Travis Scott
Travis Scott is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer from Houston, Texas. He rose to prominence in the early 2010s and is known for his atmospheric trap music and elaborate live performances.
Early Life
Jacques Bermon Webster II was born on April 30, 1991, in Houston, Texas. He was raised in Missouri City, a suburb of Houston, by his grandmother during his early childhood before later moving in with his parents. He attended Elkins High School and subsequently enrolled at the University of Texas at San Antonio, which he left after two years to pursue a music career.
Career Beginnings
Scott relocated to New York City and later Los Angeles to pursue music professionally. He collaborated with producer Mike Waxx and released early mixtapes, garnering attention within hip-hop circles. His breakthrough came when he signed with T.I.'s Grand Hustle label in 2012. He subsequently signed with Epic Records and established a working relationship with Kanye West, contributing production work to West's albums Cruel Summer and Yeezus. Scott also worked closely with Drake during this period, contributing to the album Nothing Was the Same.
Discography and Commercial Success
Scott released his debut studio album, Rodeo, on September 4, 2015, through Grand Hustle and Epic Records. The album was critically recognized for its genre-blending production style, incorporating elements of psychedelic rap and trap music. His second studio album, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, was released in 2016 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2018, Scott released Astroworld, named after the former Houston amusement park. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and produced the single "SICKO MODE," which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Utopia, his fourth studio album, was released on July 28, 2023, and also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
Cactus Jack Records
Scott founded his own record label, Cactus Jack Records, which operates as an imprint under Epic Records. Through the label, he has signed and promoted several artists, including Don Toliver, Sheck Wes, and Luxury Tax 50. The label has also released compilation projects featuring its roster of artists.
Live Performances and Festivals
Scott became widely recognized for his high-energy live performances. He founded the Astroworld Festival, an annual music event held in Houston, Texas, beginning in 2018. The festival featured a wide range of musical acts and drew tens of thousands of attendees each year.
Astroworld Festival Tragedy
On November 5, 2021, a crowd surge occurred during Scott's headlining performance at the Astroworld Festival in Houston. The incident resulted in ten deaths and hundreds of injuries. The event led to widespread investigations by local authorities and spawned extensive litigation. Scott and Live Nation, the event's organizer, faced numerous lawsuits in connection with the tragedy. Scott issued public statements expressing grief over the incident.
Business Ventures and Collaborations
Beyond music, Scott has engaged in several commercial partnerships. He launched a highly publicized collaboration with McDonald's in 2020, resulting in a branded meal and merchandise. He has also collaborated with Nike and Jordan Brand on multiple sneaker releases. Scott has been involved in the gaming industry, hosting a virtual concert series within the video game Fortnite in April 2020, which attracted a reported 12 million concurrent viewers.
Personal Life
Scott began a relationship with media personality Kylie Jenner in 2017. The couple have two children together: a daughter, Stormi Webster, born in February 2018, and a son born in February 2022. Scott and Jenner have had an on-and-off relationship over the years.
