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Viper Times

Student Run School News Website

Viper Times

The Beauty Behind UTOPIA

Picture+made+to+show%2Fexaggerate+a+Travis+Scott+concert+with+lots+of+fans
Bryson Taylor
Picture made to show/exaggerate a Travis Scott concert with lots of fans

 

INTRO

Travis Scott, born Jacques Berman Webster II, is known as one of the best current American rappers and producers who has made a profound impact on the music industry. Known for his unique blend of hip-hop, trap, and psychedelic sounds, Travis Scott has gained a massive following and critical acclaim for his genre-bending music and high-energy performances. With chart-topping albums, such as Astroworld and Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, and collaborations with industry heavyweights, Travis Scott has solidified his position as a leading figure in contemporary music. This article explores the rise of Travis Scott, his artistic vision, and his influence on the cultural landscape with his new masterpiece; UTOPIA.

Early Career

Travis Scott’s musical journey began in Houston, Texas, where he honed his craft as a producer and rapper. After gaining attention for his production work on tracks for prominent artists like Kanye West and Jay-Z, Travis Scott released his debut mixtape, “Owl Pharaoh,” in 2013. The project showcased his distinct and one-of-a-kind sound and marked the beginning of his meteoric rise in the music industry. Following the success of “Owl Pharaoh,” Travis Scott continued to build momentum with the release of “Days Before Rodeo,” a mixtape that further solidified his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.

In 2015, he really began his plan to take over. Travis Scott released his highly anticipated debut studio album, “Rodeo,” which received widespread acclaim for its innovative blend of hip-hop and experimental sounds. The album’s success propelled Travis Scott to new heights, leading to collaborations with industry heavyweights and a rapidly growing fan base. Building on this momentum, Travis released “Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight” in 2016, solidifying his position as a leading figure in trap music, and just music in general. However, it was his critically acclaimed album “Astroworld,” released in 2018, that cemented his status as a visionary artist. The album, named after a beloved amusement park in Houston, showcased Travis’s evolution as a musician and became a cultural phenomenon, earning widespread praise and commercial success. For many, it was easily one of if not the best trap albums ever… until UTOPIA.

UTOPIA

Track No. 1 – HYAENA – 10/10

HYAENA is an amazing song by Travis Scott that serves as the introductory track to his highly-anticipated album “UTOPIA.” The song captivates listeners with its clever lyrics and infectious Hip-Hop cadence. The track stands out from the rest of the album with its bouncy 90s-like beat, which samples two iconic songs, Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain” and Gentle Giant’s “Proclamation.” The outro of HYAENA is a captivating conclusion to the song, particularly in the last 35 seconds. As the track nears its end, Travis Scott leaves a lasting impression with his thought-provoking lyrics and atmospheric sound. In these final moments, the instrumental takes a backseat, allowing Travis’s vocals to shine through. These last 35 seconds leave a lingering impact, leaving listeners with a sense of introspection and anticipation for what’s to come on the rest of the album

Track No. 2 – THANK GOD – 9/10

THANK GOD captivates listeners with its powerful production, great lyrics, and captivating performances. The collaboration with KayCyy and Teezo Touchdown adds depth and dimension to the track, showcasing their chemistry and vocal talent. The production, led by Travis Scott and Kanye West, combines trap and alternative rap elements, creating a unique landscape that is both hard-hitting and melodic. THANK GOD stands as a standout track on the UTOPIA album, leaving a lasting impact on listeners and solidifying hopes that the album would be good

Track No. 3 – MODERN JAM (Feat. Teezo Touchdown) – 11/10

MODERN JAM is an amazing song that brings listeners in with its amazing energy and dynamic production. The engaging synths and lively drums create an electrifying atmosphere that grabs your attention from the very beginning. Travis Scott’s charismatic delivery and clever wordplay further enhance the appeal of the song. The track stands out as a standout on the album UTOPIA due to its unique sound and catchy melodies. Additionally, the collaboration with emerging artist Teezo Touchdown adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the song, making it a memorable and enjoyable listening experience. Overall, “MODERN JAM” showcases Travis Scott’s artistic prowess and ability to create music that resonates with audiences, solidifying its status as an amazing song

Track No. 4 – MY EYES – 20/10

MY EYES is truly a remarkable song that manages to strike a chord with listeners on multiple levels. On one hand, it showcases Travis Scott’s impeccable artistry, with his unique flow and captivating delivery. The production is top-notch, incorporating melodic elements and hard-hitting beats that create an unreal experience. However, what truly sets this song apart is its raw emotional depth. Through introspective lyrics and heartfelt vocals, Travis shares his personal struggles and inner demons, allowing listeners to connect with the pain and vulnerability he expresses. The combination of his haunting melodies and compelling storytelling makes MY EYES a sad and emotional anthem that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced hardship and heartache. It’s a testament to Travis Scott’s ability to create music that not only sounds great but also touches the soul and relates to him personally

