in february, labeouf made his music video directorial debut, directing the video for "i never knew you", a single by american rapper cage, from his third album "depart from me" (2009). it was shot in los angeles and features several cameo appearances from cage's definitive jux label-mates. it was also announced the two would be teaming up to make a biopic about the rapper's life, starring labeouf. when speaking on the making of the video, labeouf said: "i'm 22 and i'm directing my favorite rapper's music video. this shit is better than riding unicorns." through cage, labeouf met kid cudi. all three of them have formed a friendship and continued to work together. labeouf later worked with cudi and cage on a short film inspired by their collaborative "maniac", from cudi's second album "" (2010). aside from directing the short film, which was titled "maniac" (2011), labeouf directed the music video for kid cudi's song "marijuana", which he filmed at the 2010 cannabis cup.