Looking Back On Rodeo by Travis Scott
Over the past 10 years, Travis Scott, a.k.a. Jacques Webster ll, has been a game-changing rapper. He has made albums that some music fans say are the best of the 21st Century. Even with his recent controversies, his notoriety can not be slept on. Not even including all his Grammy nominations, it is safe to say that his success and influence are undeniable, but his fame was not this big once before.
Before releasing any studio albums, Webster released a couple of mixtapes, including Owl Pharaoh and Days Before Rodeo. Additionally, he worked as a producer for Kanye West on his experimental album, Yeezus. On the album, he produced the songs “New Slaves” and “Guilt Trip”. Even at this point in his career, his signature style of heavy synthesizers and sharp snares was easily recognizable.
Eventually, on September 4th, 2015, Webster released his debut studio album, Rodeo. Released under his own record label, Cactus Jack Records, Travis Scott released what many fans call the “magnum opus” of his career. He has said in the past that his biggest influences are the previously mentioned Kanye West and West disciple Kid Cudi.
The most recognizable and remembered songs off this album include the smooth and melodic “90210” with an excellent feature from singer Kacy Hill and another the party-blasting anthem of “Antidote”. This song has an excellent combination of Scott’s auto-tune voice and his distinctive voice and rapping ability.
The main appeal of this project I believe, is the melodic-trap sound and the excellent features from other trap rap artists. Travis Scott also implements soul samples, which is eerily similar to Kayne West’s style of production. Again, this displays the influence West has on the Houston rapper.
In addition to Webster’s sound, another appeal of this project is the stacked amount of features sprinkled throughout. Including the aforementioned Kanye West, Quavo of Migos, Future, Young Thug, 2 Chainz, Juicy J, and even pop superstar Justin Bieber.
One underrated song off the project includes another party anthem in the song “NightCrawler”. This song features one-half of Rae Shremmurd, Swae Lee, and Chicago rapper Chief Keef. Another overlooked song on the album is “Apple Pie” which you can tell draws clear inspiration to songs off Kanye West’s album, 808s and Heartbreaks.
After 10 years, Rodeo still stands the test of time as a project and is still listened to by many of Travis Scott’s fans today. It is one of those albums that have opened people’s ears and made them interested in even more types of music, including me as well.
In short, while Travis Scott may not be the most lyrically advanced artist, his melodic sound and blaring production have created an appeal for his sound that has generated millions of fans, and millions of dollars. Since Rodeo, Webster has released three more studio albums, one of which being Astroworld, and was placed at number 98 on Apple Music’s 100 Greatest Albums list. I believe that with his revolutionary sound, he will continue to dominate the hip-hop industry and be an influence for new great rappers in the future.
