From his chart-topping return album Utopia to his earth-shaking supporting tour, Travis is back on top. Today (October 15), the 2024 BET Hip-Hop Awards crowned that impressive feat by awarding Travis Scott the I Am Hip Hop Award.
However, not everyone is pleased with Travis being honored. During his speech, Travis Scott addressed the naysayers and early career critics. “I can from this generation where they considered us nowhere near hip-hop,” he said. “And everyday I try to push the sound as a producer. Nobody knew what the f*ck I was trying to do [in the beginning]. But I always had this idea and vision…still to this day. Just to take the sound to the next level.”
That criticism is far from over. When Travis was announced as this year’s recipient, users online questioned the decision. However, in the caption of the announcement post (viewable here), BET seemingly replied to the pushback, writing: “From Astroworld vibes to breaking records with legendary tracks while making every stage feel like a movie, Travis truly embodies the culture. This award ain’t just a trophy; it’s a salute to his undeniable influence, hustle, and the way he keeps the game on ‘Sicko Mode’!”
Watch Travis Scott’s full I Am Hip Hop Award acceptance speech above.
Newer Travis Scott fans are in for a treat from earlier in his discography this Friday (August 23), but for the rest of us… this isn’t our first rodeo. La Flame will drop his 2014 mixtape Days Before Rodeo on digital streaming platforms for the first time this week, celebrating its tenth anniversary and teasing the inclusion of more tracks from that era’s vault. All this excitement around this re-release led many die-hards to look back at the DBR days quite fondly. The project has some of this catalog’s most beloved tracks to this day, and as its title suggests, it proved crucial to the development and massive success of its successor, the 2015 studio album Rodeo.
As such, we’re taking a look today at just five of Travis Scott’s songs on Days Before Rodeo that paved the way for what he achieved on Rodeo, although you could say that about the whole mixtape. Of course, there’s a very specific and connected lineage to highlight: DBR owes much of its identity to the Houston superstar’s first tape, 2013’s Owl Pharaoh. Thus, Rodeo is an even more extended development of many of those original ideas. But when it comes to rapping performances, production styles, and the psychedelic aesthetics that Travis is so renowned for today, DBR is what really started to nurture these key elements of his discography and artistry. His 2015 album sent these elements into the stratosphere of mainstream hip-hop. But these five tracks, in no particular order, are what made them compelling in the first place.
“The Prayer”
Ever since this intro track kicked off Days Before Rodeo, Travis Scott has had an undeniable penchant for amazing opening cuts. “The Prayer” sets up this precedent instrumentally with cinematic organs, string arrangements, regal keys, sharp percussion, and a disorienting but intoxicating outro. His performance, unencumbered by Owl Pharoah‘s pitched-down vocal doubling, also points to more clear and cold-blooded verses on his 2015 studio album. Perhaps most importantly, this record also parallels many of the thematic and structural opening motifs of Rodeo‘s opener, “Pornography.” “The Prayer” opens with the following line: “Midnight awaking, hyper ventilating / Drunk laps running around the globe, wild goose chasing / After three number one albums, would’ve thought I’d feel amazing.” It previews the hedonistic but ambitious concept behind Rodeo before refining his vivid picture-painting even more on that LP.
However, one of the best things about Rodeo isn’t just its loosely assembled but nevertheless compelling subject matter. It’s also full of absolute ragers, and before “Antidote” took over the rap world, “Mamacita” proved for the first time how far Travis Scott could go. It’s by no means his first big commercial and cultural “banger,” as the star-studded “Upper Echelon” landed on Owl Pharaoh. But where that 2013 track chose to be bombastic and overblown, this Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug collab meld that moshpit mentality with the darker, woozier, and more nocturnal vibes that Rodeo would fully embody a year later. This is thanks to Metro Boomin’s striking sample flip of an electric guitar line, atmospheric synth pads, and tough-as-nails drums and bass. If that isn’t enough for you, then look at how Cactus Jack continues to electrify crowds with this anthem to this day.
