Music

Kid Cudi Done With Features 'Unless It Happens Organically' After Past Collaborators 'Went Ghost'

The rapper/actor says he's worked with artists he hasn't spoken to "in years."

Kid Cudi at the "Happy Gilmore 2" New York Premiere held at Jazz at Lincoln Center on July 21, 2025 in New York, New York.
John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Don't expect featured artists on Kid Cudi's eleventh solo album, Free.

Before the album's August 22 release date, on Friday (August 1), the rapper-actor posted on X about not having collaborators on it.

"No features, just me. I think im over features unless it happens organically," Cudi wrote.

"Theres people ive had on my albums that i havent talked to in years," he continued. "Didnt promote the album, just went ghost. Makes me feel weird. So w this one, I was like, fuck that. I dont need anyone else on this one."

The Entergalactic star added that he's "enough" to keep listeners "engaged."

"Some people need features. Not me," he concluded.

Last month, the artist removed Young Thug from INSANO track "RAGER BOYZ" not long after the Atlanta rapper referred to Cudi as a "rat." Months before, Cudi testified in Diddy's sex trafficking and racketeering trial, mainly discussing his short-lived relationship with the music executive's ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Prosecutors accused Diddy of breaking into Cudi's home and being behind his car being set ablaze, both of which the media mogul denied.

Instead of having collaborators on Free, Cudi will tap into the concept of 1998 surrealist comedy The Truman Show, citing protagonist Truman Burbank (played by Jim Carrey) as an inspiration.

"So the concept of me leaping into the clouds made so much sense," Cudi wrote in an Instagram caption last month. "Inspired by The Truman Show. I cant WAIT for u guys to hear this album and really see the album art brought to life. You're in for a beautiful ride. Promise 😉🙏🏾❤️‍🔥😌🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥"

ComplexCon returns to Las Vegas on October 25–26, 2025, with over 300 brands and live performances by Young Thug, YEAT & Friends, Peso Pluma, Central Cee, Ken Carson, and more. Get your tickets now.

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