Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats Talk Making of ‘Unlocked’ and Quiz Each Other

The unlikely duo sits down at the Complex studios to talk the journey of making 'Unlocked,' crafting a fake rap beef and quizzing each other to find the surprising truth about who knows who best.
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COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.

[@silaee]

Remember, this isn't them, these are their clones, the real ones are stuck inside Kenny's computer

[@treyshawnbeats]

wtf lol

[@apollospyrol7168]

Damn they leaked their tape then stole their bodies😢

[@jacobtrimble2652]

They clones yea

[@silasdoku8654]

Thx for the reminder lol 💀

[@xquavius]

Can't wait for the sequel where they comeback and get their bodies back lol hopefully

[@KikoCorreiaAnimation]

"I cook eggs fr." - Kenny Beats

[@frmad9329]

i’m hungry as shit

[@z39836]

bars 🔥🔥🔥

[@4dhyperglizzy174]

Mr. beats

[@Slame333]

“Zeltron’s not a project.” “Nah that’s me.” “That’s just a person.” “That’s just me.”

[@sherman8r1998]

Pretty crazy kenny doesnt know Imperial or Taboo lol

[@jjfossum113]

Childish gambino da goat

[@SushilowG]

Lmao just read this while they were saying it

[@rodrick9876]

chubbyurma FLOCKA

[@idk9276]

@@sherman8r1998 He’s prolly heard them but he has to listen to so much music it just didn’t pop in his head lol

[@devante_topdawg491]

UNLOCKED! is a good ass project, Denzel and Kenny are legends

[@cjlabrador6772]

it brings that Old school vibe and mix it with the new school beats ! its so perfect

[@yungtortillachips]

@@cjlabrador6772 I know right. It also has a chaotic and cosmic feeling around it I love it

[@flukeshot4562]

I'm just excited that there's going to be a part 2 to UNLOCKED!

[@hexcrystal8540]

Anonymous Plankton there is

[@br9760]

More like another episode.

[@isaiahglaser6297]

SO FREAKING PUMPEDDDDD

[@lrios310]

Nothing yet and it’s 2023

[@differentbutsimilar7893]

"We took a little book out" pauses "...couple peoples pages." I love how he stopped to reflect for a moment before just owning it like "Yep, that's what I meant to say."

[@linc3152]

Bruh 💀 I didn’t even notice that

[@highonyoumusic]

hahaha i knew there was something off about that sentence but didn't quite catch it

[@emerica0102]

that was the best part! I know my high ass has done the same shit so many times!

[@differentbutsimilar7893]

@@emerica0102 Haha, I was high at the time and I think that's why it jumped out at me. I felt a psychic link with him when he paused and put his hand on his knee. I FELT it. I know every thought that went through his head in that moment. Like, "OHHHH he knows..." I've definitely been there and had that whole dialogue of "Well, shit... just play it off..." and then tried to act like whatever I'm halfway done fumbling through isn't totally awkward for everyone. Zel's a real one though, going right along with it like "Yes, I agree, we took a couple of books from their pages, as depicted by my man Kenny, here." That's a friend. He's totally that guy keeping things going smooth when you're tryin to chat up that girl at the party who's at least 2 notches above you on the attractiveness scale. Just acting like every weird thing that happens is actually totally straight.

[@differentbutsimilar7893]

@chubbyurma Kinda is. They took something you could only make a poem with and wrote two whole books. Pullin out the deeper cuts.

[@ItsMylo]

The beat went to Young Thug btw, said it on Sway in the morning lmao

[@michealomuiri2642]

Mylo do you know what song ?

[@cam62cam811]

Prolly was that song that Thug previewed on his IG . I remember Kenny posting the vid before he took it down .

[@ItsMylo]

@@michealomuiri2642 Not sure what song, I don't listen to him

[@genieofthelamp6739]

@Mike Kenny said it on Sway

[@dgayle2348]

Shit I woulda gave it to thugga too fym

[@JCorona408]

“Taking books out of peoples pages.......” - Kenny Beats

[@jambanjuice]

"We took a little book out of a couple of people's pages." - Kenny Beatz, 2020.

[@NateHo11ow]

The man makes books out of everyone else's pages

[@lucusdato]

Sounds like what I do to reach my word count

[@mudkip4633]

Beatz😂😂

[@zo.bot.]

loved listening to denzel explain his influences for the short film

[@chandrashekard.7543]

Zoe Perrin love that he is a uzumaki fan!!

