90210 (feat. Kacy Hill)

"90210" is a profound exploration of the dual nature of fame and the quintessential Hollywood dream. The title itself, referencing the iconic Beverly Hills zip code, serves as a powerful symbol for the promises of wealth, success, and glamour, as well as the inherent nightmares and moral decay that can accompany their pursuit. The song is structured in two distinct halves, each representing a different facet of this theme. The first part tells the cautionary tale of a young woman who becomes lost in the superficiality and exploitation of the entertainment industry, chasing a dream that ultimately leaves her feeling empty and 'hooked on feeling low'. This narrative serves as a broader commentary on the dark underbelly of Hollywood. The second half of the song shifts to a more introspective and personal perspective, with Travis Scott reflecting on his own transformation and the costs of his success. He contrasts his past self, 'Jacques,' with his famous alter ego, 'La Flame,' and discusses the struggles with identity, substance use, and the authenticity of relationships in the face of fame. Ultimately, the song is a bittersweet meditation on ambition, the sacrifices made for success, and the search for genuine meaning in a world obsessed with surface-level appearances.

The song unfolds as a two-part narrative, beginning with the story of a young woman who has moved to the Los Angeles area, symbolized by the '90210' zip code, in pursuit of a glamorous life. She is described as a 'porn star girl from the valley' who gets caught up in the superficial and often destructive Hollywood lifestyle. This part of the narrative paints a picture of her chasing fame and success but finding herself lost and 'hooked on feeling low.' The lyrics suggest she has become entangled in a world of excess and moral compromise, symbolized by her move 'to that alley,' a metaphor for the darker, less glamorous side of Hollywood. Her craving for the '90210' lifestyle is contrasted with the emptiness it brings. The song then transitions, and the focus shifts to Travis Scott's own journey and internal conflicts. He reflects on his transformation from 'Jacques' (his birth name) to 'La Flame,' his famous persona. This section delves into his experiences with the music industry, the pressures of success, and the use of substances like Adderall as a coping mechanism. He acknowledges the material symbols of success, like his chains and Cadillac, but also implies a deeper search for meaning. He grapples with the sacrifices made for his career, the estrangement from genuine friends, and the burden of maintaining his public image. The narrative becomes deeply personal as he mentions his family's reactions to his fame—his grandmother's concern about his work ethic and his father's newfound happiness. He expresses a sense of having 'made it' and found life's meaning, yet this realization is bittersweet, colored by the challenges and disillusionment that have accompanied his rise. The song concludes with a sense of grounding, emphasizing the importance of his roots and family connections as an anchor in the chaotic world of fame.

"90210" is a standout track from Travis Scott's debut studio album, Rodeo, released on September 4, 2015. The song's production is credited to a team of notable producers including Travis Scott himself, Mike Dean, Allen Ritter, DJ Dahi, and WondaGurl. In an interview, Scott revealed that the creation of the beat started accidentally with co-producer Allen Ritter. They were working on another track when Ritter played the first two chords of what would become "90210," and Scott immediately recognized its potential. Scott has stated that he held onto the song for several months before completing it. The song features vocals from American singer Kacy Hill and background vocals from Chantel Jeffries. It also contains a sample of "Itinerario Romantico" by The Blue Sharks. An early demo version of the song by Kacy Hill and Bibi Bourelly exists, which contains some of the initial lyrical concepts that Travis Scott later expanded upon, such as the 'pornstar girl' narrative. The song's elaborate, stop-motion music video was directed by Hype Williams and premiered on August 12, 2016. Scott mentioned that the video took four months to create.

The rhyme and rhythm in "90210" are integral to its storytelling and atmospheric quality. Travis Scott employs a relatively free verse structure, with a flow that is more melodic and catered to the song's moody production rather than adhering to a strict, traditional rhyme scheme. His lyrical delivery is characterized by a blend of rapping and singing, often enhanced by Auto-Tune, which allows the rhythm of his vocals to weave seamlessly into the instrumental's ambient textures. The first half of the song has a slower, more deliberate pace, contributing to its 'haunting gloom.' After the beat switch, the tempo and rhythmic feel become more soulful and driven, propelled by a distinct drum pattern and a beautiful piano sample. This rhythmic shift heightens the emotional transition in the song's narrative from despair to a more reflective and triumphant, albeit bittersweet, tone. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is carefully crafted to create a cohesive and immersive sonic experience.