Speaking of collabs, this Days Before Rodeo cut is actually not one of the best on the mixtape, but it’s most certainly one of its most important. For starters, this kickstarts Travis Scott’s crucial collaborative history with Quavo and the Migos. More broadly, it’s a lofty and audacious attempt to meld vintage soul samples, cavernous synth bass, eerie keys, and grand strings together into a cohesive and progressive song that evolves and molds as it goes along. This would prove to be a key songwriting formula for Rodeo tracks like “3500,” “Nightcrawler,” and many more. It’s something that Travis eventually perfected in 2015 and beyond, but better execution down the line doesn’t diminish the weight of “Sloppy Toppy.” Fortunately, he also got much better at picking song titles.
While Rodeo‘s more summery and light moments don’t always see the same retrospective appreciation as its shadowy trap highlights, Travis Scott has always tried to balance out his sonic directions. “Backyard” represents this warmer side on Days Before Rodeo (along with cuts like “Grey”) thanks to a simple but tender sample flip, paired explosively with a crisp snare, live-sounding hi-hats, and a carefree chorus. It would fit well in a playlist with Rodeo‘s “Flying High,” but it’s more directly related to the impressive flow switches, involved verses, and stark drum patterns on a song like “Apple Pie.” That’s another thing: this was one of Travis’ best verses and rapping performances to date back in the day, and Rodeo pushed these lyrical heights even further. Thanks to songs like “Backyard,” people fell in love with him as an MC, not just as an artist.
“Drugs You Should Try It”
Finally, we’d be remiss not to mention Travis Scott’s most iconic song from Days Before Rodeo in many fans’ eyes. When he dropped DBR, this was easily his most personal, intimate, and beautiful song yet, and he’s scarcely replicated its magic since. Rodeo‘s “90210” is the key example of the musical legacy that this classic left behind, as well as that album’s more soft and emotive displays like “Impossible…” Plus electric guitar worship. The simplicity of the instrumental paired with the track’s melodic dominance – and especially its unique vocal delivery – built a new lane for Travis to express himself. In fact, it arguably cemented his auto-crooning style for good, an approach that he’s yet to let go of. While Owl Pharaoh had pretty moments, “Drugs You Should Try It” is the first stroke of genius in Scott’s discography, and it defined his idiosyncrasy and innovation as an artist.
Travis Scott has delivered some phenomenal projects over the years. Overall, his latest Utopia was a solid effort, while Astroworld is the one that made Scott a superstar. However, his true magnum opus is 2015’s Rodeo. This is a project that contains the signature Travis Scott sound. Furthermore, it was jam-packed with a ton of bangers as well as moody cuts that proved to be a staple of nights out in the middle of the decade. Although not everyone is convinced of this album’s greatness, it has a case for being a top 10 album of the 2010s.
Today, Travis Scott is turning 33 years old, which makes it a perfect time to go back to his catalog and think about some of his best work. In fact, today, we are going back to the Rodeoera with a collaboration between Scott, Justin Bieber, and Young Thug. Of course, we are talking about the incredible song “Maria I’m Drunk.” This is a song that Scott fans remember fondly, and it is one of those cuts that has stood the test of time.
The song begins with some moody vocals from Scott, over drugged-out and warped production that fits the aesthetic of the album perfectly. Meanwhile, Bieber and Thug deliver amazing vocal performances that stand out as some of the best on the record. This was quintessential Travis Scott during this era of his career. Fans will likely forever look back fondly on this era, and we hope that Scott some day revisits these sounds.
Let us know what you think of this track, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that this is one of the best songs that Travis Scott has ever come out with? What is your favorite album from him? Do you think Astroworld and Utopia are better? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Quotable Lyrics:
Twelve more hours left for us in a day (Call your friends and let’s get drunk) I’ve been drinkin’ all day, I’ve been floatin’ all day (Ayy, ooh) (Call your friends and let’s get drunk, ayy) Bring your ass over here now You know where, how I stay
Eve, the iconic rapper known as the Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, is set to make her mark at the Houston Rodeo. She will be joining Bun B’s “Takeover” of the esteemed Texas event. The announcement, made via the official Houston Rodeo Instagram account on Thursday (March 7), has sparked excitement among fans eagerly awaiting her appearance. The Houston Rodeo’s caption left no room for ambiguity: “Ain’t no guessing, it’s E-V-E joinin’ @bunb’s All-American Takeover on March 12,” they declared proudly, highlighting Eve’s roots as hailing “reppin’ East Coast by way of Philadelphia.” This revelation has added an extra layer of anticipation to an already exciting event.
