Beyoncé’s devoted super fans (the Beyhive) reportedly served as the inspiration behind the Donald Glover co-created series, Swarm. Now, Taylor Swift’s Swifties appear to be the inspiration behind M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film, Trap.
However, there are two special musician cameos that are stealing the show (sorry, Josh Hartnett). Kid Cudi and Russ are featured on the movie’s official soundtrack. But, they lent their star power to the project as well. So, what role do they play? Continue below for more information.
Who Do Kid Cudi & Russ Play In M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Trap?’
According to IMBD, Kid Cudi and Russ traded their musical persona for a fictional rock star.
Without giving too much of the plot away, Kid Cudi’s role is listed as “The Thinker.” Russ, on the other hand, is cast as “Parker Wayne.”
Both entertainers took to their respective social media pages to discuss their appearance in the motion picture. “TRAP is out now, and I couldn’t be more proud,” wrote Cudi. “Such a wonderful time with the most beautiful people. M. Night Shyamalan, thank you for your embrace, your love, and support. I told you this was a dream come true for me, and I appreciate you for giving me the chance to come take the ride.”
Russ focused his gratitude on the soundtrack placement, writing: “I’m on a song in the new M. Night Shyamalan movie insane.”
Yesterday (August 1), in the first of a series of tweets, Cudi wrote, “Im so hype. I got my next album finished and I really cant wait for yall to get a taste. Maybe this Fall?” He added in another tweet, “Im not f*ckin around!! Its been awhile since Ive switched it up and tried something new, and I feel confident u will love the direction.”
He added, “My psychic said 13 was a lucky number for me. And this is my 13th album. I can honestly say ur faces will melt and ur hearts will be filled w happiness.” He wrote in another tweet, “im not slowin down anytime soon. Im inspired. Turnin 40 flipped a switch in my mind and heart. The focus is crazy. Lets see whatelse I can accomplish w this magic.”
Somebody asked if the new project will impact Cudi’s tour setlist and he responded, “Im glad u asked. Yes. The whole tour setlist will be revamped. One big party. Leave your troubles outside of the venue and come to let loose and feel the love.”
Find Cudi’s tweets below.
Im so hype. I got my next album finished and I really cant wait for yall to get a taste. Maybe this Fall?
Im not fuckin around!! Its been awhile since Ive switched it up and tried something new, and I feel confident u will love the direction https://t.co/08gnB5ywAJ
My psychic said 13 was a lucky number for me. And this is my 13th album. I can honestly say ur faces will melt and ur hearts will be filled w happiness https://t.co/unFIq9wfeX
Thanx brother!! im not slowin down anytime soon. Im inspired. Turnin 40 flipped a switch in my mind and heart. The focus is crazy. Lets see whatelse I can accomplish w this magic https://t.co/RO0SKJgrQ8
Im glad u asked. Yes. The whole tour setlist will be revamped. One big party. Leave your troubles outside of the venue and come to let loose and feel the love. https://t.co/fR8EoBJBQe
Kid Cudi has had a difficult summer. The rapper broke his foot during his raucous Coachella show, and was sidelined for months as a result. He’s provided updates on his progress via social media, including a July 30 confirmation that he could walk again. Evidently, Kid Cudi made a point of being productive during his recovery. The rapper got on Twitter on August 1 to announce that he went full Biggie and recorded an album while he was injured. Better still, the album is already completed.
“I’m so hype,” he wrote on Thursday morning. “I got my next album finished and I really cant wait for yall to get a taste.” If the confirmation of a brand new Kid Cudi album wasn’t enough, the rapper hinted at a release date right around the corner. “Maybe this Fall,” he added. Fans were overjoyed by the news, and Cudi retweeted some of the most excited reactions on his timeline. He also clarified that he’s not taking a break when it comes to recording. A user questioned whether the rapper was still on a hiatus, and he got back at him by tweeting: “U talkin bout when I said that 2 years ago?? Ive dropped 3 albums since.”
Kid Cudi has a point. He’s been a busy man throughout this decade. Ever since his Kanye West collab, Kids See Ghosts, in 2018, the rapper has been dropping critically acclaimed albums. Man on the Moon III: The Chosen lived up to the hype of the first two installments in 2020. Entergalactic and INSANO did well with fans in 2022 and 2023, respectively. That’s not even counting the INSANO (Nitro Mega) release that dropped in February. Kid Cudi is on a creative roll, and it sounds like he’s keeping the momentum going.
