As part of the cover story of XXL Magazine’s winter 2019 issue, Travis Scott opened up about fatherhood and his relationship with Kylie Jenner following their very public split. In the story, which the Houston rapper penned himself, Scott also touched on the current state of hip hop, how he approaches making music, and looks back on his own career up to this point.
The relatable and refreshingly honest and open piece also offers a glimpse into La Flame’s relationship with JAY-Z and how Kid Cudi's music helped him deal with anxiety. Scott also revealed the artists he's most excited about right now, including James Blake and Aphex Twin.
Below, we’ve summarized the best outtakes from the piece, including which artists Travis Scott is most excited about right now. Read through them below and then check out the full cover story over at XXL Magazine.
On his daughter Stormi
"Being a dad is better than what I thought it would be. Stormi is one of the best human beings I know. She’s like my best friend. She makes life a little bit easier. She just inspires me and she surprises me every day with how she’s thinking. It’s so crazy. Her mom and I came up with the name Stormi together."
On Kylie Jenner
"I love her mommy and I always will. The hard part about relationships is just trying to be in one without a million outside voices interfering. [...] It’s not a struggle to have a famous significant other. I think life in general always comes with hardships. It’s how you deal with them."
On fatherhood
"One of the best parts about becoming a dad is that it has actually brought me and my parents closer. [...] Having a daughter is amazing and has given me such respect for mothers and the process of raising children. It’s really, really powerful!"
On the current state of rap
"I think what’s happening now is so cool and innovative. It’s sort of like it’s back in a good spot where everyone is able to create a good career and be able to do things on their own. I think record labels are opening up to their artists more than ever and understanding who they are. We have a voice now. It’s amazing.”
On competition in the hip-hop community
"It would be so much cooler if the hip-hop community could be more together and not so divided. Everyone is obviously winning but it would be so cool if rap didn’t have so much back-and-forth and it was more about us coming to an understanding on some things and there was more camaraderie. We are all in this together."
On his relationship with JAY-Z
"JAY-Z has always been a mentor to me. I met JAY-Z a long time ago, around Magna Carta Holy Grail. I have always kept in touch with him. I remember something he said: 'We were born rich. Money doesn’t equate to rich in spirit. Money doesn’t equate any of that. We are just trying to obtain a certain level of wealth in our communities.' That’s what it’s about."
On how Kid Cudi's music has helped him
"Sometimes in life you might connect with an artist in discovering music to get you through something. Dealing with anxiety or just down for the day. That’s what Kid Cudi was to me. Kids tell me that kind of thing all the time and I take that to heart and that’s why I do everything I do. I remember somebody out there is listening to me."
On his love for James Blake, Björk, and Apex Twin
"I’m a fan of rap, but I like all music. I might call James Blake—he’s one of my favorite artists of all time—and I’m like, 'Yo, bro, you are the best artist of all fucking time. I really, really, really love your shit.' Lately, I’ve been listening to Genesis, Aphex Twin and Röyksopp. I listen to a lot of Björk; she’s fuckin’ fire."
Check out the full interview here.