[@Fierymemes]

Lmaoooo Denzel dead ass saved Kenny from pure disaster after Zack’s episode

[@chandrashekard.7543]

adrian I can’t for Zack’s next appearance

[@levik5219]

I got depression

[@vikiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

Shoutout mental illness

[@jakepalmer4690]

Zack probably helped Kenny's career more than it hurt it, that was just a gag

[@Fierymemes]

Jake Palmer I guess

[@rickyy.3735]

NBA PLAYERS: I play ball for real TEACHERS: I teach class for real KENNY: I cook eggs for real

[@bloomingteratoma]

denzel: fuck a pop tart we carry toasters for real

[@hudsonholdich3152]

carti: i’m on em beans for real

[@williammaxwell7544]

I want a podcast of just these two talking about nothing for hours

[@Unkinwndbdudi]

Thatd be gold ☠☠

[@yvngrvdd]

Kenneth instrumentals 👮🏼‍♂️

Police Type Beats

[@frmad9329]

Sargent Beats ✋🏽🤚🏽

[@colinp.5866]

9:11 "what city was I born in?" "Connecticut?" "how do you know me so well? wait thats a state but yeah what city" "Massachusetts?" god i love denzel

[@camilopedrero3169]

5:30 “we took a little book out a couple people’s pages”... now we see why the Officer doesn’t rap

[@fauxshow2256]

Denzel looked so confused by his phrasing lmao

[@ChampionGold]

kenny has never been seen without a hat i know that man hairline atrocious

[@ra-kr7xz]

ChampionGold lmfaooooo

[@samylemzaoui2298]

Thank you now i'll never look at him the same

[@tropicus5917]

Or theres none

[@reynaldygabriel1304]

Oh boy do i got news for you

[@tropicus5917]

@@reynaldygabriel1304 link ???

[@charleswheeler6291]

I’m not a musician or a producer but Denzel Curry seems like the best person to work with. Just so efficient but sincere. Watching him and Kenny was like watching old videos of Jay Z making music.

[@CeLautrec618]

After learning about Kenny, he's been my favorite producer hands down. He makes good shit. Denzel is also one of my favorite rappers to so unlocked was amazing

[@ydiesel2214]

I love how Kenny takes such pride in his egg cooking skills! These two are so funny XD

[@clementinelives]

He fr cook eggs, that explication made me hungry asf

[@sambkingmusic]

"We took a little book out a couple people's pages"

[@allblackdraco6499]

Kenny: I guess this is the end buddy your were always a brother to me denzel: coughs * Kenny: u don't have to say it bro I love you too denzel: I don't have to say it Kenny this is all ur fault! best animation ever!

[@raul9562]

Denzel: I don't name names Kenny: Young Thug

[@chawsae]

As soon as I saw these 2 “beef” I knew it was marketing. I know Denzel and I know Kenny. 2 smart down to earth people RARELY beef in public like that. I was just waiting for the music 😂😂

[@Marky2nice]

What did Denzel do that made him get interrogated by this detective?

[@bameyer02]

Didn’t hear about officer Kenny’s promotion! Congrats Detective Beats!

[@Chris-dy1cb]

Kenneth instrumentals is the law enforcement

[@Dr.Duck22]

Denzel know all the stuff about Kenny because when he had beef be was studying his shit _know thy enemy_

[@BeIlG]

Denzel Curry really is so dang smart! I have so much respect for him and his art! amazing!

[@SmokinKlocks]

Kenny so ashamed of the whole LOUDPVCK affiliations 😂😂

[@htb123times]

Dick Hertz lmaooo idk why loudpvck was dope at the time

[@SmokinKlocks]

Otis Grove ya 2014-2015 they were getting those bookings up for sure. Along with CAKED UP , etc

[@gilly666]

He should be proud. LOUDPVCK was HVRD and pretty revolutionary at the time. Def an important part of his evolution as a producer. Incredibly happy for him and where he's gone/going now!

[@wesbesttreacts4515]

I’m going to hell, I thought the thumbnail was a much dank edit

[@joeblast8004]

Bitch, you beat me to it!

[@othelliusmaximus]

Now it needs to happen

[@anguishingquark]

Wes best So much material here it’s gotta be a video

[@-.-1724]

can‘t unsee it now

[@shrimpscampin]

Im dead lmfao

[@Dappis]

The synergy these two have in and outside projects is great, can't wait for Unlocked 2 that shit will go hard.

