Travis Scott has had a rollercoaster ride of a career, filled with ups, downs, loops and legendary concerts that have left us exhilarated, awestruck, bouncing up and down, and always craving for more. From his early days as an aspiring rapper in Houston to becoming a global superstar, Travis has taken us on a movie-like journey, where each album is a thrilling chapter, and every concert is an immersive blockbuster experience. With the highly anticipated release of "Utopia," the time is right to dive deep into the Travis Scott's legendary career. His music transcends genres, with iconic drums fusing with trap and rock into a raging symphony that echoes through stadiums and headphones. But Travis is more than just a musician; he's a magnetic force of nature. His vision extends beyond the studio, curating crazy worlds that unfold in his music videos, live performances, and collaborations with fashion and streetwear giants. Yet, amid all the flashing lights and chart-topping autotune-heavy hits, Travis remains remarkably authentic.
His lyrics peel back the layers of a vulnerability and anger that speaks to the struggles and triumphs we all face. He wears his heart on his sleeve, unafraid to confront his demons, and offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of fame, love, and the pursuit of artistic expression. As we celebrate Travis Scott's career, we take a deep dive into his concerts and discography tracing the evolution of his sound, visual aesthetic and exploring the stories behind the music. From his early mixtapes to his Grammy-nominated albums and beyond, we'll celebrate the man behind the music and the fearless spirit propelling him to the stratosphere of stardom. So buckle up, hold on tight, and get ready for a wild ride through the extraordinary world of Travis Scott.
From His Legendary Concerts To His Best Videos Here Is A Deep Dive Into Travis Scott's Career
The Breakthrough (2011)
Let’s rewind it back when everything started. After secretly dropping out of his sophomore year at college in San Antonio, he went to New York City to make music and used the money his parents gave him for books and food to buy plane tickets and studio time at mostly Just Blaze's (one of hip-hop best producers) studio. With no luck, he then moved to Los Angeles and while sleeping at a friend's dorm room at USC he kept on releasing music.
Eventually, Cactus Jack’s breakthrough came in 2011 while working on his first solo project, "Owl Pharaoh". Somehow he managed to track down Kanye West's engineer, Anthony Kilhoffer, and super producer Mike Dean, sending them samples of his work. A few months later, in 2012, he completed "Lights (Lovesick)", a song and music video that would catch the eye of hip hop legend and producer T.I.
Simultaneously, Kilhoffer, who had ties to Kanye, took notice of the "Lovesick" video. This led to Kilhoffer managing Scott and introducing him to Kanye in 2012, leading to a G.O.O.D Music contract. Scott's networking prowess and determination resulted in three record deals between 2012 and 2013: Epic Records and G.O.O.D Music in 2012, and T.I.'s Grand Hustle in 2013, the latter still publishing his music today.
So there you go, this is the formula. Sleep on people's couches, trust your work, track down who is in charge, send them samples, and hustle your way to the top!
Release of "Owl Pharaoh" (2013)
When Travis Scott broke onto the scene with his debut mixtape Owl Pharaoh in 2013, the hip-hop world took notice. This wasn't just a new rapper, or another Kanye West's protègè — it was the arrival of a fresh, daring force that was unafraid to play the genre's boundaries to raging new heights.
He surrounded himself with great musicians and producers who seamlessly fused elements of hip-hop, rock, electronic music, and R&B, and Scott crafted a soundscape that felt at once familiar and groundbreaking. The mixtape's dark southern hip-hop sounds still had a unique sonic blend to it, challenging what could be achieved within the confines of hip-hop, and signposting the innovative direction Scott's career would later take.
La Flame was a torchbearer for a new wave of creative exploration in hip-hop, and from the very beginning, it was clear that Scott was setting his sights on leaving an indelible mark on the culture. No matter the obstacles.
"Days Before Rodeo" (2014)
A year after the release of Owl Pharaoh, Scott took another audacious step with his second mixtape Days Before Rodeo.
More than a follow-up,and under the pressure of keeping up with the industry's high expectations, this mixtape solidified Scott's reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.
With a bravado-filled blend of unorthodox grimy beats, melodic hooks, and raw lyrical prowess, Scott cultivated an atmosphere that was both visceral and immersive, and that spoke to the angst and energy of a generation that was craving representation.
His audacious artistry was showcased through his diverse, genre-blending sound, allowing Scott to amass a fanbase that appreciated his fresh approach to music. One that was less about maintaining tradition and more about breaking it to create something wholly original and exciting.
Release of "Rodeo" (2015)
Another massive turning point in Travis Scott’s career was the release of his highly anticipated debut studio album Rodeo. Not only did it introduce a more polished, experimental side of his artistry, but it also made waves in the broader hip-hop landscape.
