On the ambitious Entergalactic project, rapper
Kid Cudi
not only wrote and starred in his own film, he also crafted a worthy soundtrack of the same name. Technically his eighth studio album,
Entergalactic
features all of
Cudi
's familiar calling cards -- melodic humming, sing-rap delivery, and trippy atmospherics -- which makes the effort enjoyable on its own. However, stopping at just the album would be a disservice to the movie, a visually striking romantic comedy that amplifies this music with its charm and endearing warmth (with plenty of background Easter eggs for the
diehards). Paired with the highly stylized animation and outer space scene-scapes that pull viewers in and out of modern-day Manhattan,
is one of
'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"). In addition to
, the set also features
Don Toliver
("Somewhere to Fly" and "Burrow" with
Steve Aoki
) and
Ty Dolla $ign
(whose animated character Ky bears quite a resemblance to the real-life musician). While viewing the movie isn't required, it's highly recommended, if only to experience the full scope of what
has accomplished here.
is a late-era gem in his catalog, a multimedia gift to fans that expands his artistic scope and bodes well for more projects outside the confines of music. ~ Neil Z. Yeung