Travis Scott, born Jacques Bermon Webster II, is a highly successful American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. With over 49 million records sold in the US, he has achieved four number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and numerous other chart-topping songs. His musical style, often described as "ambient" and influenced by Kanye West and Kid Cudi, blends traditional hip-hop with lo-fi elements. Scott has earned numerous awards, including a Latin Grammy, Billboard Music Award, MTV Video Music Award, and multiple BET Hip Hop Awards, along with ten Grammy nominations. His stage name pays homage to his musical influences, combining Kid Cudi's real name (Scott Mescudi) with his uncle's name.
The 1975, formed in 1975, is an English rock band known for their distinct sound and impact on the music scene. Their influence on Travis Scott's music, particularly evident in his sampling of their track 'M.O.N.E.Y' for his song 'Don't Play', highlights Scott's appreciation for diverse musical styles.
Jacques Bermon Webster II, who would become known as Travis Scott, was born on April 30, 1991.
In 2008, Travis Scott, then known as Webster, embarked on his musical journey by forming the duo The Graduates with his friend Chris Holloway. They released their debut EP on Myspace, marking Scott's first foray into music distribution and setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Travis Scott, alongside his schoolmate OG Chess, formed the group The Classmates in 2009. The duo released their first project, 'Buddy Rich', with Scott primarily contributing as a producer. This collaboration highlighted his early interest in music production.
The Classmates, the musical duo consisting of Travis Scott and OG Chess, released their second project, 'Cruis'n USA' in 2010. The project furthered their collaborative journey in music, with Scott maintaining a focus on production.
Due to internal conflicts and financial disagreements, Travis Scott's musical partnership with OG Chess as The Classmates ended in 2012. The disbandment marked the end of an era for the duo and led Scott to pursue a solo career.
Travis Scott's career gained significant traction in 2012 when he signed his first major-label recording contract with Epic Records. In a parallel move, he inked a publishing deal with Kanye West's GOOD Music, stepping into the role of an in-house producer.
Travis Scott's initial vision for his debut mixtape, 'Owl Pharaoh', was conceived in 2012. The project, intended as a free download, faced delays, ultimately leading to its re-creation with contributions from Kanye West and Mike Dean. Despite the setbacks, Scott's dedication to the project showcased his commitment to delivering a polished debut.
Travis Scott released the music video for 'Quintana' on March 22, 2013, a track intended for his mixtape 'Owl Pharaoh'. The release further fueled anticipation for his debut project and provided a visual accompaniment to his distinct musical style.
Following an interview with British DJ Semtex, Travis Scott offered a sneak peek into his commercial debut single, 'Upper Echelon', featuring 2 Chainz and T.I., on March 29, 2013. This strategic tease generated excitement among fans eager for his debut release.
On April 2, 2013, Travis Scott officially confirmed 'Owl Pharaoh' as his debut mixtape, announcing its release date as May 21, 2013, on the iTunes Store. This confirmation marked a significant step in his solo career, signifying his transition from producer to a recognized artist.
In April 2013, Travis Scott signed a joint-venture record deal with Grand Hustle Records, owned by rapper T.I., further solidifying his presence in the music industry.
On April 23, 2013, Travis Scott's commercial debut single, 'Upper Echelon', featuring 2 Chainz and T.I., hit urban contemporary radio waves. This strategic move expanded the reach of his music, introducing his sound to a broader audience.
Travis Scott released his highly anticipated debut mixtape, 'Owl Pharaoh', on May 21, 2013. The mixtape, having undergone delays and refinements, marked his official introduction as a solo artist and showcased his unique blend of hip-hop and ambient sounds.
Travis Scott delivered a memorable performance at the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival on March 13, 2014, where he debuted a new song tentatively titled '1975' featuring Big Sean. This performance gave audiences a glimpse into his upcoming project and fueled anticipation for his future releases.
