Jacques Bermon Webster II, known professionally as Travis Scott, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer born on April 30, 1991, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in Missouri City, a suburban area southwest of Houston. His stage name is a combination of the name of a favorite uncle and the first name of one of his inspirations, Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi). Scott's interest in music began at a young age, and he started producing beats as a teenager. After dropping out of the University of Texas at San Antonio, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career.
Career Beginnings
In 2012, Scott signed his first major-label deal with Epic Records and a publishing deal with Kanye West's GOOD Music. The following year, he signed a recording contract with T.I.'s Grand Hustle imprint. He released his first full-length project, a mixtape titled "Owl Pharaoh," in 2013, followed by a second mixtape, "Days Before Rodeo," in 2014. These early projects showcased his unique blend of traditional hip-hop and lo-fi, often described as ambient and psychedelic.
Rise to Stardom
Scott's debut studio album, "Rodeo," was released in 2015 and featured the hit single "Antidote," which became his first track to reach the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. His second album, "Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight" (2016), became his first number-one album on the Billboard 200. In 2017, he released a collaborative album with Quavo titled "Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho."
Astroworld and Global Success
His third studio album, "Astroworld" (2018), was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. The album's lead single, "Sicko Mode" featuring Drake, became his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of "Astroworld" catapulted him to international fame. In 2019, his record label, Cactus Jack Records, released the compilation album "Jackboys," which also topped the Billboard 200. He followed this with a string of number-one debut singles, including "Highest in the Room" and "Franchise."
Utopia
After a five-year hiatus between solo albums, Scott released "Utopia" in 2023. The album became his fourth consecutive number-one debut on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
Other Ventures and Personal Life
Beyond music, Travis Scott is a significant figure in fashion and business, known for high-profile collaborations with brands like Nike, Dior, and McDonald's. He founded his own record label, Cactus Jack Records, in 2017. Scott was in a highly publicized relationship with media personality and businesswoman Kylie Jenner, with whom he has two children.
Controversies
Scott's career has also been marked by controversy, particularly concerning the safety of his high-energy concerts. In November 2021, a crowd crush at his Astroworld Festival in Houston resulted in ten deaths and hundreds of injuries, leading to widespread criticism and numerous lawsuits. He has also faced other legal issues, including arrests for allegedly inciting a riot at a concert in 2017 and for disorderly intoxication and trespassing.