Kenya Barris is probably best known for creating ABC blackish which ended after eight seasons earlier this year, and the satirical and somewhat autobiographical comedy #BlackAF . Now the writer-producer is launching a different kind of project with Netflix. entergalactic. The animated television special is the brainchild of Barris and fellow EP, Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi. The production is a strong marriage between the creative sensibility of the two, something that will surely be evident to viewers from the very beginning. Barris, for his part, enjoyed the opportunity to work with the musician and even learned a thing or two from him.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Kenya Barris first entergalacticThe launch of, during which we talked about his collaboration with Kid Cudi. The mega-producer explained that he and Cudi decided to work together, and the former spoke at the college where Barris’ daughter attends. The two got along quite quickly, as Barris explained, adding that the rapper taught him two things, one of which is crucial for anyone looking to create any kind of art:
What I learned from him was the idea of freeing myself. I’m still a huge fan of the voice. I think a voice is the most important thing a creative can have. I don’t care if you are a reporter, I don’t care if you are an investment banker. … I say the idea of how, you can hear a voice and I like it [Kid Cudi] stays true to his voice, you know, and really, you know, sometimes when I have my doubts, or if I was in a moment of doubt, for me it was like trying to harness my voice and try to show it to other young creators that they love to find their voice. So I really learned that from him. I also learned how music, you know, what I say, can improve and build. I’ve always been a huge fan of music in our projects, but with him working on a project focused on music, he built worlds. He helped me build worlds. [, and] it’s something I’ve heard, you know, I’ve really, really, really learned.
Scott Mescudi has certainly proven himself to be one of the most unique musical voices of his generation. The 38-year-old Grammy winner has produced infectious rhythms throughout his career, but has also injected his personal experiences into his art. As Kenya Barris pointed out during our chat, Mescudi hasn’t stopped discussing topics like mental health and self-love through his music. So needless to say the need for speed alum surely you know what it means to free yourself.
World-building is also something that has been an important part of Kenya Barris and Kid Cudi’s work. For the former, just look at his work with blackish. In the years since the show premiered, Barris has created two spin-off series, adult Yes mixed. Meanwhile, Cudi helped build a cinematic world. through X horror franchise , which so far has really impressed viewers. And the shared desire of Barris and Cudi to develop imaginary worlds truly permeates their new collaboration.
entergalactic centers on Jabari (voiced by Scott Mescudi), a young street artist who is adapting to his new job at a comic book company while wondering if he has room for romance. Although initially skeptical of such an idea, everything changes when he meets his new neighbor, Meadow (Jessica Williams). Although the special (which was conceived as a TV show) only lasts about 90 minutes, it shows a world fully formed and full of captivating characters.
Considering how much Kenya Barris and Kid Cudi enjoyed this collaboration, it wouldn’t be surprising if they reunited for another one in the future. Their current collaboration could be fruitful in many ways, although it feels like Barris is particularly happy at this point with how this joint effort has helped him grow as a creative.
entergalactic raw (opens in a new tab) 30 September as part of the TV program 2022 so make sure you have one netflix subscription so you can check it.
Source: Cinemablend