Full of eclectic beats, immaculate guest features with the likes of Justin Bieber, The Weeknd or Kacy Hill, and Scott's unique blend of rap and melody, with which he was slowly becoming more and more comfortable with, the album took listeners on a sonic roller coaster ride.
The record's lead single "Antidote" proved to be a massive success, earning triple-platinum status and catapulting Scott into mainstream consciousness. The track's crossover appeal underscored Scott's ability to craft tunes that resonated far and wide beyond hip-hop circles.
In the years that followed this release, Rodeo has surely become to be considered as one of the best trap albums of all time.
Grammy Nominations
Sure, it might be just some industry awards. A little statue piling dust on a shelf, far away from any relevance the artistry has on impacting a fanbase, but Grammy nominations are usually a good standard to see the importance of an artist on the mainstream music landscape.
Scott's Grammy nominations for his groundbreaking album and agonizingly long-awaited Astroworld (2018) was the cherry on top of further validating his career.
With nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song, the recognition was a powerful affirmation of his standing in the industry. Not just symbolising personal victories for Scott but a broader recognition of his influence on the shape of contemporary hip-hop.
Although he didn't take home the awards, the mere fact of being nominated underscored his significance and positioned him as a key figure driving the genre's evolution.
Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance (2019)
In the sprawling landscape of pop culture, the Super Bowl halftime show stands tall as an electric spectacle of light, sound, and music. Let's be honest, true football fans are still remembering the final score, but everyone will remember which artists played during the break.
This annual titan of a performance distills the essence of contemporary entertainment, transforming fifteen minutes into an explosive celebration of talent, creativity, and music production. Uniting millions around the globe, the halftime show acts as a cultural flashpoint, amplifying artists' influence and creating indelible moments that reverberate long after the final note has been struck.
Performing at the Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show, Scott proved, once again, his status as a hip-hop heavyweight. He owned the stage with his high-energy performance, taking his music to an audience of millions. Sure, also Maroon 5 was there, but that's another story.
Cactus Jack Records (2017-present)
Scott's decision to establish Cactus Jack Records was a testament to his drive to have an influence beyond his own music. Scott has taken on a mentorship role as a record executive, fostering new talent and shaping the genre's future stars.
This move hasn't only elevated his own standing in the industry but also his potential to make a lasting impact on the career of many young artists. The label's current acts include Scott, Sheck Wes, Don Toliver, SoFaygo and WondaGurl.
Fortnite Virtual Concert (2020)
What a time to be alive. I am sure even the people who didn’t know what Fortnite was at the time, or even tried to ignore it, couldn't. This is not just a milestone for Travis Scott’s career but a milestone for music entertainment as a whole. Scott's virtual concert in Fortnite was so unique that attracted millions of viewers, and blended music, gaming, and interactive entertainment in a way that had never been done before.
What a way to connect to new fans and enter a new element in the metaverse-like world we are all marching to.
Astroworld Festival Crowd Crush (2021)
The devastating tragedy at Travis Scott's 2021 Astroworld Festival remains one of the most heart-wrenching incidents in recent music history and, unfortunately, an unforgettable moment in Travis Scott’s career.
On November 5, 2021, a human stampede erupted during Scott's headlining performance in Houston, Texas. The horrifying melee left at least ten fans dead, ranging from 9 to 27 years of age, with hundreds more wounded — a chilling moment that brought the event to an immediate halt.
In the concert's aftermath, footage emerged showing Scott continuing his performance despite pleas from the crowd to stop. In one instance, Scott briefly halted the show to summon security to aid a distressed concertgoer but then proceeded with the performance. Even as an ambulance was visibly making its way through the crowd, Scott, unaware of the gravity of the situation, was heard urging fans to let loose and get wild, igniting further controversy. In the wake of this catastrophe, several media outlets dug into Scott's past performances, highlighting a disturbing trend of risky crowd interactions, which probably led La Flame to think that what was happening was a controllable situation, and that did not require the show to stop.
In the aftermath of the disaster, a tidal wave of lawsuits surged, spearheaded by concertgoer Kristian Paredes, who sought $1,000,000 in damages for injuries sustained during the incident.
Fast forward to June 29, 2023, and Scott's legal saga took another twist. Despite the wave of litigation and public outcry, a Texas grand jury opted not to indict the artist, a decision that undoubtedly has further implications for Scott's career and the wider live music industry.
Travis Scott Best Music videos
Highest In The Room
Amid ethereal clouds and dystopian scenery, Travis creates a surreal dreamscape that mirrors the fluid sound of "Highest In The Room". With constantly shifting aesthetics and scenes the video creates the perfect visual tension to Scott's lyrical introspection, making it a psychedelic visual feast and leaving us to wonder if he’ll make it outta there.