On May 5, 2014, Travis Scott released the full version of his song 'Don't Play', featuring a sample from the English rock band The 1975's song 'M.O.N.E.Y'. The release, initially performed under a different title, demonstrated Scott's evolving sound and his penchant for incorporating diverse musical influences.
Travis Scott officially released 'Don't Play' as the lead single from his upcoming mixtape 'Days Before Rodeo' on July 11, 2014, marking a significant step in building anticipation for the project. The song's release further solidified his position as a rising star in the hip-hop scene.
Travis Scott released his second mixtape, 'Days Before Rodeo,' in 2014. The mixtape further amplified anticipation for his debut studio album and cemented his standing in the hip-hop scene.
Travis Scott embarked on his first headlining concert tour, The Rodeo Tour, with rapper Young Thug and producer Metro Boomin on March 1, 2015, in Santa Ana, California. The tour, a testament to his growing popularity, marked a significant step in his career, allowing him to connect with fans across major cities.
Travis Scott concluded his successful The Rodeo Tour on April 1, 2015, in Portland, Oregon, marking the end of a significant chapter in his early career. The tour, featuring guest appearances from prominent artists like Kanye West and Chris Brown, solidified his position as a rising star in the music industry.
Travis Scott's debut studio album, 'Rodeo', was released on September 4, 2015, under Grand Hustle and Epic Records. The album, a culmination of his artistic growth and collaborations with prominent artists, debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant achievement in his career.
In 2015, Scott faced multiple controversies at his performances. At Lollapalooza, he was charged with disorderly conduct for inciting concertgoers to rush the stage. At the Openair Festival in Switzerland, he encouraged fans to attack a man who took his shoe, spitting on him and urging the crowd to 'fuck him up'.
In 2015, Travis Scott collaborated with A Bathing Ape (BAPE) for his first project with the popular streetwear brand, featuring a shark hoodie, a long-sleeve tee, and a t-shirt.
Travis Scott released his debut studio album, 'Rodeo,' to critical acclaim and commercial success in 2015. The album featured collaborations with prominent artists, marking a significant milestone in his career.
On January 4, 2016, Travis Scott announced that he has a new studio album on the way, marking the start of a new chapter in his music career.
On March 29, 2016, 300 Entertainment executive Lyor Cohen revealed that Scott and Young Thug were releasing a single together and called Scott's upcoming album a 'classic'.
On April 7, 2016, Travis Scott previewed a single with Young Thug at one of his shows, building anticipation for his upcoming projects.
On May 17, 2016, Travis Scott announced that the title of his second album would be 'Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight' and confirmed the title for his third album as 'Astroworld'.
On June 3, 2016, the collaborative single 'Pick Up the Phone' featuring Young Thug and Quavo was released. The track reached number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum.
On August 31, 2016, Travis Scott announced on Instagram that 'Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight' was finally finished.
On September 11, 2016, 'Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight' became Travis Scott's first number one album on the US Billboard 200.
On September 12, 2016, Universal Music Publishing Group's CEO, Jody Gerson, announced that the label signed a worldwide deal with Travis Scott.
In 2016, Travis Scott teamed up with Diamond Supply Co. to launch a clothing collection designed by him. The collection included graphic tees, long-sleeve tees, hoodies, and more.
Travis Scott achieved his first number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart with the release of his second album, 'Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight,' in 2016. The album's success solidified his position as a leading figure in contemporary hip-hop.
In 2016, Travis Scott collaborated with Gucci Mane and filmmaker Harmony Korine to release a music video for 'Last Time', directed by David Helman.
On February 16, 2017, Travis Scott performed at All-Star Weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana at Champion Square.
On March 10, 2017, Travis Scott performed at the New Orleans BUKU Music + Art Project festival.
In March 2017, Travis Scott announced he would be launching his own imprint, Cactus Jack Records.
On April 3, 2017, it was reported that Travis Scott had been working on a collaborative studio album with Quavo, potentially to be released later in 2017. He also announced that his third studio album, 'Astroworld', was nearing completion.
Scott began dating media personality and businesswoman Kylie Jenner in April 2017.