Moreover, Eve’s inclusion in Bun B’s takeover signifies a convergence of hip-hop royalty and Southern tradition. Blending diverse musical styles under the Texas sky. This fusion promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees, transcending boundaries of genre and geography. While the announcement has stirred excitement, details regarding Eve’s role in the event remain shrouded in mystery. Will she grace the stage with a performance, or will she lend her support to the Houston O.G. in another capacity? Moreover, the suspense only adds to the intrigue surrounding her presence at the rodeo.
Furthermore, Eve’s participation underscores the Rodeo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, showcasing artists from different backgrounds and regions. Her addition to the lineup not only celebrates her individual talent but also enriches the cultural tapestry of the event. Offering attendees a multifaceted experience that reflects the richness of contemporary music. However, beyond the excitement and anticipation, Eve’s involvement carries broader significance within the music industry. Moreover, as a pioneering female rapper who has broken barriers and shattered stereotypes, her presence at the Houston Rodeo serves as a testament to her enduring influence and legacy.
It reinforces the importance of recognizing and honoring women’s contributions to hip-hop, paving the way for future generations of artists. In conclusion, Eve’s announcement as the latest artist to join the Houston Rodeo, under the banner of Bun B’s “Takeover,” is a cause for celebration and anticipation. Her participation not only promises an unforgettable performance but also highlights the evolving landscape of hip-hop and the enduring impact of artists like Eve. As the countdown to March 12 begins, all eyes will be on the Houston Rodeo stage, eagerly awaiting the moment when Eve takes her place among the stars.
Nicki Minaj has been teasing Pink Friday 2 for a very long time at this point. Overall, the fans have been worried about the album never actually coming out. She delayed the album twice, and this led to a lot of anxiety. However, on Friday morning, Nicki ended up blessing her fans by coming out with the project, once and for all. It was a triumphant moment for the Barbz, and they are most definitely appreciative of the fact that they now have this album to listen to in all of its glory.
Throughout the tracklist here, there are a ton of great songs. Moreover, there are a ton of features from big names. J. Cole, Drake, Lil Wayne, and Lil Uzi Vert are all featured here. Furthermore, there are quite a few samples that can be found throughout the album. One of these samples actually comes from a former foe of hers. Of course, we are talking about Travis Scott who outsold Queen with his album Astroworld. The song that she samples comes off Rodeo and is the intro track, “Pornography.”
Nicki’s performance on the track is great and the sample is used in a creative way here. Rodeo was a huge moment for Scott and for many it was the moment where he came into his own. Having said all of that, Nicki’s interpretation of the beat is pretty cool For hip-hop fans who didn’t like seeing these two at odds, this moment will be a nice one on the album. However, there are definitely plenty of other great tracks to get into here.
With Pink Friday 2 out right now, let us know what you think of the album so far, in the comments section below. Did it end up meeting your expectations or was it underwhelming? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists.
Travis Scott dropped his debut project Rodeo back in 2015. Overall, this is considered a classic by many, and it is still talked about, to this day. It is the album that helped solidify Travis’ sound and his place in mainstream hip-hop. Moreover, it stands as one of the best albums of the 2010s. That said, it was released on this day, eight years ago. Yes, that’s right, Rodeo is almost a decade old. It feels like just yesterday that we got this project, but alas, time slows down for no one.
There are some terrific songs that we could highlight here. However, today, we are taking a look at “3500” which features the likes of Future and 2 Chainz. This is a certified banger that shows up as the third song on the entire album. It comes in right after “Oh My Dis Side,” which is a hard song to top. However, “3500” does a good job of at least getting close. At the end of the day, you cannot go wrong with features from two of hip-hop’s best.