Track No. 5 – GODS COUNTRY – 8.5/10

GOD’S COUNTRY is a captivating track that seamlessly blends elements of psychedelic and trap music. The song showcases Travis Scott’s unique style and his ability to craft intricate lyrics. The Dez Wright-produced sample creates a haunting and melancholic atmosphere. Travis Scott’s flow is smooth and engaging, delivering thought-provoking verses about material wealth and the importance of family and togetherness. The song’s production is top-notch, with layered instrumentation and atmospheric sounds that add depth to the overall track

Track No. 6 – SIRENS – 9/10

SIRENS is a very interesting song that showcases Travis Scott’s ability to create a unique musical experience. The production, helmed by Travis Scott himself along with Buddy Ross and Jahaan Sweet, sets the tone with its upbeat and infectious sounds. Travis Scott’s vocals are powerful and fitting, drawing the listener in with his delivery and lyrical depth. The song combines rap, alternative, and hip-hop elements, resulting in a genre-bending track that pushes boundaries. With its catchy melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and overall energetic vibe, SIRENS stands as a testament to Travis Scott’s talent and makes for a thrilling musical experience. Along with that, SIRENS also has one of the best music videos on the album, featured in the movie CIRCUS MAXIMUS, the movie that Travis released with UTOPIA

Track No. 7 – MELTDOWN (Feat. Drake) – 7.7/10

MELTDOWN is the only song on the album by Travis Scott featuring Drake. The song has three parts, and the tempo gradually increases until it reaches its end. Both Travis Scott and Drake rap confidently about their success in the music industry over a fast-tempo hype beat. While MELTDOWN is a solid and energetic track, some may consider it to be an average song compared to the rest of the UTOPIA album, which explores deeper themes and has a more ambitious sound

Track No. 8 – FE!N (Feat. Playboi Carti & Sheck Wes) – 10/10

FE!N is an amazing song that showcases the dynamic collaboration between Travis Scott and Playboi Carti. The track brings together their unique styles and energy, resulting in a captivating and energetic performance. The song also features production contributions from Travis Scott and Jahaan Sweet, who create a compelling and dynamic instrumental. The chemistry between Travis Scott and Playboi Carti is undeniably strong, as they effortlessly deliver infectious hooks and memorable verses. With its catchy melodies, hard-hitting beats, and captivating performances, FE!N is a standout track that highlights the immense talent of both artists and leaves a lasting impact on listeners. It is also seen as one of the best tracks on the album by many, and you can find the original track on YouTube which is even better than the one released!

Track No. 9 – DELRESTO (ECHOES) (Feat. Beyoncé) – 1000/10

DELRESTO (ECHOES) is an exceptional and captivating song that stands out for its unmatched blend of genres and remarkable collaboration between Beyoncé and Travis Scott. The track’s infectious energy and bouncy rhythm create an irresistible groove that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish. What makes this song truly special is the rare occurrence of Beyoncé showcasing her rapping skills alongside Travis Scott, adding a refreshing element to their dynamic partnership. With its catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, DELRESTO proves to be a perfect fusion of house, R&B, and rap, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who listens to it. And if you couldn’t tell, it’s a personal favorite

Track No. 10 – I KNOW ? – 8.1/10

“I KNOW ?” is a wonderful track produced by Coleman and OZ. The song delves into Travis Scott’s experiences with drugs and alcohol, offering a glimpse into his tainted and troubled state of mind. The lyrics depict a sense of frustration and disregard for judgment from others, with Travis feeling misunderstood and bothered by those who try to look out for him. The track’s cadence, complemented by a haunting piano riff, creates a mysterious atmosphere that aligns with the theme of substance abuse. Despite the lack of autotune usually associated with Travis Scott’s music, the raw vocals add honesty to the song, while hinting at a sense of denial regarding his drug use. “I KNOW ?” debuted at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, showcasing its popularity among listeners

Track No. 11 – TOPIA TWINS (Feat. Rob49 & 21 Savage) – 8.5/10

TOPIA TWINS features collaborations with underground trap artist Rob49 and the well-known 21 Savage. Many people don’t know, but it explores the concept of a false utopia where Travis Scott seems to believe that bringing women to his hotel room will bring them closer to utopia, fulfilling his own fantasy. However, the lyrics suggest that indulging in surface-level fantasies only leads to personal dystopia. The track’s title, “TOPIA TWINS,” intentionally omits the letter “U,” possibly referring to false utopias and highlighting Travis Scott’s self-awareness of his own shortcomings. With catchy hooks and trap-infused production, TOPIA TWINS offers a blend of rap and pop elements that showcase Travis Scott’s signature style

Track No. 12 – CIRCUS MAXIMUS (Feat. The Weeknd & Swae Lee) – 1000/10

CIRCUS MAXIMUS is an incredible song that captivates listeners with its powerful and unique sound. The collaboration between Travis Scott, The Weeknd, and Swae Lee delivers an all-time collaboration and mesmerizing experience. The song’s production, helmed by Travis Scott, Noah Goldstein, and others, creates a beautiful sound that blends elements of R&B, rap, and electronic trap. The captivating vocals of all three artists shine as they effortlessly navigate the track, showcasing their distinctive styles. The lyrics touch on themes of fame, love, and self-discovery

