Jacques Bermon Webster II, born April 30, 1991, better known by his stage name Travis Scott, is an influential American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Hailing from Houston, Texas. Scott has made a significant impact on modern hip-hop with his innovative sound, blending traditional hip-hop with ambient and psychedelic influences.
Scott began his musical journey under the moniker Travi$ Scott, drawing inspiration from his favorite uncle and Kid Cudi (whose real name is Scott Mescudi). In 2012, he signed his first major-label recording contract with Epic Records and a publishing deal with Kanye West’s GOOD Music. His early work included collaborations with notable artists and contributions to West’s production team, Very GOOD Beats.
In April 2013, Scott entered a joint-venture record deal with T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records. His debut mixtape, Owl Pharaoh, was self-released in May 2013 and showcased his unique sound. This was followed by his second mixtape, Days Before Rodeo (2014), which further established his presence in the music industry.
Travis Scott’s debut studio album, Rodeo, released on September 4, 2015, was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The album featured hit singles such as “3500” (featuring Future and 2 Chainz) and “Antidote,” the latter of which became his first major hit, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
His second studio album, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight (2016), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking his first chart-topping album. The album’s success was bolstered by tracks like “Goosebumps” and collaborations with artists such as André 3000 and Kendrick Lamar.
In 2017, Scott released Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho in collaboration with rapper Quavo, forming the duo Huncho Jack. The album received positive reviews and continued to build Scott’s reputation as a major force in hip-hop.
Scott’s third studio album, Astroworld, released on August 3, 2018, was a landmark in his career. The album received widespread critical acclaim and became his second consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200. It featured his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, “Sicko Mode” (featuring Drake), which became a cultural phenomenon.
In late 2019, Scott’s label imprint, Cactus Jack Records, released the compilation album JackBoys, which also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The album featured contributions from Scott’s label signees, including Don Toliver and Sheck Wes.
Scott continued his success into 2020 with the singles “Highest in the Room,” “The Scotts” (with Kid Cudi), and “Franchise” (featuring Young Thug and M.I.A.), becoming the first artist to have three songs debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in less than a year.
Scott’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Utopia, was released on July 28, 2023. The album received general praise from critics and fans, further cementing his status in the music industry. It also achieved double-platinum status.
Travis Scott has faced controversies, most notably the tragic crowd crush at his Astroworld Festival in November 2021, which resulted in ten deaths and numerous injuries. Despite these incidents, Scott remains a major figure in pop culture and music.
Scott’s musical style is characterized by heavy use of Auto-Tune, ambient soundscapes, and a blend of psychedelic trap and pop rap. His influences include Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Bon Iver, and M.I.A. He has also collaborated with brands like Nike, Dior, and McDonald’s, further establishing his influence beyond music.
In summary, Travis Scott’s career is defined by his innovative approach to hip-hop, chart-topping successes, and his impact on modern music and pop culture.
