Travis Scott (born Jacques Bermon Webster II) is one of the most influential artists of his generation and he has transformed the music scene with his cross-genre sound, innovative marketing, and epic live shows. From Houston rap scene to world-class celebrity, Travis Scott’s achievements show the limits of his creative energy, entrepreneurship and cultural impact. 

‍

Music Career and Chart-Topping Success  

Travis Scott’s music career started with his Owl Pharaoh (2013) and Days Before Rodeo (2014) mixtapes. Those first works were the basis of his own style, featuring dark atmospherics and auto-tuned vocals. His debut studio album Rodeo (2015) with hits such as "Antidote" took him to the top of the charts. 

His second album Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight (2016) further established him in the rap game. The album hit number one on the Billboard 200, and songs such as "Goosebumps" went viral and he was instantly a celebrity. But in 2018, Scott exploded with his third album Astroworld. Not only did the album land at number one, but it was accompanied by the massive single "Sicko Mode" which was his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit and won a variety of Grammy Awards. 

‍

Astroworld Festival and Cultural Impact  

The best and most unusual project Travis Scott has done is the Astroworld Festival that he established in 2018. In its name — named for a famous old theme park in Houston — the festival honors Scott’s heritage and also showcases his prowess in putting together a gigantic musical experience. Fans come from across the world to participate in the festival that unites music, roller coasters and artworks. 

Scott's influence extends beyond music.  He’s the one who’s made a fashion statement, popularised streetwear, and has teamed up with big names such as Nike. His Cactus Jack Nike sneaker collaborations are some of the most coveted sneaker releases of all time, and they sell like hot cakes on resale. 

‍

Pioneering Virtual Experiences  

Earlier this year, Travis Scott did something new for online concerts in 2020, he brought Fortnite into the game for the "Astronomical" virtual concert. It was a milestone for digital entertainment, and had more than 12 million live viewers. The partnership showed Scott’s creativity to reach fans on a new level, and how artists could reach an audience worldwide with immersive technology. 

‍

Brand Collaborations and Business Ventures  

On top of music, Travis Scott is also an intelligent entrepreneur who has leveraged his brand to work with all sorts of businesses. His collaboration with McDonald’s for the "Travis Scott Meal" in 2020 was an industry first: it was the first celebrity-created meal since Michael Jordan’s in the 1990s. Success of the campaign was proof of Scott’s cultural awareness and his power to motivate consumers. 

Scott also has his own brand, Cactus Jack, which ranges from music to products to a charity foundation. His art became Cactus Jack’s mantra, releasing singles and collectible products that cause an outpouring of hype. His philanthropy, which supports his Cactus Jack Foundation to provide education and arts to youth, proves that he never stops doing what he can to uplift his neighbourhood. 

‍

Awards and Recognition  

The influence of Travis Scott is not unappreciated because he’s been awarded so many accolades in his lifetime. He has won BET Hip Hop Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. It’s impossible not to see his legacy in contemporary hip-hop and pop culture as both critics and fans acclaim his vision-setting work in the industry. 

‍

Moving Forward: Where Does Travis Scott Go Next? 

While his highly anticipated album Utopia is out now, along with future film, fashion, and entertainment projects in the works, Travis Scott isn’t letting up. He is incomparable when it comes to creativity, adaptation and engaging with an audience; he was a trailblazer beyond measure. 

As he continues to grow, Travis Scott’s work can be used as an example of the power of imagination, toughness, and pushing the envelope. Whether in song, festival, or partnership, Scott’s mark will definitely influence culture for years to come. 

‍