Travis Scott, born Jacques Bermon Webster II on April 30, 1991, in Houston, Texas, is a Grammy-nominated rapper and producer known for his psychedelic trap sound blending rapping with heavily processed vocals. He achieved commercial success with albums like “Rodeo” (2015) and “Astroworld” (2018), collaborating with artists including Kanye West and Drake. His career includes major label deals with Epic Records and Grand Hustle, though the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy brought significant controversy and legal challenges that continue to shape his public profile.
A multifaceted artist who has redefined contemporary hip-hop through his innovative sound and cultural influence, Travis Scott, born Jacques Bermon Webster II on April 30, 1991, in Houston, Texas, stands as one of the most commercially successful and controversial figures in modern music.
Raised in Missouri City, a suburb of Houston, Scott began his musical journey as a teenager, forming his first duo called The Graduates with Chris Holloway in 2008, before dropping out of college to pursue music full-time.
Scott’s teenage years in Missouri City marked the beginning of his musical ambitions, leading to his first collaborative project and eventual college departure.
Scott’s early career trajectory involved strategic relocations from Houston to New York, then Los Angeles, as he sought to advance his musical ambitions. After releasing an EP as The Graduates in 2009, he formed a second duo, The Classmates, with OG Chess, producing two projects that helped establish his emerging reputation.
His persistence paid off when he signed his first major-label deal with Epic Records in 2012, followed by joining Kanye West’s GOOD Music production wing “Very GOOD Beats” in late 2012, and subsequently signing to T.I.’s Grand Hustle imprint in April 2013.
The artist’s discography demonstrates consistent commercial success, beginning with his debut mixtape “Owl Pharaoh” in 2013, followed by “Days Before Rodeo” in August 2014. His studio album “Rodeo,” released in 2015, featured the hit single “Antidote,” while “Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2016.
Scott also released the collaborative album “Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho” with Quavo in 2017. His third album “Astroworld” featured the Billboard Hot 100 number-one single “Sicko Mode.”
Scott’s distinctive psychedelic trap style, which blends rapping and singing with heavily processed, atmospheric vocal production, has established him as a pivotal figure in contemporary hip-hop. His collaborations with artists such as Kanye West, Rihanna, and Drake have further solidified his influence on the 2010s and 2020s music scene.
This innovation has translated into significant commercial recognition, including eight Grammy nominations, a Billboard Music Award, and a Latin Grammy Award.
Beyond music, Scott has expanded into fashion and business ventures, participating in major brand campaigns and merchandise partnerships that have established him as a trendsetter at the intersection of music and fashion. His virtual live performances in Fortnite from April 2020 attracted over 27 million viewers, demonstrating his ability to innovate in digital entertainment spaces.
However, his career has been marked by significant controversy, particularly following the tragic 2021 Astroworld Festival incident, which resulted in public scrutiny and legal challenges.
Despite these controversies, Scott remains one of the most commercially successful artists of the 2020s, continuing to generate intense cultural and industry discussion while maintaining his status as an influential figure in contemporary entertainment.
