Travis Scott returns today with UTOPIA, his fourth studio album and first since 2018’s ASTROWORLD. The Houston rapper and producer has been teasing the LP for a few years, and in August 2020, on the second anniversary of ASTROWORLD, he tweeted a handwritten note reading, “To every one that bumps and rages to that soundtrack I love you. Let’s keep the ride going see you in Utopia.”
In the years since, Scott has faced no shortage of controversy, much of it surrounding his ill-fated Astroworld festival in November 2021. Ten people died and hundreds were injured in a crowd crush at the event. A grand jury in Houston recently decided against charging Travis in connection with the tragedy.
More recently, Scott has been in the news for his desire to perform UTOPIA in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Live Nation announced yesterday that the show was canceled due to “complex production issues.” That news came after a musicians’ syndicate in Egypt tried to deny Scott the necessary permitting, citing fears that Travis would perform “strange rituals” during his concert.
UTOPIA features, well, just about everyone. Guests include Beyoncé (“DELRESTO (ECHOES)”), Bad Bunny (“K-POP”), The Weeknd (“K-POP” and “CIRCUS MAXIMUS”), Bon Iver (“DELRESTO (ECHOES)” and “MY EYES”), Drake (“MELTDOWN”), Young Thug (“SKITZO”), Future and SZA (“TELEKENESIS”), and 21 Savage (“TIL FURTHER NOTICE”). Back in June 2021, Scott hinted that the album would feature a “psychedelic rock” sound. Earlier that same year, he told i-D magazine, “I’ve been making beats again, rapping on my own beats, just putting everything together and trying to grow it really.”
“That’s been one of the most fun things about working on this album,” he added. “I’m evolving, collaborating with new people, delivering a whole new sound, a whole new range.”
