By Ruby Fieser
“Days Before Rodeo,” Travis Scott’s mixtape, was re-released on August 23rd, 2024, to mark the 10-year anniversary of his debut album, which launched his career.
The original mixtape was released on SoundCloud in 2014. Scott made it available on streaming platforms for the first time and dropped vinyl/digital editions on his website last month.
Even non-fans would recognize hits like “Goosebumps” and “FE!N.” For fans, such as Irvington Alum Will Neubauer, “Days Before Rodeo” may sound like a new release. Neabauer says, “It differs from the past a little; however, each album is supposed to have its own style. No matter what, it was good to have a chance to listen to new music.”
But for those who haven’t followed Scott’s discography closely, like myself, the album is a solid listen, though not revelatory.
The beat switch and novelty of the instrumentals carry “Quintana pt 2”, which is by far my favorite track on the album. “Zombies” and “Grey” show the versatility for which Scott has become known. “Don’t Play (feat. The 1975 and Big Sean)” and “Sloppy Toppy” (feat. Migos & Peewee Longway) solidify Scott’s reputation as a master collaborator.
Taking heavy influence from rappers such as Kid Cudi and Kanye West, Scott has become one of the most influential figures in hip hop. Through his distinctive sound, innovative marketing, and collaborations, he has left an ineradicable mark on the rap industry.
Listening to the album a decade after its first release, Scott’s distinctive style still comes through, there’s no doubt who you’re listening to. But precisely because of how influential Scott has become since 2014 – creating a long list of people trying to replicate his sound – the album today comes up short.
The album as a whole drags on. Scott’s reliance on auto-tune and misogynistic lyrics becomes stale halfway through. I found myself questioning why he is often grouped with artists like Playboi Carti and A$AP Rocky. As a fan of both, I find Scott less creative and harder to listen to.
“Days Before Rodeo” is worth a listen, but if you’re like me, it probably won’t make you a fan.