[@noelsnofall2263]

"I cook eggs for real" yo he ain't lying, he serious and you better watch yourself

[@ulety4145]

"we took a little book out a couple people's pages" - kennybeats, 2020

[@DAYDAYBEATZ]

Ulety ^stick to the beats Kenny lol

[@MurakumoBan]

Denzel definitely a hero to me man I wish I could hang out with this dude for one day and just talk about all kinds of shit. Anime, video games, real shit, anything. This dude is definitely one of my favorite artists around, smart ass dude too bruh.

[@firebagel2936]

I feel this heavy bro. Denzel my fav rapper. Been listening to MMESYF non stop

[@MurakumoBan]

@@firebagel2936 He's just quite literally the fuckin goat. I've always loved this guy, I don't think he gets enough credit for a lot of shit. I can understand if some things he say does not hit strongly compared to some other rappers like Kendrick or whatever but he still know what he's talking about and explaining his own experiences and stories. Look, at the end of the day, Denzel got my vote. I pray he just stay on the right path and don't do dumb shit but he ain't a dumb mf so

[@AlexM-fq5nb]

9:23 Kenny Beats is the police confirmed

[@Snulrich]

Shout out Frank Prisinzano on the crispy eggs. If you know you know

[@mistergonzom]

great chemistry together, keep them projects coming :DD

[@javiervalencia4699]

mr curry and mr beats are an amazing duo

[@WogansNotDead]

Man, Denzel is a genius! Love his work from day 1, and he's only getting better.

[@shadowshudder]

aw man, hyped to hear that they're dropped an episode 2

[@tonyjackson1351]

Why does “we took books out of a couple ppl pages” make sense 🔥

[@StrawhatTerry]

Tony Jackson they took more info than what was given to them

[@yaboi3339]

denzel is a rappers fav rapper, and kenny is a producers fav producer. straight legends.

[@Kujinomics]

"it's not about the song, it's about the banter" exactly why i love The Cave, all the discussions before the freestyle are usually so funny or interesting. it's a fucking great show.

[@waxtalk1841]

I mean . . . Unlocked is album of the year so far

[@brettrainville6943]

Emmett Milberg tame impala. pouya and lootaveli greatest hits. $uicide boys new album is dope too. 😴😴🤘🤘🎶🎶🎶

[@Dreqsa]

Royce Da 5’9” is leading the year so far..

[@alexbell7460]

Stop it

[@newyorkisawesome99]

@@brettrainville6943 the suicide album is doo doo and that's coming from a fan... Get real dude

[@STAVROS1801]

pretty easily the best Rap Project so far.. lets see them follow up

[@nedeggert4290]

5:33 “we took a book out of other people’s pages” is that an accident or the deepest shit I’ve ever heard

[@dirtydugway]

Thank you for using my beat for the intro!! I love you guys. It’s an honor

[@anthonydapruzzo8524]

Denzel’s passion for music and storytelling is unmatched.

[@namymany]

9:06 The way Denzel said February sent me 🤣

[@bengrabowski8574]

“That was the only episode that felt like it was a real song” Release it then you wont

[@Izxxc]

When they come out with their ep 2 they finna actually fight to get the hype up

[@fshstksmoneybags5086]

I really loved that film

[@gabrielbarroso8659]

Cowboy bebop and samurai champloo are some of my favorite anime of all time. The fact that these influenced Cosmic is so dope and it shows.

[@prodbybeerboi5773]

"I cook eggs fr"😂

[@stampboel9535]

Great Video!

[@digitalfroot]

love these dudes

[@swosels]

Denzel is such a weeb 😂

[@jonn8911]

Swøsels lmao

[@jesse3220]

yeeeee that's why I like him a lot 😂

[@shoomert]

blue txsla That’s what he means. No one uses weeb in the correct way lol

[@AstaIsAMonster]

Glad we are getting UNLOCKED Part 2 because part 1 was insane🤯🔥🔥 14:21

[@kungfupandaluver6919]

these two are really inspiring

[@lonenexus959]

Kenny and Denzel have the best chemistry in every category change my mind

[@Good_Comms]

No seriously I had 10 minutes to kill before my class and I was like “y’know what let me tune in to Kenny making a couple beats this morning” it’s chill for a minute or two and he’s just talking then boom denzel’s in here an Kenny’s wondering what’s wrong what’s what’s wrong. Live stream ends and I go to twitter and see the tweets. I know everyone loves Kenny and he’s not someone who really wants beef, but the stream and tweets made me pay attention to what they were up to for the rest of the day

[@officialconch]

Yoooo I was at 3:34 when my Uber driver started getting in the left lane! On some computer simulation, matrix shit!