Those who have kept up with Cudi, however, may be surprised to learn that he’s eyeing a fall release date. The rapper claimed he was 80% done with his next album in February, but asserted that it wouldn’t be released until 2026. “It’ll be out in 2026,” he tweeted. “As always, we’re takin it someplace new. Just wanted to let yall know, expect an album from me every other year.” The broken foot may have played a role in the scheduling change, since Cudi originally planned to act in the coming year. He even has a role in the upcoming M. Night Shyamalan film Trap. Regardless of the cause, more Cudi music, and sooner, is change we can get behind.
Following the worldwide premiere of TRAP in New York City this week, Columbia Recording artist, songwriter, musician, and producer SALEKA and GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor, Kid Cudi join for her latest track, DIVINE, taken from the highly anticipated album, LADY RAVEN (Original Music From The Motion Picture TRAP)out on August 2.
LADY RAVEN (Original Music From The Motion Picture TRAP) features music composed, produced, and performed by SALEKA for the Warner Bros. Pictures film TRAP in which she makes her feature film acting debut. Featuring special guests Kid Cudi, Russ, and Amaarae, LADY RAVEN (Original Music From The Motion Picture TRAP) boasts 14 original songs, each crafted specifically to the script and narrative of the film, blending SALEKA‘s classical piano training with her distinct dark-pop-R&B production and tonality.
“There’s a duality to the Soundtrack,” SALEKA notes. “I wanted to make an album that could stand on its own and embody the sounds and genres I love. At the same time, every song was made for a specific scene with clear intention. Having the external storyline made the process so inspiring though. I could write in a way that was incredibly free since I wasn’t thinking about myself. I ended up editing myself less and exploring facets of my own emotions that I would be too scared to dive into without having Lady Raven to speak through.”
In TRAP, her character “Lady Raven” performs a powerhouse concert as a gripping and thrilling story unfolds concurrently. She penned the songs to entwine with her father’s script, so the rhythm of the music and the story symbiotically depend on one another. Simultaneously, she mined an expansive emotional and sonic spectrum.
In the upcoming M. Night Shyamalan thriller Trap, a serial killer played by Josh Hartnett works to escape a police dragnet set for him at a pop concert he attends with his teen daughter. The singer, a Lady Gaga-esque performer called Lady Raven, is portrayed by singer Saleka (Shyamalan’s daughter), and on the newly released soundtrack single “Divine,” Lady Raven receives a boost of real-life pop star clout from Kid Cudi. Powered by a pulsating dance instrumental highlighted by strains of traditional Indian music — a nod to Saleka’s cultural heritage — “Divine” gives us our first glimpse of Lady Raven’s musical styling in Trap.
In addition to writing fourteen songs for the film’s soundtrack, Saleka will also make her acting debut in Trap, suggesting that Lady Raven may end up more involved in the film’s plot than trailers have so far shown. While her casting may strike some fans as a little too convenient, considering her dad’s the movie’s director, Saleka has had plenty of real-life experience performing. She released her independent debut album Seance last May, while in 2022, she toured with Long Beach R&B singer Giveon as one of his four opening acts.
There are a lot of multi-talents in the hip-hop field, but Kid Cudi might actually define that. The Clevelander can rap, sing, write, produce, and act. He really is a do-it-all sort of artist and he has shown that through his 15+ year career. Over the course of 2024 in particular, Kid Cudi is hard at work on a new project of the arts. If you are always tuned into to what the INSANO rapper is up to, you know that he is pumping out comic issues for his series called Moon Man. Today is the day that the third book drops. However, it is also the same as this new single from Kid Cudi called “DREAMS I SEE”.
His plan has been to release a track when each new book is available. That way it allows the readers to have a soundtrack while they explore the story Cudi has created. Speaking of that, Moon Man is about how Ramon Townsend (main character) saves his team from a mission that turned dangerous in space. According to a Variety exclusive, Townsend would prefer to live a reclusive life. Unfortunately, that flies out the window and things change in a hurry. Kid Cudi did release the first single to this eventual full soundtrack called “BLACK OPS”, featuring Denzel Curry. Early speculation on when that will drop as a project is sometime in 2025. Currently, two more issues in the Moon Man story are slated for release, with #5 coming September 11 and #4 on September 18.
