WHO? WHAT!

"WHO? WHAT!" is a quintessential trap anthem that revolves around themes of success, loyalty, and the luxurious, yet perilous, lifestyle that comes with fame and wealth in the hip-hop world. The song serves as a boastful celebration of Travis Scott's and Migos' (Quavo and Takeoff) status, where they collectively shrug off criticism and questions from detractors. The title itself, a series of interrogative words, mockingly dismisses any inquiries into their success, essentially saying their dominance is self-evident. The lyrics are a tapestry of braggadocio, detailing their riches, sexual exploits, and a persistent connection to their street origins despite their current opulent surroundings. It's a statement of defiance, asserting that they remain authentic to their roots (“In the Hills but still keep them ghetto ties”) while fully indulging in the fruits of their labor. The recurring chorus about getting “fried” when things “get tense” points to self-medication and escapism as a coping mechanism for the pressures of their high-stakes environment.

The song unfolds as a confident and defiant declaration of a high-flying, dangerous lifestyle, delivered by Travis Scott and Migos members Quavo and Takeoff. The narrative dismisses rumors and questions from outsiders (“Heard they talkin’ shit ‘bout I / Who, what, when and why”), immediately establishing a sense of untouchable status. This world is one of instant revivals and powerful alliances, where the crew moves with the discipline and secrecy of an organization like the F.O.I. (Nation of Islam). Despite their ascent to luxurious living in “the Hills,” they remain fiercely connected to their “ghetto ties,” creating a duality between their past and present. This is illustrated through contrasting high-end dining like Ocean Prime with more humble origins symbolized by Frenchy's, a Houston fast-food chain. The lyrics paint a picture of hedonism and excess, from private jets and beautiful women to a constant state of being high to cope with the tension that accompanies their success (“When shit get tense, we twist up and we get fried”).

The verses delve deeper into the specifics of this opulent world. There's a casual display of wealth, like paying a dancer's rent, and a menacing edge, suggested by the reference to the Grinch at Christmas instead of Saint Nick, implying a more sinister, perhaps illegal, way of acquiring goods. Actions are taken that are too illicit to be spoken of, with the only soundtrack being the repetitive loop of a hyped track like “Mo Bamba.” This lifestyle is portrayed as both intoxicating and numbing, with a sense of detachment from the consequences of their actions. The artists navigate this world by dodging law enforcement (“Dodge the federal”), taking risks (“Rollin’ the dice”), and adorning themselves with the spoils of their success, like expensive ice and Gucci. The narrative is punctuated by threats of violence, where intruders and even their associates (“shoot your producer”) are not safe. This is a world governed by loyalty to the gang, where outsiders, particularly women who are labeled as “groupies,” are part of the scenery. The ultimate message is one of aggressive self-assurance and the soothing power of a “big bankroll.” The recurring countdown, “One, two, three, four, five, that’s the countdown ‘til I slide,” serves as a constant reminder of their readiness to act, to move, to escape, or to attack, encapsulating the restless and volatile energy that defines their existence.

"WHO? WHAT!" is a track from Travis Scott's critically acclaimed third studio album, Astroworld, which was released on August 3, 2018. The song was produced by Cardo and 30 Roc. According to an interview with producer Cardo, the beat for the song was created very quickly, around June 28, 2018, just five weeks before the album's release. He and 30 Roc made the track in about 30 minutes on the same night they met. The album itself was recorded between 2016 and 2018, with Scott reportedly finishing the project in Hawaii with a host of other artists and producers. The track features guest verses from Quavo and Takeoff of the hip-hop trio Migos, with whom Travis Scott has a long history of collaboration, including a full joint album titled Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho (2017). Their inclusion on the track continues this collaborative relationship, bringing their signature ad-lib-heavy style and chemistry to the energetic production.

The rhyme scheme in "WHO? WHAT!" is fluid and characteristic of modern trap music, relying more on flow and rhythm than strict, traditional patterns. The artists often use a combination of perfect rhymes, slant rhymes, and internal rhymes to maintain momentum. For instance, in Travis Scott's first verse, "revive," "collide," and "ties" create a loose rhyming structure at the end of the lines, while internal rhymes like "mouth" and "open" add to the complexity. The rhythm is driven by a fast-paced, triplet-heavy flow, a signature of Migos' style, which Travis Scott also employs. This syncopated lyrical delivery rides over a pounding trap beat, typically in a 130-150 BPM range. The interplay between the artists' cadences and the beat's hard-hitting 808s and skittering hi-hats is central to the song's aggressive and energetic feel. The hypnotic, repetitive rhythm of the chorus anchors the track and enhances its anthemic quality.

