Travis Scott burst onto the music scene from humble Houston, Texas beginnings to become a global hip-hop powerhouse. Born Jacques Bermon Webster II, Scott started behind the scenes as a producer before dropping his mixtape “Owl Pharaoh” in 2013. His crazy work ethic and fresh production style caught Kanye West’s eye, who took him under his wing early on.
When talking about his sound, think psychedelic hip-hop that sends you to another dimension. Travis blends heavy trap beats with spacey, atmospheric production that creates a totally immersive experience. His auto-tuned vocals float over dark, hypnotic beats, creating what fans call “rage music” – perfect for wild mosh pits and energy-packed shows.
These days, Travis sits comfortably among music’s elite stars. His Astroworld Festival pulled in over 50,000 fans before its unfortunate 2021 incident. His influence stretches way beyond just music into fashion, gaming, and even that McDonald’s meal deal that had restaurants running out of ingredients nationwide.
Hit after hit defines his career – “Sicko Mode,” “Goosebumps,” and “Highest in the Room” dominate streaming platforms. His album “Astroworld” shot straight to number one on Billboard 200, while “Utopia” kept his commercial hot streak blazing in 2023. The numbers speak volumes: over 50 million monthly Spotify listeners and music videos racking up hundreds of millions of views. His dedicated “ragers” follow him religiously across social media by the tens of millions.
But here’s the thing – while casual fans might know the radio hits, true Scott fans understand some of his most brilliant work flies under the radar. For every “Antidote” or “Butterfly Effect” blasting through speakers worldwide, there’s a hidden gem showcasing his real artistic genius. Ready to discover five criminally underrated Travis Scott tracks that deserve way more love? Let’s jump in.
1. 90210: The Cinematic Masterpiece
Atmospheric Storytelling at Its Finest
“90210” stands as a two-part journey from Travis Scott’s debut album “Rodeo” that shows off his narrative skills through sound. The first half features Kacy Hill’s haunting vocals over dreamy production before switching gears into a grittier trap beat where Travis reflects on fame and family.
Hearing “90210” feels like watching a mini-movie through headphones. Each listen reveals new details – those soft piano notes in the intro, the distorted guitars emerging halfway through. The song rewards listeners who pay attention, with fresh sonic layers appearing with every replay.
Music critics praise this track as one of Travis’ most ambitious works, yet it never got the commercial push that “Antidote” received from the same album. Its complex structure and deeper themes mean radio stations passed it over, leaving casual listeners unaware of this masterpiece.
Cool detail: That iconic house on the single’s cover? It’s actually a miniature model created by artist Dan Tobin Smith, not a real Beverly Hills mansion.
2. Skeletons: The Psychedelic Dream
Tame Impala-Infused Atmospheric Bliss
“Skeletons” represents Travis at his most experimental, featuring production from psychedelic wizard Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. This “Astroworld” standout creates a dreamlike feel with woozy synths, minimal beats, and Travis’ effect-heavy vocals floating alongside contributions from The Weeknd and Pharrell Williams.
Listening to “Skeletons” feels like floating through space – a weightless sound journey that lasts just over two minutes. It works perfectly as an interlude, building a hypnotic mood before melting into the next track. The spatial production details sound incredible through headphones.
Despite featuring three major artists and production from one of music’s most respected minds, “Skeletons” never became a single or got a music video. Sandwiched between bigger hits on “Astroworld,” many listeners skip this atmospheric gem for more immediate gratification.
Behind-the-scenes info: Kanye West reportedly helped arrange “Skeletons,” making it one of the rare tracks featuring input from both Kanye and Kevin Parker.
3. Drugs You Should Try It: The Emotional Centerpiece
Raw Vulnerability Behind the Rage
“Drugs You Should Try It” from Travis’ “Days Before Rodeo” mixtape perfectly marries cloud rap, psychedelia, and emotional openness. Over Charlie Handsome and FKi’s guitar-driven beat, Travis delivers his most introspective lyrics about dependency, fame, and relationship struggles.
What makes this track special? Its emotional honesty. Travis sounds raw and genuine, with vocals conveying real melancholy that contrasts with his aggressive party anthems. The production evolves throughout, atmospheric elements washing in and out as Travis’ auto-tuned confessions grow more intense.
Since it came out before Travis hit mainstream fame and remains absent from official streaming platforms, many newer fans have never heard this treasure. Finding it requires some effort – mainly through unofficial uploads and downloads – making it a badge of honor among dedicated followers.
Production secret: The song samples “Always” by Amanda Perez, slowed down dramatically to create that dreamy vibe.
4. Franchise: The Underappreciated Banger
Star-Studded Energy That Deserved More
“Franchise,” featuring Young Thug and M.I.A., dropped in 2020 as a standalone single after the massive “Astroworld” era. The track delivers pure energy with a catchy chorus, otherworldly production from Chase B, and three distinct vocal styles from its star lineup.
Sonically, it’s classic Travis – heavy bass, creative percussion patterns, and hypnotic flow that works perfectly both in headphones and club settings. M.I.A. adds unexpected global flavor, while Young Thug’s unique vocal approach perfectly complements Travis’ energy.
Though it debuted at number one on Billboard Hot 100, “Franchise” quickly fell down the charts without maintaining the cultural impact of Travis’ other singles. Released during pandemic lockdowns when clubs sat empty and concerts canceled, the song missed its natural habitat. As a standalone release rather than album track, it often gets forgotten when discussing Travis’ best work.
Insider detail: Parts of the music video were filmed at Michael Jordan’s Chicago mansion, connecting to Travis’ ongoing partnership with the Jordan brand.
5. 16 Chapels: The Raw Prototype
Early Genius Showing Future Potential
“16 Chapels” takes us back to Travis’ early days on his 2012 “Owl Pharaoh” compilation. Even in this early work, you hear him developing the sonic blueprint for future success – atmospheric production, melodic auto-tune, and lyrics balancing vulnerability with confidence.
Experiencing “16 Chapels” offers a fascinating glimpse into Travis’ evolution. Though less polished than later works, the production shows remarkable ambition with choir samples, dramatic shifts, and atmospheric depth. His vocal performance already shows the melodic instincts that would later define his signature sound.
As an early career track released before Travis had major backing, only the most dedicated fans know “16 Chapels.” Its rougher production and less refined approach might not immediately grab listeners used to his polished hits, but the raw energy and experimental nature make it essential for understanding his artistic journey.
Name origin: The title references the famous Sistine Chapel, with Travis positioning himself as a musical Michelangelo creating timeless art.
Which one hits different for you? Drop your thoughts and your own favorite underrated Travis tracks in the comments below!
