single by MGMT

"Congratulations" is a song by the American rock band MGMT, released as the fourth and final single and the title track from their second studio album Congratulations (2010) on November 26, 2010. The single was released as a limited edition 7" vinyl record with a special 20-page illustrated booklet. On November 2, 2010, Record Store Day announced the limited edition 7" of the single as one of their Black Friday exclusives, containing the Erol Alkan rework of the song. A music video for the song was released on August 25, 2010. "Congratulations" was released to radio on September 28, 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King Chip</span> American rapper from Ohio

Charles Jawanzaa Worth, known by his stage name King Chip, is an American rapper from Cleveland, Ohio. He is best known for his guest appearance on fellow Cleveland rapper Kid Cudi's 2013 single "Just What I Am," which received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Along with his association with Cudi, Worth has amassed numerous mixtapes tailored for the Cleveland area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WZRD (band)</span> American rock band

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".

<i>WZRD</i> (album) 2012 studio album by WZRD

WZRD is the debut studio album by American alternative rock duo WZRD, composed of musicians Dot da Genius and Kid Cudi. It was released on February 28, 2012, via Universal Republic Records and GOOD Music, also in conjunction with Cudi's then-newly founded label imprint, Wicked Awesome Records. The album was supported by the lead singles "Brake" and "Teleport 2 Me, Jamie".

<i>Indicud</i> 2013 studio album by Kid Cudi

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just What I Am</span> 2012 single by Kid Cudi featuring King Chip

"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).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King Wizard</span> 2012 single by Kid Cudi

"King Wizard" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kid Cudi, taken from his third studio album Indicud (2013). The song was officially released on December 18, 2012 as the album's second official single, along with its accompanying music video, which was directed by Cudi himself.

"Girls" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kid Cudi, released on April 2, 2013 as the fourth single from his third studio album Indicud (2013). The song, which includes production by Cudi himself, features a guest appearance from fellow American rapper Too $hort. The song has since peaked at #3 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles.

<i>Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon</i> 2014 studio album by Kid Cudi

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.

<i>Speedin Bullet 2 Heaven</i> 2015 studio album by Kid Cudi

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kids See Ghosts</span> American hip hop duo

Kids See Ghosts was an American hip hop supergroup composed of rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Formed during West's 2018 Wyoming sessions, the duo's eponymous debut album 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 two 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.

<i>The Boy Who Flew to the Moon, Vol. 1</i> 2022 greatest hits album by Kid Cudi

The Boy Who Flew to the Moon, Vol. 1 is the first greatest hits album by American musician Kid Cudi. It was released on July 8, 2022, by Republic Records and Cudi's Wicked Awesome imprint. The compilation includes tracks from seven of his previous studio albums: Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009), Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010), Indicud (2013), Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon (2014), Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven (2015), Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin' (2016) and Man on the Moon III: The Chosen (2020). Also included are songs from his rock band, WZRD's eponymously titled debut album (2012). The album concludes with a re-mastered version of his 2015 non-album song "Love", as a bonus track. The Boy Who Flew to the Moon, Vol. 1 anthologizes songs by Cudi since his major-label debut, including those released during his joint deal with Kanye West's GOOD Music and major-label Republic.

References

  1. 1 2 Alexis, Nadeska (1 March 2013). "Kid Cudi Samples MGMT On 'Immortal'". MTV. Archived from the original on March 4, 2013. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  2. Weiss, Sam (2013-03-27). "Kid Cudi Unveils "Indicud" Album Art and Tracklist". Complex . Complex Media. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  3. Kid Cudi Performs "Just What I Am" on YouTube, Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  4. "Kid Cudi Announces New Indicud Single Coming in November". DatNewCudi.com. 2012-10-29. Archived from the original on 2012-11-01. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  5. Twitter / ducidni: My official 2nd single is called
  6. Rap-Up.com || New Music: Kid Cudi – ‘Immortal’
  7. New Music: Kid Cudi – Immortal (Download & Stream) + Lyrics | Dat New 'Cudi'
  8. 1 2 "Immortal – Single by Kid Cudi". iTunes Store . Apple . Retrieved March 14, 2013.
  9. 1 2 Brad Wete (5 March 2013). "Kid Cudi: The Former Rager Talks About His 'Indicud' Album, Being a Rebel and More". BillboardBiz. Billboard . Retrieved 7 March 2013.
  10. "Kid Cudi Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 31, 2013.