Calmatic, born Charles Kidd II in 1987, is a filmmaker and artist from South Central Los Angeles who is making waves with his visionary work across music videos, commercials, and feature films. His latest acclaimed project is the music video for Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” released on November 25, 2024. This marks another collaboration in a long creative partnership with Lamar, which includes videos for “Rich Spirit” (2022) and “Cut You Off” (2010).
Highlights of Calmatic’s Career:
Music Videos:
- Kendrick Lamar – “Squabble Up” (2024)
- Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road” (2019): This genre-blending viral hit earned Calmatic widespread recognition.
- Anderson .Paak – “Bubblin” (2018): A surreal, high-energy visual narrative.
- The Rolling Stones – “Mess It Up” (2023): Showcased his ability to blend classic rock aesthetics with modern storytelling.
- Pharrell Williams ft. Jay-Z – “Entrepreneur” (2020): A powerful and socially conscious piece.
Feature Films:
- House Party (2023): A reimagining of the classic 1990 comedy.
- White Men Can’t Jump (2023): A fresh take on the beloved 1992 sports comedy.
Commercial Work:
- TurboTax’s 2020 Super Bowl commercial, “All People Are Tax People,” won him Ad Age’s “Director of the Year” award.
- Collaborated with brands like Apple, Sprite, Target, McDonald’s, and Mountain Dew.
Collaborations:
He’s worked with top-tier artists and influencers, including Issa Rae, LeBron James, pgLang, Cash App, and countless NBA All-Stars.
Calmatic’s work reflects his deep understanding of pop culture, music, and visual storytelling. Whether reshaping iconic films or creating genre-defining music videos, his creativity continues to resonate across mediums.