Smokin’ on the sky, walk and take the ride Say the boy’s chosen, always chose for more Said my mama worries ’bout her baby boy Dunkin’ on the evils, they creep in the night Tell my friends “Don’t worry, I’ma fly high” You throwin’ and you focused on a better life
In March, Kid Cudi announced his Insano World Tour. The tour poster clearly featured Pusha T, Jaden, and Earthgang as Cudi’s openers, but Chelsea Pastel was listed as the opener for Cudi’s Cleveland, Ohio and Cincinnati, Ohio dates. A brutal foot injury forced Cudi to postpone the tour, but in May, he assured fans, “We have rescheduled about 80 percent of the tour.”
While you await an update on Cudi’s new Insano World Tour dates, learn more about Chelsea Pastel below.
Who Is Chelsea Pastel? Get To Know The Rising Cleveland Rapper Who Caught The Attention Of Kid Cudi
Cudi shouted out Pastel as an artist to watch in a couple of X (formerly Twitter) posts. Last June, he wrote, “Chelsea Pastel and Siena Bella are 2 really f*ckin’ dope Cleveland artists I’m f*ckin’ w[ith] right now and I know you will too.” Come December, he singled Pastel as a local talent up next — “watch my girl.”
According to Pastel’s official website, she is a rapper, producer, and singer from Cleveland. She attended the Cleveland School Of Arts and is “a self-taught instrumentalist and handles her own music production, writing, and engineering.” Her sound is described as “a fusion of rap, pop, and a touch of rock.”
“Greener,” which she released last November, showcases Pastel’s confident flow and genre-melding sonic palette. Her honesty about difficult circumstances (“Thе babies ain’t got no food / The kids ain’t safe at school / Thе rent too high can’t move”) and unshakable optimism (“All I can do is try / Live my life like I made it already”) are reminiscent of the lyricism fans have long turned to Cudi for. Earlier this month, Pastel returned with “2 Much,” a confident, no-nonsense banger.
We’re back to the good news portion of the cycle, as Cudi posted two videos on X (formerly Twitter) to update his fans on his recovery and Insano World Tour before sneaking in mention of imminent new music.
“I’m all good,” he said in the first video. “I’m feeling fantastic. Healing is going great. Therapy has been great. No pain. I think I’m gonna bounce back from this stronger than ever, so there’s that. We have rescheduled about 80 percent of the tour. […] We just have to lock in some dates, but I’ll give you guys a heads up on when that will be.”
Cudi explained that his Insano World Tour was “gonna be physically demanding, so I might have to change some things, depending on how my recovery goes,” but overall, he’s optimistic.
And then, Cudi spent five minutes hyping up his next batch of music.
“I started something toward the end of the year last year that I really think is something special,” he said. “I want to give you a taste of it soon. Hopefully, before summer is up, you’ll hear something — something tasty, something new. Every album is a reinvention, yeah? You’ve known me. You know I always like to switch it up, try something new, [and] challenge myself. I think this is gonna remind people of the days where I was really trying to explore and try to feel something in the music.”
Cudi referenced his past classics like “Up Up & Away,” “Erase Me,” and “Heart Of A Lion” as the sort of “anthems” he’s aiming to reproduce with his forthcoming album, except “elevated” to represent “me now, happy, in a new place.”
Rappers are known for their bold and unapologetic personas, but even the toughest MCs have found themselves in situations where a public apology was necessary. From J. Cole to Soulja Boy, Cam’ron, and others, rappers’ apologies have taken various forms throughout the years. Rappers seeking forgiveness and admitting their mistakes, no matter why they did it, stand out in a culture that often glorifies swagger and defiance. At times, rappers apologize and put their tough exteriors aside, reminding us that vulnerability can coexist with bravado in hip-hop.
J.Cole
J. Cole raised eyebrows by publicly addressing his diss aimed at Kendrick Lamar on the song “7 Minute Drill.” Though not explicitly saying “I’m sorry,” many fans view Cole’s speech at the 2024 Dreamville Festival as an apology to Lamar. During the festival, Cole expressed remorse for using his new album to retaliate against Lamar’s shots at the “Big 3” on “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin.
After praising Lamar as “one of the greatest,” Cole called his own diss track the “lamest” and “goofiest” thing he’s ever done. He begged fans for forgiveness, admitting the past few days felt “terrible,” and invited Lamar to “take your best shot” in response, vowing to “take that s**t on the chin.” Cole’s unexpected humility led to the song’s removal from streaming services, highlighting the humbling power of rap apologies.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 10: Rapper Soulja Boy is seen backstage during his SouljaWorld tour at Buckhead Theatre on September 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Soulja Boy found himself in hot water and forced to apologize after releasing the song “Let’s Be Real” in 2011 with lyrics that were deemed anti-patriotic towards the U.S. Army. The controversial lines “F–k the FBI and the army troops/B—h, fighting for what? Be your own man” sparked backlash, leading to reports that military stores would not carry his new record.