On May 16, 2017, Travis Scott released three new tracks on SoundCloud: 'A Man', 'Green & Purple (featuring Playboi Carti)', and 'Butterfly Effect'.
On June 15, 2017, Travis Scott announced he would be doing a European leg of the 'Birds Eye View Tour', starting on June 23 in Paris and concluding on July 9 in Turku, Finland.
On July 14, 2017, Travis Scott released the music video for his single 'Butterfly Effect'.
On August 10, 2017, Travis Scott tweeted 'ALBUM MODE' signifying that he was now working on his album 'Astroworld' full-time.
On September 18, 2017, Quavo stated in an interview that his album with Travis Scott was coming 'real soon' and that they had over 20 records ready.
In October 2017, Travis Scott was featured in a special piece titled 'Deserve' by Chinese-born Canadian rapper Kris Wu.
On December 6, 2017, Travis Scott was featured on Trippie Redd's single 'Dark Knight Dummo', which peaked at 72 on the Billboard Hot 100.
On December 7, 2017, Quavo confirmed in an interview that the title of their upcoming project with Travis Scott would be 'Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho'.
On December 21, 2017, Travis Scott and Quavo released their collaborative studio album 'Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho', which debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and had seven tracks chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
Travis Scott teamed up with rapper Quavo in 2017 to form the duo Huncho Jack, releasing a collaborative album under the same name. The project showcased their combined artistic vision and further expanded Scott's musical network.
Travis Scott established his own record label, Cactus Jack Records, in 2017, signing notable artists like Don Toliver and Sheck Wes. This venture demonstrated his commitment to fostering new talent within the music industry and solidified his influence beyond his own music.
In 2017, Scott was arrested for behavior similar to his Lollapalooza incident after a performance in Northwest Arkansas. Additionally, a fan sued Scott and the organizers of a concert at Terminal 5 in Manhattan after falling from a balcony during a crowd surge.
On May 11, 2017, the Houston Rockets announced a collaboration with Travis Scott for Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Fans received a t-shirt designed by Scott featuring the Rockets' playoff slogan.
In 2017, Travis Scott founded Cactus Jack Records, which is distributed by Epic Records and includes a publishing division.
In February 2018, Kylie Jenner gave birth to Scott's daughter.
On May 4, 2018, Travis Scott released a single titled 'Watch' featuring Lil Uzi Vert and Kanye West, serving as promotional material for his third studio album 'Astroworld'.
On August 3, 2018, Travis Scott released 'Astroworld' to critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
On November 2, 2018, Travis Scott was featured on five tracks of Metro Boomin's debut studio album 'Not All Heroes Wear Capes'.
In 2018, fellow Houston artist Don Toliver signed to Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Records after dropping his first major label project, 'Donny Womack'.
In 2018, Travis Scott expressed his interest in Broadway theatre, revealing his desire to create an album of show tune covers and write his own musical in the future.
In 2018, Travis Scott announced the Astroworld Festival, an annual festive concert set to take place near the former site of Six Flags AstroWorld. The inaugural festival featured performances by artists such as Post Malone, Lil Wayne, and Young Thug.
Travis Scott's third studio album, 'Astroworld', was released in 2018 to widespread critical acclaim. The album not only secured the top spot on the Billboard 200, but it also spawned his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, 'Sicko Mode', featuring Drake.
On April 18, 2019, Travis Scott released 'Power is Power' with SZA and The Weeknd for the HBO series Game of Thrones.
On April 30, 2019, Travis Scott announced his collaboration with Nike to release his Cactus Jack Air Jordan 1's in May that year.
On May 23, 2019, Travis Scott was featured alongside J. Cole on Young Thug's single 'The London', which later appeared as the lead single on Thug's debut studio album 'So Much Fun'.
On August 28, 2019, Travis Scott's documentary film 'Look Mom I Can Fly' was released on Netflix.
In September 2019, Scott and Kylie Jenner broke up but quarantined together during the COVID-19 pandemic for the sake of their daughter, later rekindling their relationship.
