King Wizard

Last updated
"King Wizard"
King-Wizard.jpg
Single by Kid Cudi
from the album Indicud
ReleasedDecember 18, 2012
Recorded2012
Genre
Length4:17
Label
Songwriter(s) Scott Mescudi
Producer(s) Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi singles chronology
"Just What I Am"
(2012)
"King Wizard"
(2012)
"Immortal"
(2013)
Music video
"King Wizard" on YouTube

"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. [1] [2]

Contents

Background and release

On September 2, 2012 Kid Cudi took to his tumblr to preview lyrics from a new song titled “King Wizard”. [3] On September 29, 2012, Cudi released a podcast, where he previewed "King Wizard", a new song he was "very excited about". [4] On October 3, 2012, one day after "Just What I Am", the album's lead single was officially released via iTunes, Cudi liberated "King Wizard" as the second offering from Indicud via SoundCloud. [5] [6]

Cudi, who also produced the track, had teamed up with Samsung Mobile to release the clean version of the newly mastered “King Wizard” as a free download. The download was available by heading to Samsung Mobile USA's Facebook page under the “music” tab. The explicit version and the music video were officially released via iTunes, on December 18, 2012. On the day of its release Cudi announced via Twitter that the song was a promotional single and to expect Indicud in March 2013. [7]

The single's cover art is a self-portrait, which Cudi took with his iPhone. "I took the picture on the King Wizard single cover myself w my iPhone and I think its really fuckin funny ha the lil silly things in life", tweeted Cudi. [8]

Charts

Chart (2012–13)Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100 [9] 91
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [10] 28
US Hot Rap Songs ( Billboard ) [11] 24

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabel
United StatesDecember 18, 2012 [1] Digital download Universal Republic

Related Research Articles

<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, Ohio, Cudi moved to New York City in pursuit of a musical career, where he first gained major recognition following the release of his debut single "Day 'n' Nite", which he initially self-published on his MySpace page. The song became a worldwide hit and served as a catalyst for Cudi to team with record producers Plain Pat and Emile Haynie to record his first full-length project, a mixtape titled A Kid Named Cudi (2008). The mixtape helped Cudi rise to prominence and establish a fan base, soon catching the attention of high-profile rapper Kanye West—who subsequently signed Cudi to his GOOD Music label imprint by 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kid Cudi discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

The discography of American rapper Kid Cudi consists of eight studio albums, one compilation album, one box set, three extended plays (EPs), one mixtape, 32 singles, eight promotional singles and 32 music videos, the details of which are included in his videography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make Her Say</span> 2009 single by Kid Cudi featuring Kanye West and Common

"Make Her Say" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kid Cudi, released as the second single from his debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009). The single was digitally released to iTunes on June 9, 2009. It features fellow American rappers Common and Kanye West, the latter of whom also produced the song. The song is perhaps best known for its sample of the US number-one hit single "Poker Face", as performed by American singer Lady Gaga. The song received a nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.

"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 songs producer.

<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">Immortal (Kid Cudi song)</span> 2013 single by Kid Cudi

"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". 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.

"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. The album received praise from critics for its production, vocal performance, as well as the album's 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">Confused!</span> 2015 single by Kid Cudi

"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.

<i>Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight</i> 2016 studio album by Travis Scott

Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight is the second studio album by American rapper Travis Scott. It was released on September 2, 2016, through Grand Hustle Records and distributed by Epic Records. It exclusively premiered through Travis Scott and Chase B's radio show Wav Radio on Beats 1 and Apple Music. The album features guest appearances from André 3000, Blac Youngsta, Kid Cudi, Nav, 21 Savage, Kendrick Lamar, Bryson Tiller, Young Thug, Quavo, K. Forest, and the Weeknd. Production was handled by a number of record producers, including Nav, Vinylz, Mike Dean, Cardo, Frank Dukes, Allen Ritter, and Murda Beatz, among others.

"Guilt Trip" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West, from his sixth studio album Yeezus (2013). It was produced by West, Mike Dean, S1, with an additional production credit for Travis Scott and Ackeejuice Rockers for the samples of "Chief Rocka" by Lords of the Underground and "Blocka" by Pusha T featuring Popcaan and Travis Scott. The song's lyrics deal with looking back at a failed relationship, similar to fellow Yeezus track "Blood on the Leaves". West provides his vocals through rapping and singing through an Auto-Tune processor, reminiscent of his 2008 album 808s & Heartbreak. The song includes vocals from rapper Kid Cudi, who later expressed negative opinions about his feature due to his vocals being recorded years prior.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady</span> 2020 single by Kid Cudi and Eminem

"The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady" is a song by American rappers Kid Cudi and Eminem. It was released as a stand-alone single on July 10, 2020. The song was produced by frequent Kid Cudi collaborator Dot da Genius, along with J Gramm and co-production by Eminem. The song's title refers to Cudi's moniker the "Moon Man" and Eminem's alter-ego Slim Shady.

<i>Entergalactic</i> (album) 2022 studio album by Kid Cudi

Entergalactic is the eighth studio album by American musician Kid Cudi. The album was issued on September 30, 2022, by Republic Records and Cudi's Wicked Awesome imprint. The album was released alongside its visual component, an adult animated special of the same name, starring Cudi, exclusively on Netflix.

<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.

<i>Insano</i> (album) 2024 studio album by Kid Cudi

Insano is the upcoming ninth studio album by American rapper Kid Cudi. It is set to be released in January 2024, via Wicked Awesome Records and Republic Records. Kid Cudi had 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 a visual component, an award-winning TV special of the same name.

References

  1. 1 2 "King Wizard (feat. King Chip) – Single by Kid Cudi". iTunes Store . Apple . Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  2. "Kid Cudi "King Wizard" [Video]". XXL . Harris Publications. December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  3. "King Wizard By Scott Mescudi". datnewcudi.com. 2012-09-02. Retrieved 2012-10-03.
  4. "Kid Cudi Previews "King Wizard" Off Upcoming Album "Indicud"". complex.com. 2012-09-29. Retrieved 2012-10-03.
  5. "New Music: Kid Cudi – King Wizard (Produced by Kid Cudi) + Lyrics". datnewcudi.com. 2012-10-03. Archived from the original on 2012-10-04. Retrieved 2012-10-03.
  6. "PREMIERE: "King Wizard"". facebook.com. 2012-10-03. Retrieved 2012-10-03.
  7. Horowitz, Steven (18 December 2012). "Kid CuDi Plans To Release "indicud" In March 2013". HipHopDX. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  8. Mescudi, Scott (19 December 2012). Twitter . Kid Cudi https://twitter.com/ducidni/status/281297159519887360 . Retrieved 30 December 2012.{{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. "Kid Cudi Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  10. "Kid Cudi Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  11. "Kid Cudi Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 29, 2012.