Film The rapper called his forthcoming film, "JEAN," a “love letter” to the late artist and ’80s New York in his announcement on October 21.

October 23, 2026 — 2 min read

Left: American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–88), c. 1985 (photo Rose Hartman via Getty Images); right: Kid Cudi in 2025 (photo Alan Chapman/Dave Benett via Getty Images)

American rapper Kid Cudi took to Instagram this week to announce his hand in writing, directing, and starring in the forthcoming project JEAN, a biopic of late contemporary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Cudi called the film a “love letter to Jean, the 80s and NY city,” and said that production is set to begin next year.

Cudi added that he will portray Basquiat, stating that the late artist has served as an inspiration to his career throughout, and that it'll be the “biggest honor to tell his story in a way we haven't seen before.”

“This one im so proud of and excited about,” Cudi wrote in the caption accompanying the mockup promotional poster and several…