Travis Scott x Future x 2 Chainz
Throughout this song, we get some amazing production from Metro Boomin. Moreover, each artist brings their best in terms of sheer performance. 2 Chainz easily has the most memorable verse here as he delivers some hilarious lines with the utmost confidence. From there, Travis and Future deliver those melodic choruses and verses they are known for. It’s a well-put-together track that you can’t ignore.
Subsequently, let us know who you think had the best verse on “3500,” in the comments section below. Also, tell us which song on Rodeo is your favorite. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always bring you the biggest releases from the biggest artists in the world. Overall, there are still some great releases left for 2023.
Quotable Lyrics:
This money an option, this weed is an option, this lean is an option Your bitch is an option, her bitch is an option I send them through auctions You paying that price for that punani This gold on my neck is a new Grammy
Travis Scott has been teasing his next album UTOPIA in an extensive fashion as of late. Overall, this is good timing when you consider how it has been almost five years since the release of Astroworld. At the start of Scott’s career, he came out with five projects in the span of five years. During that time, he went through various stylistic shifts. From the raw energy of Owl Pharoah to the psychedelic musings of Astroworld, Travis has never shied away from experimenting with his sound.
Consequently, fans are expecting a huge shift on UTOPIA which has been in production for years at this point. However, with UTOPIA on the way, now is as good of a time as ever to look back at his first five projects, and rank them from worst to best. The albums in question are simply his solo endeavors. That means Jackboys and Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho won’t be considered.
5. Owl Pharoah (2013)
Firstly, we have Travis Scott’s first full-length project, Owl Pharoah, which dropped back in 2013. At this time in his career, Scott was still trying to figure out what kind of artist he wanted to be. He had writing credits on Yeezus, which suggested he was all about creating new sounds. Upon listening to Owl Pharoah, this experimentation became evident. Tracks like “Quintana” and “Upper Echelon” had a maximalist quality to them that proved to be exciting. From the big choruses to the anthemic production, these songs felt like the first stages of a superstar in the making.
Unfortunately, the rest of the album isn’t able to live up to the singles mentioned above. Much of this has to do with the songwriting and production, which oftentimes feel unfinished. A good example is “Bad Mood/Sh*t On You,” which contains a jarring beat switch halfway through the song. Beat switches are a key feature in Travis Scott’s music; however, these days, he is much more clever about how he does it. Furthermore, the rest of the album can feel clunky thanks to out-of-place features, songs that overstay their welcome, and some glaring attempts at doing Kanye cosplay.
4. Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight (2016)
Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight might be in the lower half of Travis Scott’s discography, but it is by no means a bad album. Overall, BITTSM is an album that helped cement Scott as a hitmaker in hip-hop. From “Goosebumps” with Kendrick Lamar to “Wonderful” with The Weeknd, this album had bangers from front to back. Not to mention, this is also the project that helped turn Nav into a household name, thanks to “Biebs In The Trap.”
At this point, it had been one year since Travis had released Rodeo. Therefore, it can be said that his sound was well-established. The key selling point for Travis at this time was his ability to craft catchy tracks that contained moody yet progressive trap production. Moreover, his autotuned vocals and signature ad-libs were beloved and imitated by many. That said, Travis had all of the ingredients to create a memorable album.
For the most part, he did just that. After all, the first track, “The Ends,” contains a feature from Andre 3000, which is always going to garner attention. Unfortunately, there are times when the album feels like “Travis Scott By The Numbers.” Sure, the songs are good, but at the time of this release, many of these tracks contained ideas we had already heard. It’s easy to see how a fan could listen to Rodeo and then feel like BITTSM is a leftover album.
3. Days Before Rodeo (2014)
Just a year after the release of Owl Pharoah, Travis Scott began preparing for his 2015 album, Rodeo. Part of his rollout was a mixtape called Days Before Rodeo. Much like Owl Pharoah, this album is full of energy and a version of Travis that is still trying to find his sound. However, a couple of things are different here. Firstly, Scott sounds infinitely more confident here. Secondly, the production choices and vocal performances align with what makes Scott such a phenomenal artist.
