Rapper Travis Scott re-released his 2014 SoundCloud mixtape “Days Before Rodeo” on Aug. 23, marking the 10th anniversary of the project’s original debut. The 12-track album, which features collaborations with artists like Big Sean, Rich Homie, and Young Thug, has evolved over the years, earning praise for its innovative blend of trap and psychedelic elements.
When “Days Before Rodeo” first dropped, Scott was just 23 years old. Despite being exclusive to SoundCloud, the mixtape quickly garnered critical acclaim from both fans and reviewers, including Album of the Year. For a decade, Scott kept the project solely on SoundCloud until Aug. 18, when he announced its release on all major streaming platforms.
“Days Before Rodeo” presents a psychedelic-trap journey, combining the raw energy of trap with a more ethereal, psychedelic sound. Featured artists like Young Thug, Big Sean, the Migos, and Rich Homie Quan, contribute to the mixtape’s distinct trap elements, while Peewee Longway and The 1975 add a psychedelic touch. Renowned producers Mike Dean and Metro Boomin lent their talents to the project, though Travis Scott himself took the lead as executive producer.
The mixtape opens with the track “Days Before Rodeo: The Prayer”, setting an ominous tone that reflects Scott’s introspective state of mind throughout the album. In the track, Scott touches on the emptiness he felt despite the success of his contributions to albums like “Yeezus,” “The Gifted,” and “Magna Carta Holy Grail,” highlighted in the line, “After three number-one albums, woulda thought I’d feel amazin’ Still impatient, still sippin’ on liquor.”
“Mamacita” features a slow start and guitar elements reminiscent of a western. The song’s infectious beat is built around a sample of Bobby Bland’s “If Loving You Is Wrong,” contributing to its distinctive sound. “Mamacita” was the only track from the mixtape released as a single, featuring memorable verses from rappers Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug. Together with Travist Scott, they created a unique southern-influenced masterpiece.
One of the standout tracks from the mixtape, “Drugs You Should Try It” earned critical acclaim for its unique musicality. HotNewHipHop considers it one of Travis Scott’s best, highlighting its ability to transport listeners to a psychedelic realm through its acoustic guitar and Scott’s ethereal vocals. The track’s immersive quality makes it a must-listen for anyone exploring the album.
Over the years, “Days Before Rodeo” has gained increasing recognition maturing like fine wine. As Travis Scott’s second official project, it set the stage for his career with its distinctive beats and vocals, standing out amid other rap albums during the time period. This early success among dedicated hip-hop fans paved the way for the positive reception of his debut album “Rodeo” released on Sept. 4, 2015.
