Nick Cannon is one of the hardest-working businessmen in the entertainment industry today and does not plan to slow down anytime soon. The actor, producer, rapper, and TV show host is back with season 21 of “Wild ‘N Out,” the longest-running sketch-comedy show on cable television. “It's an honor. Most successful shows only go five seasons… seven at best. So for us to be 21 is really cool,” Cannon says. 

This new season, which is called “21 and Up!” features a fresh new school cast. It’s the OGs versus the newbies. Cannon is the captain of the Old School Squad, while the New School Squad showcases the next generation of comedic superstars. He promises more of the high-energy, hilarious games that fans love, along with some thrilling and unexpected new challenges, as the two squads battle each episode to see who takes the coveted comedy championship belt. “This is all about the younger talent, the ones that are emerging. We are going up,” Cannon adds.

With this milestone season, the San Diego native continues to pass the torch and provide a ground for more up-and-coming acts to take their careers to the next level. When asked what keeps him going, he says, “I mean, giving other people opportunities, having a fresh platform to watch people thrive in their gifts is just kinda dope,” he tells BET. “One of my gifts is to see others' gifts and, you know, and hopefully be a conduit and help them cultivate what it takes to kinda make it in this game. As they say, one candle can light up every candle in the room… one light at a time. So, I honestly just feel like that's the blessing that God has given me to be influential and a conduit to many others.”

This season’s Old School team features a group of veteran favorites like DC Young Fly, Pretty Vee, Chico Bean, DJ D-Wrek, B. Simone, Justina Valentine, Hitman Holla, and Conceited, just to name a few. In the other corner, representing the New School Squad, are talents of the newer generation, including Vinny Guadagnino, Mojo Brookzz, Rynia Kando, Joey Dardano, Sydney Duncan, Frak, and more.

The first ten episodes will also feature a roster of celebrity guests, including NLE Choppa, Shenseea, Tami Roman, Mariah the Scientist, Tasha K, SWV, Gillie Da King & Wallo267, Trick Daddy, Saucy Santana, Flau’jae, and more.

Notable alums include Kevin Hart, Katt Williams, Deon Cole, Corey Holcomb, Brandon T. Jackson, Luenell, Affion Crockett, DeRay Davis, Michael Blackson, Randall Park, and Natasha Rothwell. Mikey Day, Taran Killam, and Pete Davidson have even made the crossover to SNL following their stint on “Wild ‘N Out.” Cannon hints that he may have these stars come back for season 25. “I think maybe I'll stop around 25. That feels about right,” he says. “We're coming up on 20 years, and by the time we get to season 25, we should have over 500 episodes. And maybe that might be the time to be like, ‘Alright, at least we did we did a quarter of a century of “Wild ‘N Out.”

The 43-year-old adds that he wouldn’t mind passing the brand on to someone else to lead. “If I feel like the brand has the ability to thrive in that manner, I would. But, as long as I can get on stage and rock, I'll probably continue to keep it going,” he says. 

In addition to everything he’s been working on, Cannon announces that he will be taking the “Wild ‘N Out” tour to Africa by the end of this year. “That's pretty big, you know, just doing the tour over there and hopefully even launching “Wild ‘N Out” Africa is something that is super exciting… to just see all of the talent in the motherland. We're going to South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and a few other spots as well. We’re hitting about six or seven countries,” he says. 

Cannon expresses his excitement for the future of the show and gives the best advice for someone trying to be as successful as he is. “Do it,” he begins. “Be better than me. The tools and the essentials that are available to this new generation are amazing. So, knowing that you gotta take it further than I took it because I didn't have all the things that are available currently. Stick with the plan. You gotta have a plan, and a vision without a plan is just a hallucination. So you don't wanna just be sitting around dreaming. You gotta wake up and get it done.”