Soulja Boy expressed remorse in a blog post on Global Grind, stating, “When I expressed my frustration with the U.S. Army, not only did my words come out wrong, I was wrong to even speak them.” He explained he was venting frustrations about the economy and constant wars of the post-9/11 era, questioning, “What if we had never gone to war?” Despite being no stranger to controversy, the rapper’s lyrics prompted an apology to the troops some felt he had disrespected.
Cam’ron
In April 2007, Cam’ron sparked outrage during a 60 Minutes interview with Anderson Cooper when he stated he wouldn’t snitch even if a serial killer lived next door, affirming the “Stop Snitchin’” mentality. Four days later, the rapper issued an apology, saying, “I in no way was intending to be malicious or harmful. I apologize deeply for this error in judgment.” Despite not excusing his remarks, Cam’ron explained that he was venting frustrations about criminal injustice in inner cities while acknowledging that his remarks might offend victims and those who risk their lives to protect them.
The Jewish people I know are very wise with there money so that’s why I said we been gettin Jewish money I never thought anyone would take offense I’m sorry if I offended everybody never my intention I love all people
An apology from the rapper 21 Savage arrived during the 2018 holidays for controversial song lyrics that struck some as lacking goodwill and understanding. The rapper faced backlash for “ASMR” from his album, i am > i was. The lyrics, “We been gettin’ that Jewish money, everything is Kosher,” led the rapper to issue an apology for what many considered bigoted and offensive toward the Jewish community. 21 Savage took to Twitter on Christmas Eve to express remorse for offending the Jewish community with lyrics that also drew criticism when quoted by NBA star Lebron James. Savage stated that this particular bar was intended as a compliment about financial wisdom, not an offense.
In 2018, Lil Pump adopted a similar approach when addressing backlash to his song “Butterfly Doors,” in which he made derogatory remarks about the Asian community while mimicking stereotypical eye gestures. Facing mounting pressure from critics like Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina, the rapper posted an Instagram apology on Christmas day, stating he meant no harm and has Asian friends, pleading, “It’s all love.”
In 2020, Doja Cat addressed past insensitive remarks on social media regarding rumors that she had used racist language in various white supremacist chat rooms. She stated, “I want to address what’s been happening on Twitter.” She acknowledged using public chat rooms since childhood but clarified, “I personally have never been involved in any racist conversations. I’m sorry to anyone I offended.”
Referring to surfaced clips of her in “racist misogynistic” chat rooms that led to #DojaIsOverParty trending, the rapper affirmed “I’m a Black woman. Half of my family is Black from South Africa and I’m very proud of where I come from.” She added, “I love you all and I’m sorry for upsetting or hurting any of you. That’s not my character and I’m determined to show that to everybody moving forward.”
Lil Mama
At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, an unexpected and bizarre incident overshadowed the highly-anticipated performance of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ hit song “Empire State Of Mind.” As the iconic duo delivered the show-closing rendition, celebrating their New York roots, an uninvited guest joined them on stage. Lil Mama, a then-rising rapper known for her single “Lip Gloss,” unexpectedly crashed the performance, running up alongside the two superstars.
Jay-Z had swiftly signaled for Lil Mama to exit the stage. However, the young artist remained defiant. She struck a B-girl stance as the headliners concluded their powerful tribute to the Big Apple. The following day, Lil Mama attempted to explain her actions. She offered an apology in a statement to MTV. “I did not mean any disrespect towards Jay-Z or Alicia Keys. I admire them and look up to them as role models,” she expressed. “‘Empire State of Mind’ had my emotions running high. In that moment, I came up onstage to celebrate my two icons singing about NY.”
Lil Nas X addressed backlash over his religion-themed single “J Christ” in a video. He apologized for a TikTok where he consumed communion elements dressed as Jesus. This drew criticism from artists like Lecrae for perceived mockery of Christianity. Though saying “I’m not an evil demon trying to destroy someone’s values,” Nas admitted “I messed up severely,” and the controversy took a “psychological toll.”
He apologized for going “excessive” with the promotional visuals but he defended portraying Jesus, noting others have done the same. The eye-catching “J Christ” video depicts Biblical scenes. It hints at a continued exploration of LGBTQ and religious themes on Nas X’s upcoming album. This follows his debut Montero album, which sparked both praise and backlash.