SICKO MODE ft. Drake
One of the most Travis Scott songs Travis Scott could make. From horseback rides through Houston to a Drake cameo in an eerie, glowing forest, "SICKO MODE" it's a kinetic joyride that echoes the seismic energy of the track itself.
I am sure the fact that the song switches beat 3 times helps with the chaos of it.
BUTTERFLY EFFECT
Packed with slow-motion car flips, pink butterflies, and rain-soaked roads, this video brings the hypnotic song to life. Its visuals echo the theme of the butterfly effect, mirroring the song's beat with immersive, dynamic cinematography that just keeps you staring the whole time. Oh, and spoiler alert, you get to see Travis being struck by a lightning at the end, which is kinda cool.
STOP TRYING TO BE GOD ft. James Blake
In the hauntingly captivating music video for "Stop Trying to Be God" by Travis Scott, viewers are taken on a mesmerizing journey through a dreamlike world that delves into themes of spirituality, fame, and self-discovery. Directed by Dave Meyers, the visual experience is an artistic tour de force that perfectly complements the song's introspective and ethereal tone.
The video opens with a serene and otherworldly scene, where Travis Scott emerges from the sky as a larger-than-life figure, akin to a god-like presence. The cinematography and visual effects create an enchanting atmosphere, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Throughout the video, there are nods to religious symbolism, with Travis taking on the role of a modern-day prophet, offering spiritual guidance to those around him.
Wake Up
By far one of the best Travis Scott music videos to date, is "Wake up". In it La Flame takes us through another dreamlike, monochrome mansion filled with levitating, lifeless bodies. Directed by Jonah Hill, the video’s eerie aesthetics have somewhat of an opposing feel to the relatively clam melodies of the song. The almost paranormal scenario with gravity-defying bodies, levitating objects, and Scott aimlessly wandering through it all crafts a surreal dreamscape that is just so captivating.
Definitely different from the other videos we are accustomed seeing from La Flame, and exactly why it made the list.
90210
"90210" is a stop-motion odyssey through the world of an action-figure Travis navigating an ominous toy city. The video's blend of nostalgic stop-motion with adult themes presents a beautiful contrast. Scott's miniature counterpart roams the neon-drenched streets, facing the struggles of fame, love, and self-identity.
Directed by Hype Williams, this innovative approach to visual storytelling, paired with the mesmerizing melody of the song, makes "90210" a testament to Scott's visual aesthetic.
Travis Scott's Best Concert Moments
Fortnite x Travis Scott Virtual Gig
Like I mentioned above Fortnite x Travis Scott will be an event to remember as one of the foundational moments in the history of digital entertainment. Over 12 million people people logged on Fornite to experience Travis Scott’s jaw-dropping event – which broke the record for the highest ever number of concurrent players on the gaming platform.
Goosebumps World Record
As if "Goosebumps" isn’t catchy enough, Travis Scott decided to play this song for a record 15 times during a show in 2017. Safe to say the crowd didn’t go numb to it and kept the energy from beginning to end. I doubt many other artists in the game can keep a crowd so hyped up after playing the same song over and over and over. Unless you are Kanye and Jay-Z in Paris of course.
Bringing A 9 Year Old On Stage To Perform ‘Goosebumps’
Definitely part of a calmer and more mature version of Travis Scott we have come to know recently. Sure, his best live moments will always be about his best songs, the crowd crazy reactions, and the raging ecstasy he is able to deliver. But allowing a 9 year old to get the memory of a lifetime by singing "Goosebumps" with will forever be one of Travis Scott’s highlights.
Upper Echelon at Openair Frauenfeld
43 seconds of the most pure essence of which Travis Scott’s live are made of. I am not sure I could find better words to describe what’s happened at the Openair Frauenfeld in 2017. Just watch it.
Travis Scott's Egyptian Pyramids Concert
We will wait Travis, we will wait...
Travis Scott Utopia Live at Circus Maximus Rome
The Egyptian Pyramids Concert cannot happen due to “complex production issues.” So picture this. Set against the backdrop of what was once the Roman Empire’s largest chariot-racing track - Circus Maximus - on August 7th 20203, Scott performed the new album Utopia and a few others of his best hits to a massive crowd of fans, and halfway through the concert, he brought on stage Kanye West. Diverging from the album’s tracklist they performed "Praise God" and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and Travis Scott offered this commentary: “There is no Utopia without Kanye West. There is no Travis Scott without Kanye West. There is no Rome without Kanye West. Make some noise for Ye.” Call it recency bias, but this by far one of the best live moments of Scott's career.
If this article left you craving for more Travis Scott, make sure to check out his net worth, and our ranking of his best songs to date.