[@wlf-hly]

conch . I was at 3:34 when I read ur comment Lmaoo wtf

[@bhumazi]

Wlf_Hly YOOO TF MEE TOO

[@stevendavis7821]

Wholesome AF

[@pretzil16]

They hyped it up perfectly, really smart marketing and they knew what it’d take to get an odd length video - album thing to take off

[@NATE1717BALLIN]

This project is so fire

[@tomaszg7512]

So happy Kenny is getting some serious credits!!! So much talent, so deserved

[@nateooo101]

We need part 2

[@karstdeviz3858]

hell yeah episode 2

[@Shonzzzzz]

Need This Sequel

[@bajenbilly]

One of my favorite duos since madvillainy, dope ass chemestry

[@sheckbazeng4480]

That project was ULTIMATE DOPENESS

[@newportmami]

so wholesome

[@UnityFT4]

Two of the most iconic ppl of this generation 😖🔒

[@LittleFilip]

hahaha I loled when they put the sirens on after greenwich. yuppie lil town

[@brandonjustis]

Kenny knows what's up with the cereal. Personally, my favorite is the Fruit and Yogurt one, which doesn't even compare with anything else. The chocolate one is pretty good, but the Fruit and Yogurt is to die for.

[@bluepublishingco]

great duo.

[@ermackoresh6282]

It's adorable that Key is Kenny's fav rapper

[@eatyomuffin8276]

the whole album was fire, all the animations were fucking fire and this duo is straight fuckin magma

[@worldtec9098]

just listened to Strictly 4 My R.V.I.D.X.R.Z. this man has been making bangers since he was 16

[@succler6235]

worldtec Drogas🔥🔥🔥

[@plasmadrip4633]

Ooooo lawd I am hyped! Unlocked 2 bruh?!

[@payden101]

Seeing Kenny get excited about special k made my day

[@willrocksize]

Part 2!

[@CRAETION_]

Unlocked part 2? fuck yes

[@tylerthegiraffe]

Denzel in god mode it’s outrageous Bars so hard my raps feel like cages Customize Bruce lee kicks they all Asian Sweat shops in Vietnam I’m so racist My favorite cave episode i listen to it religiously

[@ilyaasnajee-ullah4595]

Tyler I'm just over here like wait seriously??? Oh wait probably just Curiously🤔

[@BarneyDaDino228]

Jeedy weedys

[@talonbartley7850]

I knew literally every question about dc

[@EpicGammingCrew]

I’d gladly take three more seasons of this duo

[@YeuYou]

This background is beautiful

[@alecvazquez4716]

That chocolate special K be hitting, on god

[@krxwn1137]

They’re my favourite duo now 😅

[@ksteinerable]

The echo effect on “busts” had me dying

[@mort7987]

I want someone to look at me like Denzel looks at Kenny when he's explaining how to properly cook eggs

[@DiazShiest]

I just wanna kick it with these two. I bet I could make a sick track if we just got lit and hit the studio. 1 day.

[@Sognik]

I swear Denzel be staring in my soul sometimes

[@Euf1tex]

Denzel really seems like a chill dude tho

[@amoghtoofye877]

Damn he turned into Kenny Eats in the intro

[@Ckproduction03]

He really rocking the Dominic Fike merch, I cant wait for that album

[@Tomurstupid]

Gnarliest interview 😂

[@LordTreeko]

Bro, when he said it busts, I fuckin died. Immediately.

[@somadd4611]

Dope ass video

[@plakomismark]

After listening to the project for the tenth time and as a musician myself, I want to say that those two are a raw powerhouse of fire. I'm talking fucking Naruto/Sasuke, Luffy/Zorro or Mugen/Jin shonen anime shit tier powerhouse but for hip-hop. Can't wait for episode two ngl.

[@themattissue]

I really hope they work together on another project eventually.

[@stephencroley]

I see Officer Kenny has been watching some Bon Appetit with the egg recipe