"90210" is lauded for its unique musical and lyrical techniques.

• Beat Switch: The most prominent stylistic choice is the dramatic beat switch that divides the song into two distinct parts. The first half is characterized by a 'haunting gloom' and a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape, while the second half transitions into a more soulful and melodic composition with a prominent piano and guitar riff. This structural choice mirrors the song's narrative shift from a cautionary tale to introspective reflection.
• Vocal Effects: Travis Scott's use of Auto-Tune and other vocal effects is a key component of his style on this track. The effects contribute to the song's bleak, melodic, and psychedelic atmosphere, enhancing its emotional weight.
• Sampling: The song skillfully incorporates a sample from "Itinerario Romantico" by The Blue Sharks, which adds to its cinematic and soulful feel, particularly in the second half.
• Narrative Structure: The song employs a two-part narrative, first focusing on a third-person story of a girl in Hollywood and then shifting to a first-person reflection from Scott himself. This provides a multifaceted perspective on the theme of fame.
• Instrumentation: The instrumentation evolves throughout the song, starting with ambient textures and distorted vocals, and later introducing classic piano, a Mike Dean guitar solo, and lush melodic elements, showcasing a wide dynamic and emotional range.

"90210" is widely regarded as a standout track on Travis Scott's debut album, Rodeo, and a fan favorite. While not released as a single, the song gained significant traction through word-of-mouth and online platforms, solidifying its status as a cult classic within Scott's discography. It is often cited by critics and fans as a prime example of his artistic vision and creative range, showcasing his ability to blend hip-hop with psychedelic and alternative influences. The song's complex production and narrative depth have made it a benchmark in discussions about his most ambitious work. The stop-motion music video, directed by the acclaimed Hype Williams, further cemented the song's iconic status. "90210" has become a staple in Travis Scott's live performances, with the dramatic beat switch being a highly anticipated moment that enhances the energy of his shows. The song's exploration of the dark side of fame has resonated with many listeners and is considered a significant piece of storytelling within contemporary hip-hop.

"90210" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that deepen its thematic exploration of fame.

• The 90210 Zip Code: This is the central symbol, representing the pinnacle of Hollywood success, luxury, and the dream of a better life. However, it also functions as a symbol of the superficiality and moral compromise often required to achieve that status.
• 'That Alley': The 'alley' that the 'porn star girl' moves to is a metaphor for the dark, hidden, and sordid side of the entertainment industry, a stark contrast to the glamorous facade of Beverly Hills.
• 'Jacques turned La Flame': This transformation of Travis Scott's birth name to his stage name symbolizes his personal and artistic metamorphosis. It represents the shedding of his old identity for a new, famous persona, highlighting the theme of identity change in the face of fame.
• Lake Tahoe Metaphor: The line about the woman creating 'Lake Tahoe all from her panties' is a vivid and provocative metaphor for her sexual exploitation and the commodification of her body in her pursuit of a career in Hollywood.

The most significant recurring motif in "90210" is the zip code itself, which is repeated in the lyrics and serves as the song's central theme. The phrase '9-0-2-1-0' acts as a chant-like hook, particularly in the first half, representing the object of desire and the symbol of a coveted lifestyle. The line "Baby's hooked on feeling low" sung by Kacy Hill is another crucial recurring element. Its repetition emphasizes the emotional cost and addictive nature of the hollow pursuit of fame, becoming a poignant summary of the female character's plight. The contrast between 'Jacques' and 'La Flame' is a recurring conceptual motif, representing Scott's internal struggle with his identity before and after fame. These recurring elements provide structural cohesion and reinforce the song's core messages about the allure and perils of the Hollywood dream.