Review Summary: Can you survive the Rodeo?
If you haven’t directed your attention at Travis Scott, go back and listen to his debut album as a wake-up call. Since the onset of his career, the Houston rapper has always been a divisive figure in hip-hop. The same complaints that repel people from fully vibing with his sound are also the reasons others celebrate the rapper. Travis Scott has indeed built a large following with his signature style of aggressive vocals and eccentric soundscapes. For me, while his lyrics may lack substance, there’s an emotive quality to his voice and worlds he creates that are as captivating as they are unique.
Rodeo is no different. Like most Scott’s music, it bumps. Take any cut off the album and there is the same immediate bass-rattling, almost melancholic sound. The central message of Rodeo is found on album opener, “Pornography,” where T.I. proclaims a young rebel has chosen to “fuck this shit.” Throughout the album, Travis howls and growls, never once losing momentum. Travis Scott marries stories of drug use and partying to murky, dark, and brooding production. Take "Wasted"*with Juicy J, a certified banger for clubs and house parties yet there’s something sinister about it.
The production also benefits from Travis Scott’s eclectic tastes. Even if he has a clear interest in making music with a trap sound, he manages to sprinkle influences of alternative and indie rock. This may be the reason for such a polarizing response toward his last projects because in all honesty, his music at times can be bizarre. To Travi$ Scott’s credit, this does not stop him from making the music he wants. But with Rodeo he has actually perfected the cohesiveness of his record’s production. Listening to Owl Pharaoh proved Travi$ Scott as a versatile talent but production wise, it went all over the place, going from one direction to the next. While ambitious as it was, it felt as if he was trying to accomplish too much. With Rodeo, the experimentalism has room to breathe.
With this album, Travi$ Scott also brings his trademark ability to rage. Listen to the Chief Keef and Swae Lee assisted track, "Nightcrawler," an exceptional hype song with its rolling and wobbly atmospherics, handing down fun party-centered vibes. But the most surprising thing about all of this is the somber theatrics each song seems to possess. Listening to “Maria I’m Drunk” (which has an actually remarkable Justin Bieber verse) this became noticeable. The hollow chords of the song seem lonely, insular, perfectly matching the wooziness of intoxication. The track “90210,” the most impressive cut off the album, does this perfectly with the odd intervals of singing that seem siren-like and sad. With Rodeo,*Travis has created a dark microcosm of turn-up.
Travis Scott’s music embodies moods. And that is what music has always been about in the first place: to make you feel something. He can make you feel angry or excited or inspired all on the same record; indifference to his music is not really option. La flame has managed to garner the spotlight and situate himself as a cultural mover and shaker in just a short period of time. If you need a reminder as to why, listen to this album.
Rodeo proves why he belongs here.
