Review: Ten years later, “Days Before Rodeo” endures while Travis Scott remains static

By Charlie Cruz     9/17/24 11:52pm

Review: ★★★

Ten years after its release, “Days Before Rodeo” remains one of Travis Scott’s most beloved projects — a raw, energetic mixtape that laid the foundation for his rise to stardom. Released on SoundCloud in 2014, it featured impressive collaborations with the likes of Young Thug, The 1975, and Big Sean, and firmly established  Travis as a force in hip-hop. 

A decade later, the mixtape has finally hit streaming platforms. Despite its cult status, it reveals an unfortunate truth: Travis has been running in place. While “Days Before Rodeo” was praised for its innovation in 2014, the same sound that once felt fresh has become a crutch. Travis continues to deliver catchy music, but it rarely pushes beyond the boundaries set for himself years ago.

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At the core of Travis’ music is production and harmony. While Kanye West pioneered using the human voice as an instrument, blending it seamlessly into his production, Travis took this concept further. Alongside artists like Playboi Carti, he carved out a niche in hip-hop where vocals and instrumentals blend so naturally they become indistinguishable. In Travis’ music, the beat and voice intertwine, forming an immersive soundscape. Travis’ ability to fuse hip-hop with lo-fi textures introduced a new wave of atmospheric rap, and he continues to reign in that sonic space.

Take “Drugs You Should Try It” as a prime example. The song encapsulates the beginning of Travis Scott’s signature style, with smooth guitar riffs paired with his moody, melodic voice. The arpeggiated guitar riff, influenced by early 2000s emo, follows a simple chord progression but is layered with subtle leads to create a dynamic feel. Travis blends this with his melodic flow, intertwining his emotional core with lo-fi, reverb-heavy production. The track’s innovation comes not just from its sound but from its process: Travis took a hook originally written by FKi 1st, laid his vocals over the mp3 version, and crafted something undeniably powerful. The seamless harmony between the beats and vocals in “Drugs You Should Try It “ is quintessential Travis, an atmospheric fusion that many have attempted but mastered truly by him.

Then there’s “Mamacita,” my personal favorite, where his sampling skills shine. Pulling from Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right,” he transforms a soulful classic into a club banger with heavy percussion and raw energy. The song, featuring Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug, is a high-octane experience with thumping drums that demand movement, perfectly complementing Travis’ explicit verse. The rhythm and intensity drive the track, embodying the carefree, wild energy that defines much of Travis’ music. 

The rest of the project follows suit, with tracks like “Quintana Pt. 2” and “Skyfall” blending diverse sounds and influences into a cohesive, atmospheric experience. Each track has its own flavor, yet the project thrives on the same principles: energetic percussion, vocal manipulation, and boundary-pushing production, securing its place as a standout in Travis’ discography.

Still, the mixtape is ten years old now. Perhaps I would have been amazed if I had first heard the project in 2014. But after listening to it more than ten times, I keep coming to the same conclusion: Travis is ... just Travis. He’s mastered his style, no doubt about it, but that’s all there is. Even after listening to his latest album “Utopia”, it’s clear that despite nearing 34, the themes in his music haven’t changed much. 

And honestly, that’s okay. Travis was never known for his lyricism or deep songwriting. Yet, I can’t help but wonder why Travis is still so revered. Yes, he makes fantastic club music, but plenty of up-and-coming artists offer the same — and more. While the individual tracks on “Days Before Rodeo” are solid, the concepts that have since evolved in his later work feel more polished but no longer as original. After a decade, it feels like Travis hasn’t evolved beyond what made him famous. I’m left questioning whether his influence will endure without artistic growth.

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