On October 4, 2019, Travis Scott released the single 'Highest in the Room', which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
On December 2, 2019, Travis Scott announced a compilation album titled 'JackBoys' featuring Cactus Jack label members Don Toliver, Sheck Wes, and producer Chase B.
On December 27, 2019, Travis Scott released the compilation album 'JackBoys' which included a remix of 'Highest in the Room' featuring Rosalía and Lil Baby.
On December 30, 2019, Travis Scott released the music video for 'Gatti' featuring Pop Smoke.
The 2019 Astroworld Festival saw appearances from artists like Gucci Mane, Migos, Rosalía, and Pharrell Williams, continuing the annual tradition established by Travis Scott.
In late 2019, Cactus Jack Records, Travis Scott's vanity label imprint, unveiled the compilation album 'JackBoys'. The album's success, topping the Billboard 200, highlighted Scott's talent for nurturing emerging artists and curating impactful musical projects.
In 2019, three people were trampled and injured as a crowd rushed to enter the compound at Astroworld.
In 2019, Sheck Wes and Chase B, artists from Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Records, collaborated on the single 'MAYDAY' with Young Thug.
On March 20, 2020, Travis Scott released the music video for 'Out West' featuring Young Thug.
On August 22, 2020, Travis Scott released the single 'The Plan', the theme song for Christopher Nolan's film Tenet.
In September 2020, Travis Scott collaborated with McDonald's to launch a limited edition meal named "The Travis Scott." This marked the first nationally distributed celebrity-endorsed McDonald's meal since 1992.
In September 2020, Travis Scott appeared on the cover of GQ magazine and announced a collaborative album with Kid Cudi, following their number-one single 'The Scotts'.
On September 25, 2020, Travis Scott released the single 'Franchise' featuring Young Thug and M.I.A., which debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
On October 7, 2020, Travis Scott released a remix of 'Franchise' featuring an additional verse from American rapper Future.
In October 2020, Travis Scott joined the PlayStation team as a Strategic Creative Partner to promote the PlayStation 5 console. They released special merchandise and a YouTube unboxing video featuring Scott and fans.
In November 2020, Scott established the Cactus Jack Foundation to assist Houston youth with education expenses and creative endeavors.
Throughout 2020, Travis Scott continued to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His singles 'Highest in the Room', 'The Scotts' (a collaboration with Kid Cudi), and 'Franchise' (featuring Young Thug and M.I.A.) all debuted at number one, a feat never before achieved in such a short timeframe. This accomplishment solidified his position as a major force in popular music.
In 2020, rapper SoFaygo signed to Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Records.
In 2020, Travis Scott partnered with Evisu, a Japanese denim brand, to release a new clothing line.
In 2020, Travis Scott and his Cactus Jack team collaborated with Epic Games to launch new Fortnite-inspired merchandise. They also set records with the success of Scott's "Astronomical 'Fortnite'" event.
In 2020, Travis Scott and Kid Cudi, as the duo 'The Scotts', released their Billboard Hot 100 number one single, 'The Scotts'.
In 2020, the Astroworld Festival was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, marking a significant disruption in the annual event started by Travis Scott.
On January 15, 2021, Travis Scott released a remix of his song 'Goosebumps' with producer HVME.
On June 24, 2021, Travis Scott announced a collaboration with Dior for a menswear collection, which was showcased in a live stream featuring snippets from his upcoming album Utopia.
On August 2, 2021, Travis Scott signed a movie production deal with A24 and announced the completion of a draft for a film based on his fourth studio album Utopia.
On September 7, 2021, after weeks of speculation, Kylie Jenner revealed that she and Scott were expecting their second child.
On October 30, 2021, Travis Scott closed out day 3 of Rolling Loud NYC, performing the unreleased song 'Escape Plan' and previewing another unreleased track from his album Utopia.
On November 5, 2021, Travis Scott released a two-song single 'ESCAPE PLAN / MAFIA'.