Starting with the opener, “The Prayer,” we see Travis deliver some of his best verses yet. The production also comes with some significant improvements. This is especially true on the Young Thug-assisted tracks “Skyfall” and “Mamacita.” Perhaps the best part of the album is Travis’s use of guitars on “Drugs You Should Try It” and “Don’t Play,” which actually contains a sample of The 1975’s “Money.” It is in these moments that we see what makes Scott stand out amongst his peers. While his vision hadn’t been fully realized yet, you could see the seeds growing rapidly.
Additionally, there are some truly off-the-wall records on this project that were a product of their time. Albeit, they make for some of the best moments. Examples are “Sloppy Toppy” with Migos and Peewee Longway, where we get some of these artists’ most graphic verses. You also can’t forget “Basement Freestyle,” filled with some of Scott’s most progressive and ridiculous production choices to date. Sure, it may be a raw listen, but this is the project that turned a lot of skeptics into believers.
2. Astroworld (2018)
Travis Scott dropped arguably a modern classic back in 2018 with Astroworld. Overall, this is an album that came with a ton of hype. The artist had been teasing the project for quite some time, and there was this sense that it would be an ambitious endeavor. After all, Scott wanted to make the listener feel like they were at an amusement park. Fans were curious about how he would pull something like that off, but in the end, he somehow succeeded.
From the jump, we are met with “Stargazing,” an ambient delight that eventually devolves into debauchery. As mentioned before, no one likes a good beat switch better than Travis Scott. With “Stargazing,” it is a malfunctioning rollercoaster that transitions us into one of the best verses Travis has ever put to tape. As the album goes on, we are given a barrage of different sounds that are both goosebump-inducing and sometimes even shocking. “Skeletons” with Tame Impala and The Weeknd is a delightful experiment that did wonders for the future of hip-hop and psychedelic rock crossovers. “Stop Trying To Be God” is a beautiful ballad that offers introspection, which Travis doesn’t always provide. Not to mention, who can forget when he introduced us to Don Toliver on “Can’t Say.”
Perhaps the most beautiful moment on the album comes with Astroworld‘s closer, “Coffee Bean.” The production is unlike anything else on the album. All while Travis professes about “being bad news.” Overall, the chord progressions and strings at the song’s end tell a story. It’s as if a night of heavy partying has ended, and now all the partygoers are walking home with the sun slowly rising. Sadness sets in as the joy ride has come to an end.
1. Rodeo (2015)
The number one Travis Scott album on our list is Rodeo. Now, we get it. Some of you will argue for Astroworld. Some may even say Days Before Rodeo is his best. But there is something about Rodeo that is simply too special to discount. In many ways, this is Travis Scott’s “aha” moment. From his vocals to the production to songwriting, you can point to this album and say, “This is quintessential Travis Scott.”
From the jump, this album is presented by T.I., who gives us an introduction reminiscent of Nicki Minaj’s soliloquy on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The opener, “Pornography,” provides the listener insight into Travis’s mind as he is presented with numerous vices he can’t escape. He subsequently gets introspective on “Oh My Dis Side,” where he delivers perhaps one of the best songs of his entire career. From the hedonistic bars on the “Oh My” section to his adoration of Houston on “Dis Side,” we get a real sense of who Travis is and the internal conflicts fame has presented him with.
As for the rest of the album, we get a plethora of moody bangers and some undeniable hits. “3500,” “Antidote,” “Pray 4 Love,” 90210,” and “Maria I’m Drunk” are all 10/10 songs. Furthermore, songs like “Impossible,” “I Can Tell,” and “Apple Pie” are deliberate closers to the album that ensures there is no filler to be found. This is Scott’s most cohesive project, and it’s hard not to put it number one. If it were not for this album, it’s hard to imagine Scott being the star he is today. That said, you have to give it its due.
Let us know your favorite Travis Scott album in the comments section down below.