Track No. 13 – PARASAIL (Feat. Yung Lean & Dave Chappelle) 10/10

PARASAIL is a rather sad sounding and mesmerizing song that showcases Travis Scott’s artistic prowess and ability to explore different styles and moods in music. With its reminiscent and psychedelic delivery, the track takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through Travis Scott’s career. The monotone instrumental serves as the perfect backdrop for his introspective lyrics, creating an intriguing atmosphere. Along with that, the collaboration with Yung Lean and Dave Chappelle adds depth and variety to the song. PARASAIL stands out for its unique sound and thought-provoking content, making it a must-listen for fans of Travis Scott and those seeking a captivating music experience

Track No. 14 – SKITZO (Feat. Young Thug) – 9.7/10

SKITZO is an energetic song that leaves a lasting impression on listeners. From the moment the beat drops, it grabs your attention and takes you on a thrilling musical journey. Travis Scott’s unique flow and delivery are on full display, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The song’s production is absolutely top-notch, with dynamic instrumentals that create a sense of urgency and excitement. The collaboration with Young Thug adds an extra layer of intensity to the track. SKITZO is a perfect example of Travis Scott’s ability to create anthems that resonate with audiences and leave them craving for more. Whether you’re a fan of rap or simply appreciate great music, this song is sure to get your blood pumping and leave you wanting to hit the repeat button

Track No. 15 – LOST FOREVER (Feat. Westside Gunn) – 10/10

LOST FOREVER is an exceptional song that captures the essence of being lost in a utopia. With its captivating production and mesmerizing vocals, the track showcases Travis Scott’s artistry at its finest. The collaboration with Westside Gunn adds a dynamic flavor to the song, infusing it with raw energy and gritty storytelling. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of struggle, ambition, and the complexities of life. From the hard-hitting beats to the masterful flow, every aspect of this song comes together seamlessly, creating an experience that is both captivating and unforgettable

Track No. 16 – LOOOVE (Feat. Kid Cudi) – 7.7/10

LOOOVE is a song that radiates with infectious energy and undeniable charisma. From the moment the beat kicks in, you can’t help but get swept up in its rhythm. Travis Scott’s melodic flow effortlessly glides over the track, while Kid Cudi’s distinctive voice adds a layer of depth and emotion. The production, helmed by Travis Scott, Pharrell Williams, and Buddy Ross, is nothing short of spectacular, blending elements of rap, electro-hop, and dance to create a sound that is both innovative and accessible. The only downside to this song is the fact that it’s considered by many to be the worst on the album due to the insane amount of hits produced apart from it

Track No. 17 – K-POP (Feat. Bad Bunny & The Weeknd) – 8.4/10

K-POP, featuring Bad Bunny and The Weeknd, is an infectious and fun song that seamlessly blends elements of pop, Brazilian funk, and hip-hop. From the moment the beat drops, it grabs your attention and gets you moving. The combination of Travis Scott’s energetic flow, Bad Bunny’s smooth vocals, and The Weeknd’s distinctive voice creates a dynamic and exciting collaboration. The production, led by acclaimed producers Boi-1da and BNYX, showcases their mastery of incorporating catchy melodies and pulsating beats. With its infectious chorus and memorable lyrics, K-POP is a standout radio track that effortlessly combines different musical styles to create a truly unique and exhilarating listening experience

Track No. 18 – TELEKINESIS (Feat. Future & SZA) – 10/10

TELEKINESIS is a beautiful song that showcases the three artist’s unique musical styles. With its ethereal melodies and atmospheric production, the track creates a magical soundscape that draws listeners in. The collaboration with SZA and Future adds an additional layer of depth and dynamism to the song, as their distinct voices blend seamlessly with Travis Scott’s. The lyrics touch on themes of ambition, self-reflection, and the allure of the unknown future. The overall vibe of TELEKINESIS is both hypnotic and uplifting, making it a standout track that resonates with fans of Travis Scott’s music and beyond. It was also the best track possible for the outro of “CIRCUS MAXIMUS”

Track No. 19 – TIL FURTHER NOTICE (Feat. James Blake & 21 Savage) – 10/10

TIL FURTHER NOTICE is an impactful outro track that leaves a lasting impression on listeners. With its haunting yet melodic sound, the song takes listeners on a sonic journey. The combination of Travis Scott’s distinctive vocals, James Blake’s ethereal presence, and 21 Savage’s raw energy and commonly great features creates a compelling blend. The production, led by Metro Boomin and James Blake, showcases their prowess in crafting immersive soundscapes. TIL FURTHER NOTICE explores themes of love, introspection, and the uncertainties of moving on. It’s a testament to Travis Scott’s artistry and ability to captivate his audience with his unique musical style. This song is a testament to the skill and vision of Travis Scott, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating what he has in store for the future, and closes off the greatest album ever made.

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