In November 2021, a surge in the crowd of 50,000 attendees at Scott's Astroworld in Houston caused a panic, leading to multiple deaths.
Tragedy struck Travis Scott's annual Astroworld Festival in November 2021 during his performance in his hometown. A devastating crowd crush resulted in the loss of ten lives and left hundreds injured. The event sparked widespread scrutiny and legal repercussions, casting a shadow over Scott's career and igniting discussions about concert safety and artist responsibility.
In December 2021, the Cactus Jack Foundation gave out thousands of toys to the children of Houston.
In 2021, the celebrity meal concept popularized by Travis Scott's collaboration with McDonald's was exported to Europe, starting with Spanish singer Aitana.
In 2021, Travis Scott's collaboration with Epic Games for Fortnite came to an end, concluding a successful partnership that included virtual concerts and merchandise.
In 2021, Travis Scott starred in a cover story for i-D Magazine's Issue 362, titled 'Utopia in Dystopia', and released a limited-edition merch capsule in collaboration with the magazine.
In 2021, Malu Trevejo signed to Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Records in partnership with Atlantic Records.
In February 2022, Kylie Jenner gave birth to Scott's son.
On April 22, 2022, Travis Scott was featured on the song 'Hold That Heat' alongside Future and producer Southside, marking his first song release since the Astroworld Festival crowd crush.
On April 27, 2022, it was announced that Travis Scott would perform at Primavera Sound festivals in Buenos Aires, Santiago, and São Paulo.
On May 15, 2022, Travis Scott performed at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, marking his first performance since the Astroworld Festival tragedy in 2021.
On May 17, 2022, Scott announced that he would give away $1 million in scholarships to 100 HBCU college students from the graduating class of 2022 through the Cactus Jack Foundation.
On August 6, 2022, Travis Scott performed his first solo show since the Astroworld Festival tragedy at The O2 Arena in London.
In December 2022, Kid Cudi announced the cancellation of his collaborative album with Travis Scott, effectively pausing their joint project.
In 2022, Scott launched Project HEAL, a multi-tier, long-term series of community-focused philanthropy and investment efforts through his Cactus Jack Foundation. This initiative provided $5 million for community-based initiatives in Texas, addressing challenges faced by marginalized and at-risk youth.
In 2022, Travis Scott and Skepta headlined an event hosted by Virgil Abloh Securities in Miami. The event, called Mirror Mirror, honored the late Virgil Abloh's legacy.
The couple separated for a second time by January 2023.
On March 1, 2023, Scott was performing at Nebula, a nightclub in New York City, when he reportedly assaulted a sound technician and damaged $12,000 worth of sound equipment. The incident led to a warrant for his arrest.
On March 2, 2023, the NYPD issued a warrant for Scott's arrest in relation to the previous day's nightclub incident. The matter was later resolved with a settlement.
On March 19, 2023, Travis Scott and DJ Calvin Harris performed at MDLBEAST in Jeddah, on the eve of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
On June 29, 2023, a Texas grand jury decided against indicting Scott in a criminal probe of the deadly 2021 crowd surge at Astroworld.
In July 2023, Kid Cudi stated that the collaborative album with Travis Scott, 'The Scotts', is definitely happening at some point in the future.
On July 21, 2023, Travis Scott released the lead single 'K-pop' from his album Utopia, featuring Bad Bunny and The Weeknd.
By 2023, Travis Scott had achieved considerable success in the music industry, selling over 49 million records in the US. His music, known for blending traditional hip-hop and lo-fi sounds, had earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Five years after his previous solo album, and amidst a backdrop of controversies, Travis Scott released 'Utopia' in 2023. The album marked his fourth consecutive number-one debut on the Billboard 200, underscoring his enduring appeal and musical prowess.
On February 4, 2024, Travis Scott performed 'MY EYES', 'FE!N', and 'I KNOW?' from his 2023 album 'Utopia' at the 2024 Grammy Awards. His performance included a controversial moment during 'FE!N' with guest Playboi Carti.