Ye (Kanye West)
The outspoken and controversial rapper Ye has frequently found himself in situations where he’s had to apologize for his brash statements. Given his tendency for bold and provocative remarks, it’s almost inevitable that he would offend or upset various individuals and groups along the way. In the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Katrina disaster in 2005, Ye made headlines when he bluntly declared on live television that “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people.”
This comment sparked significant backlash and controversy. In 2010, during an interview on the Today show, Kanye expressed regret for his charged remark, stating, “I would tell George Bush, in my moment of intense frustration, I did not have valid grounds to label him a racist. In highly emotional situations like that, we as human beings sometimes fail to choose our words wisely.”
During another incident, an inebriated Ye interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards. “Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish,” he remarked, “but Beyoncé had one of the greatest videos ever. Of all time!” Shortly after being escorted out, the rapper offered an all-caps apology to his blog.
“I’m sooooo sorry to Taylor Swift, her fans, and her mother,” Ye penned in his apology. “I spoke to her mom right after, and she said the same thing mine would’ve said. She is extremely talented!” Later, in 2016, Ye released “Famous,” rapping, “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/ Why? I made that chick famous.” This ignited further drama between the two and Ye’s then-wife Kim Kardashian over whether Swift approved the line, rendering that initial apology from the rapper a distant memory.
The Game
In the wake of a tumultuous and public falling out that involved traded insults and diss tracks, Game’s association with G-Unit, Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records appeared irreparably damaged. However, in June 2009, he reached out and extended an apology to his former mentor, 50 Cent. During an interview with MTV, Game stated, “For 50, I’m just gonna apologize to him, just as a man. It has nothing to do with music, or beef, or nothing like that. It ain’t about being the bigger man. He can take it and say, Game is apologizing, Game’s a sucka, he’s apologizing. I’m apologizing for me to him, to [Dr.] Dre, to Jimmy Iovine, to Eminem, to all the fans.”
Kid Cudi
In a heated incident during a December 2009 performance at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom, rapper Kid Cudi reacted impulsively after an object thrown from the audience struck him. Amidst the chaos, Cudi leaped off the stage and lashed out. He punched an unsuspecting concertgoer, Michael Sharpe, in the face, despite Sharpe’s lack of involvement in the initial provocation.
Months later, in February 2010, Sharpe spoke to TMZ, revealing that Kid Cudi had reached out to extend an apology and offer a conciliatory gesture – an all-expenses-paid weekend trip to New York City. The olive branch didn’t end there. In June of that year, during Kid Cudi’s set at the Sasquatch Music Festival in Washington state, he brought Sharpe on stage and acknowledged the unfortunate Vancouver incident to the crowd. Cudi stated, “Remember that kid I punched in Vancouver? This is him. I’ve brought him here to hang out. It’s all good now; he’s forgiven me.”
Kid Cudi is a cyborg now. At least, that what he said on Twitter (not “X”) as he shared post-op photos from his recent surgery after injuring himself at Coachella last month. The Cleveland rapper now has a lot of metal screws in his foot after breaking his foot onstage, and he has the x-rays to prove it.
“Got my boot,” he wrote in post sharing the photos. “The road to recovery has begun. Heres some xrays after the surgery, I wanted yall to see how real this shit was. Im a cyborg now!”
Got my boot! The road to recovery has begun. Heres some xrays after the surgery, I wanted yall to see how real this shit was. Im a cyborg now pic.twitter.com/OcCra8ivwY
Cudi’s foot now contains what looks like four screws and four pins bracing his heel, and he’ll probably have to wear that boot for a while. Although he had hoped to be up and about in time for his Insano tour, initially telling fans, “Not canceling anything just yet,” he was later forced to cancel it entirely.
“We have to cancel the tour so I can focus on getting better to be out there in top shape to rage with you all,” he posted late last month. “Theres just no way I can bounce back in time to give 100%. The injury is much more serious than I thought.”
loved seeing you on screen @KiDCuDi !
pic.twitter.com/tB9LCimKQI
(@jayvanegas) August 3, 2024
(@DonnieBlaq) August 3, 2024
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(@MalwareHomie) August 3, 2024
im not slowin down anytime soon. Im inspired. Turnin 40 flipped a switch in my mind and heart. The focus is crazy. Lets see whatelse I can accomplish w this magic 
ATTENTION: ANNOUNCEMENT 
