Travis Scott – a rapper, songwriter, and producer from Houston, gained fame in the early 2010s with his unique half-rap style. His music blends traditional rap, hip-hop, lo-fi, and ambient, creating a sound that resonates worldwide. Despite his current global fame, Scott’s rise to stardom was not immediate. Early in his career, he faced many disappointments, often crashing at friends’ places and self-releasing mixtapes to capture the public’s attention. Read more about the life and career of this Houston native below. Next on houstonski.
Early Years
Jacques Berman Webster II (Travis Scott’s real name) was born on April 30, 1991, in Houston. Until the age of 6, he lived with his grandmother while his mother worked at Apple, and his father was involved in business. He grew up in the South Park neighborhood, a rough area known for crime, which influenced his outlook.
To shield Jacques from the dangers of the ghetto, his grandmother sent him to live with his parents in Missouri City, a Houston suburb. Music was in his blood—his father was a musician, and his grandfather was a jazz composer.
After graduating from Elkins High School, Jacques enrolled at the University of Texas at San Antonio but dropped out after his first year to pursue a music career. His parents disapproved and cut off all financial support. Whenever he was ridiculed for his dreams, Scott turned that negativity into fuel to achieve success.
Music Career
Shortly after leaving university, Jacques teamed up with his friend Chris Holloway to form the group The Graduates, releasing an untitled EP. Early in his career, Jacques adopted the stage name Travis Scott in honor of his uncle, Travis.
In 2010, he formed a duo with rapper OG Chess, naming the group The Classmates. However, the duo disbanded in 2012 due to financial and personal differences, leaving Scott emotionally shaken.
Despite numerous setbacks, Travis moved to New York City to stay with a friend. While his peers enjoyed the city’s glamorous lifestyle, Travis endured hardships, sleeping on his friend’s floor in exchange for studio time at Just Blaze’s house. After a few fruitless months, Scott relocated to Los Angeles but was let down by a friend who had promised him housing. Feeling abandoned once more, Travis returned to Houston, where his parents eventually kicked him out, prompting his return to LA. There, he found refuge on a friend’s couch at the University of Southern California.
In 2012, Scott signed his first major deal with Epic Records. That November, he secured a publishing contract with Kanye West’s GOOD Music imprint, and by April, he had a deal with the hip-hop label Grand Hustle Records. His first full mixtape, Owl Pharaoh, was released in 2013, followed by Days Before Rodeo in 2014.
His debut studio album, Rodeo, was released in 2015, featuring the hit single “Don’t Play.” This track became a major hit and prompted Scott to embark on The Rodeo Tour, which began in California in March 2015 and ended in Oregon in April. These performances turned Scott into a true music sensation.
His second album, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight (2016), topped the Billboard 200 chart. Scott’s third album, Astroworld, was released in 2018. In 2017, he launched his record label, Cactus Jack Records.
In September 2020, after releasing his single “Franchise,” Scott topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards, won a Billboard Music Award, and received a Latin Grammy Award. His music often touches on religious themes, as he was raised in a Christian household.
In 2019, Scott released a single with The Weeknd and SZA for HBO’s popular series Game of Thrones. That same year, the documentary Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly premiered. Additionally, he made an appearance in the crime drama Gully, where he played a shop owner.
Aside from his musical talent, Scott has gained a reputation for his electrifying live performances, incorporating stunning stage designs, pyrotechnics, and an infectious energy that leaves a lasting impression on concertgoers.
Merchandise
Scott launched his own clothing line, TRAVIS SCOTT, offering a wide range of products, including hoodies, shirts, sweatshirts, shoes, track pants, jackets, phone cases, and hats. These premium items are available online at fairly affordable prices.
Personal Life
In April 2017, Scott began dating American socialite, reality TV star, and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner. The couple welcomed their daughter, Stormi Webster, in February 2018. However, they split in September 2019, although they have since been seen together on multiple occasions.
Fun Facts
- Travis learned to play the drums when he was just 3 years old and also mastered the piano.
- Before signing with major labels, Travis self-released his music. In 2011, he announced his first release would be an EP titled Owl Pharaoh, which later became a full-fledged mixtape.
- Scott is a romantic at heart. For Kylie Jenner’s birthday, he surprised her with an entire orchestra.
- He broke records with his hit song “Sicko Mode,” which stayed in Billboard’s Top 10 for over 30 weeks before being surpassed by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.”
- Scott’s 2021 Astroworld Festival tragically ended in disaster when a crowd surge resulted in the deaths of 10 people, the youngest victim being just 9 years old. The incident occurred during the first night of the festival. Despite pleas from the crowd, Scott continued performing, and was criticized for encouraging fans to “go wild.” However, neither Scott nor the other festival organizers were held legally responsible for the tragedy.
- In 2015, Scott was arrested at the Lollapalooza Festival for inciting fans to breach safety protocols.
- In 2015, Scott briefly dated Rihanna, a highly publicized chapter in his career.
As of 2022, Scott’s net worth was estimated to be around $60 million, with an annual salary of approximately $6 million.
