There has hardly been a more hyped debut album in hip-hop this year than Travi$ Scott’s “Rodeo,” and though it’s not perfect, it’s worth a listen.
The Kanye West protege has created a satisfying first full-length studio album, expanding on his futuristic sound.
Scott always has been a bit of a mystery, and “Rodeo” plays into that. As expected, the hazy, drug-induced production is tremendous, representing Scott’s brand of dark hip-hop.
The album’s biggest strength is its features. Scott brought on talented superstar guests like Kanye West, The Weeknd, Future, 2 Chainz, Justin Bieber, Swae Lee, Juicy J and ScHoolboy Q to make the songs pop.
Sometimes these guests end up overshadowing Scott on the tracks, but the features are still effective.
“Rodeo” lacks true depth, particularly with its subject matter. Much of the album is one turn-up song after another. However, this isn’t necessarily a negative, as the songs are perfect for partying, and many listeners seek out this type of music.
What “Rodeo” certainly doesn’t lack is club hits.
One of the album’s best tracks is its trap masterpiece “Oh My Dis Side,” featuring Quavo from the rap group Migos. The song is nearly six minutes of wonderful production that begins as a club banger, then surprisingly transforms into a slower, thoughtful opus about Scott and Quavo’s lives and where they come from.
At nearly eight minutes, “3500” meshes perfectly with its Future and 2 Chainz features. The production is ideal for them, and the song never grows tired despite its length. It’s sure to be one of “Rodeo’s” most popular, whether in clubs or during a long car ride.
“Pray 4 Love,” featuring The Weeknd, is exactly the kind of dark R&B the Toronto singer specializes in. On the track, Scott says, “Pray for the ones I hate, the ones I love. Pray for my liver when I’m off in this club,” summing up the lyrical content of the album.
“Rodeo” isn’t only good for partying, though. Many of the tracks are moody and atmospheric and equally as enjoyable to listen to alone as they are at an alcohol-filled gathering.
If listeners are looking for conscious political rap, “Rodeo” isn’t going to deliver. But listeners looking for fun, incredibly produced hip-hop and a good time will find exactly that.
You can reach Kayla Randall on Twitter @kay_ran21.