"WHO? WHAT!" showcases several of Travis Scott's signature stylistic techniques, both musically and lyrically.

• Ad-libs and Layered Vocals: The track is densely layered with ad-libs from Scott, Quavo, and Takeoff. These ad-libs ("who?", "yeah", "skrr, skrr") act as a form of rhythmic and melodic punctuation, adding to the song's high-energy and chaotic atmosphere.
• Beat Switches & Production: While not as dramatic as in songs like "SICKO MODE," the production by Cardo and 30 Roc is dynamic. It features a hard-hitting trap beat with booming 808s and a sinister synth melody that creates a dark, psychedelic, and energetic soundscape, a hallmark of Scott's music.
• Vocal Autotune and Effects: Travis Scott's use of Auto-Tune is a key part of his artistic identity, employed not just for pitch correction but as an instrument to create a melodic, atmospheric, and slightly distorted vocal texture that complements the psychedelic nature of the beat.
• Repetitive, Hypnotic Chorus: The chorus is simple and repetitive, making it a memorable and effective hook. The countdown, "One, two, three, four, five, that's the countdown 'til I slide," creates a sense of building tension and imminent action.
• Flex-Oriented Storytelling: The lyrical content is a prime example of "flex" culture in hip-hop, where the narrative is built around boasting about wealth, women, cars, and a dangerous lifestyle, using vivid and often exaggerated imagery.

As a standout track from the highly successful and culturally impactful album Astroworld, "WHO? WHAT!" contributed to the album's overall legacy. Astroworld debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart and became Travis Scott's third consecutive number-one album on the US Billboard 200. The song itself, featuring the popular Migos members Quavo and Takeoff, was a fan favorite and embodied the energetic, ad-lib-filled trap sound that dominated hip-hop in the late 2010s. While not released as a single, its presence on a blockbuster album meant it received significant streaming and play. The track is a prime example of the powerful synergy between Travis Scott's psychedelic trap aesthetic and Migos' influential triplet flow and catchy ad-libs, a combination that has shaped the sound of modern hip-hop. The song is frequently cited in discussions about the best tracks on Astroworld and is a staple of energetic, workout, and party playlists.

The lyrics of "WHO? WHAT!" are rich with imagery and metaphors that paint a picture of the artists' lifestyle and mindset.

• F-O-I (Nation of Islam): The line "Me and the guys move just like the F-O-I" uses the Fruit of Islam, the paramilitary wing of the Nation of Islam, as a metaphor for their crew's discipline, loyalty, and organized movement. It suggests a tight-knit, powerful, and almost militant unity.
• The Grinch: The reference "At Christmas time it's no Saint Nick we got the Grinch" serves as a metaphor for their illicit activities. Instead of receiving gifts through legitimate means, they take what they want, akin to the Grinch stealing Christmas. This symbolizes a rebellious and anti-establishment approach to acquiring wealth.
• Pork and Rinds: Mentioning "Pork and rinds, how I grew up on my side" is symbolic of their humble beginnings. It's a specific cultural reference to a simple, Southern food that grounds their current luxury in the reality of their past, reinforcing their authenticity.
• Hundred Acres Wide: The line "Ain't no fence just a hundred acres wide" symbolizes a sense of boundless freedom and immense success. The absence of a fence suggests no limitations or restrictions on their territory and influence.

The most significant recurring phrase in "WHO? WHAT!" is the chorus, which acts as the song's central hook and thematic anchor. The lines, "One, two, three, four, five, that's the countdown 'til I slide / Pork and rinds, how I grew up on my side / Ain't no fence just a hundred acres wide / When shit get tense, we twist up and we get fried" are repeated multiple times. This repetition emphasizes the core themes: readiness for action ("'til I slide"), a connection to humble roots ("Pork and rinds"), immense success and freedom ("hundred acres wide"), and using drugs as a coping mechanism ("we get fried"). The phrase "Know what I'm saying" is used as an introductory motif, setting a conversational and assertive tone. Additionally, the ad-libs, particularly the questioning "Who?" after certain lines, reinforce the song's dismissive and defiant attitude towards outside scrutiny.