We present our top 5 Travis Scott projects to date!
TOP 5
5. Days Before Rodeo (2013)
DAYS BEFORE RODEO may have been intended as a little somethin’ somethin’ before RODEO, but it ended up becoming one of the most defining moments in Travis Scott’s catalog. The project feels raw as hell and unapologetically underground, capturing Travis at his most untamed and experimental. With its gritty trap foundation, spacey production, and chaotic energy, it steers far from commercial polish in favor of something more rebellious and true to his roots.
Joined by fellow troublemakers like Young Thug, Migos, and Rich Homie Quan, Travis crafted a sound that was as daring as it was atmospheric—a final transmission from the SoundCloud era before fully launching into the mainstream. Essential listens include “Mamacita,” “Drugs You Should Try It,” “Don’t Play,” and if you’re in your wild side, “Sloppy Toppy.”
4. Birds In The Trap Sing Brian McKnight (2016)
Doesn’t Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight feel like the most overlooked chapter in Travis Scott’s discography? It’s almost like the album gets lost in the noise of what came before and after, but without it, we might not have the Travis we know today. While it doesn’t boast the most hits out of his catalog, it gave us some of his most impactful moments. “goosebumps” with Kendrick Lamar still stands as one of his best singles ever, combining haunting production with excellent chemistry. Tracks like “wonderful,” the dancehall-infused “guidance,” and the double-platinum “pick up the phone” showed just how commercially viable Travis could be. We were also introduced to NAV (for many listeners) through “beibs in the trap” (this might be the last song in which he said the n-word). But more than anything, this album was a showcase of Travis’ melodic dominance—not just catchy, but rich, layered, and slightly left-of-center in a way that made his sound feel elevated from the pack. All in all, Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight is a subtle gem that pushed the boundaries between trap and atmospheric R&B, and in hindsight, laid the groundwork for ASTROWORLD and beyond.
3. UTOPIA (2023)
Didn’t UTOPIA feel colossal? At times, it barely sounds like music made on this planet. While the album kicks off with gritty boom bap on “HYENA” and throws it back with the 90s-sounding “MODERN JAM” (a track I personally can’t stand), the rest of the project pushes boundaries into what feels like next-level hip-hop. Tracks like “THANK GOD” feel like they were produced on Mars, while “FE!N” hits like a hyperspeed trip through a digital wormhole. Even on slower cuts like “MY EYES,” Travis sounds like a robot who wants to be tucked into bed gently.
What also stands out this time are the guest features, which feel more daring and dynamic. Travis still collaborates with familiar names like Drake, The Weeknd, and Young Thug, but also branches out with artists like Beyoncé, Yung Lean, Bad Bunny, and James Blake, creating a more global and genre-blending experience.
Interestingly, the solo tracks feel more deliberate, like Travis wanted to prove something. His delivery is sharper, his presence more commanding, and he no longer fades into the production like he occasionally did on ASTROWORLD. Here, he raps with intent, stepping forward as the main character in his own sonic universe.
In the end, UTOPIA feels ahead of its time: darker, grimier, more experimental, and packed with energy. Although it may not flow as seamlessly as past efforts, it stands as one of Travis Scott’s most ambitious and forward-thinking projects to date.
2. ASTROWORLD (2018)
Despite coming in at just 17 tracks, ASTROWORLD feels massive. It’s bursting with features—often hidden, layered, or revealed mid-song—and full of moments where the vibe shifts dramatically, like any team that adds Bradley Beal to it. From futuristic trap soundscapes and psychedelic detours to chopped-up vocals and mind-bending transitions, ASTROWORLD isn’t just music—it’s an experience, especially for those cruising through various levels of being highhhhh.
Interestingly, this isn’t Travis at his most lyrical or technically sharp. In fact, his delivery is arguably at its most robotic here. But that’s not a flaw—it’s a deliberate choice. On ASTROWORLD, Travis Scott plays the role of curator rather than showman. He doesn’t need to out-rap anyone. Instead, he creates the perfect environments for his collaborators to shine while elevating the production to cinematic levels. On tracks like “R.I.P. SCREW,” he floats through the instrumental, fully embracing the ride instead of trying to steer it.
Thematically, ASTROWORLD touches on fame, excess, nostalgia, and vice, but it’s the atmosphere that really speaks loudest. Every detail, from the beat switch-ups to the haunting ad-libs, is finely tuned for impact. It’s a world of its own—rich in detail and undeniably replayable.
To me, ASTROWORLD is Travis Scott’s most complete and well-put-together album. And honestly? It deserves to be considered his number one project.
1. Rodeo (2015)
My biggest takeaway from Rodeo? It captures a version of Travis Scott who was both coming into his own and unapologetically channeling his biggest influences.
On tracks like “Oh My Dis Side,” you can hear him tapping into the hypnotic trap energy that Migos perfected. “3500” carries the gritty DNA of Atlanta’s sound, clearly influenced by featured guests Future and 2 Chainz. With “Piss On Your Grave,” Travis embraces the unfiltered, boundary-pushing mentality he inherited from Kanye West. And “Wasted” thrives off the chaotic, club-ready vibe that Juicy J often brings to his collaborations.
What makes Rodeo stand out, though, is how Travis takes all of these influences and injects them with bold experimentation and a flair for the cinematic. Tracks like “90210” and “Pray 4 Love” transcend music; they’re spiritual, atmospheric experiences. Meanwhile, “Nightcrawler” unleashes the kind of rebellious energy that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go.
On Rodeo, Travis Scott isn’t just an eager student. He’s a visionary artist refining his sound with precision, range, and a defiant creative spirit. It’s a body of work that’s not just impressive—it’s essential listening for anyone who sees hip-hop as an art form.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
