Travis Scott and Kid Cudi: A Friendship That Redefined Modern Rap

Travis Scott and Kid Cudi share a unique professional and personal relationship that has profoundly impacted the world of modern rap. What began as admiration on Travis's part for one of his musical heroes soon blossomed into a close friendship and powerful creative partnership. Kid Cudi, known for his emotionally raw lyrics and genre-blending sound, has had a significant influence on Travis Scott’s artistry. Let’s dive deeper into their friendship 

The Close Bond

Travis Scott has long regarded Kid Cudi as a hero and an essential influence on his music. In fact, Travis adopted the name "Scott" from Kid Cudi’s real name, Scott Mescudi, as a tribute to his admiration for him. Kid Cudi’s emotional vulnerability and genre-blending approach had a significant impact on a young Travis, shaping his desire to push boundaries in rap music.

Their bond became stronger over time, moving from admiration to friendship and collaboration. Travis has often spoken about how Cudi's music got him through tough times, describing Cudi as his "big brother." Cudi, in turn, has expressed his appreciation for Travis's unique energy and creative direction.

Musical Collaborations

The two artists have collaborated on several notable tracks, bringing their styles together to create memorable music. Some of their key collaborations include:

• “Through the Late Night” (2016) from Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight: This track stands out as a fan favorite, with Travis paying homage to Cudi’s iconic hit “Day ‘N’ Nite.” The song reflects a seamless blend of Cudi’s signature humming and psychedelic influence with Travis’s trap production style.
• “Way Back” (2016) – Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight: Kid Cudi’s contribution to “Way Back” further demonstrates the effortless blending of their styles. Although Cudi’s role is not as prominent as in other collaborations, his laid-back vocals add texture and atmosphere to the song, contributing to its overall success as a fan-favorite on the album.

Interesting Fact: The Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Travis Scott’s first No. 1 album. It sold 88,000 equivalent album units in its first week, a significant achievement that highlighted his growing fan base and mainstream appeal.

• “Stop Trying to Be God” (2018) – Astroworld: Though not a direct collaboration in the form of verses, Kid Cudi contributed to the spiritual vibe of "Stop Trying to Be God," one of the standout tracks from Travis Scott’s Astroworld album. Cudi provides background vocals that add emotional weight and depth to the song, enhancing its introspective and ethereal quality. The track became a significant highlight on the critically acclaimed Astroworld, with Cudi’s subtle yet powerful contributions helping to elevate it.
• “THE SCOTTS” (2020): This single, released under their collaborative name, THE SCOTTS, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track's dark, futuristic sound, combined with both artists' distinct vocal deliveries, exemplifies how their chemistry in the studio translates to chart-topping success.

Interesting Fact: The Scotts" garnered significant digital sales in its first week, selling over 67,000 copies. It also achieved impressive streaming numbers, with over 42 million on-demand streams in its first week. Looking at the success of a single song, Kid Cudi announced that a full collaborative project titled , The SCOTTS was in progress. Anyways, that didn’t go as planned and Cudi commented on social media, “Naw I'm not doin' that. The moment has passed”

Shaping Modern Rap Music

Travis Scott and Kid Cudi’s partnership has redefined what’s possible in rap, merging introspective lyricism with larger-than-life production. By pushing the boundaries of traditional rap, they’ve influenced the sound of contemporary hip-hop, bringing emotional resonance and genre-defying creativity to the forefront. 

Together, they have not only made an indelible mark on modern rap but also opened doors for future artists to continue evolving the genre. Their collaborations are more than just successful tracks—they represent a shared vision that has inspired a new era in hip-hop culture.

Conclusion

The distinct chemistry between Travis Scott and Kid Cudi bring their unique talents to the table. Their collaborations have left an indelible mark on modern hip-hop, influencing the sound of the genre by blending Cudi’s introspective style with Travis’s futuristic production and high-energy performances.