Travis Scott, known for his electrifying performances, genre-bending soundscapes, and a devoted fanbase of “ragers,” Scott has not only redefined modern rap but also reshaped the cultural conversation around music, art, and fashion. As 2024 marks the tenth anniversary of his seminal mixtape Days Before Rodeo, Scott, in collaboration with Spotify, has crafted a tribute to this era-defining project.
The upcoming concert film, Spotify Presents: Days Before Rodeo, celebrates a night of nostalgia, creativity, and pure energy, bringing fans back to the time when Scott was just on the cusp of stardom.
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The Legacy of Days Before Rodeo
Released in August 2014, Days Before Rodeo was a sonic explosion that marked a major turning point for Travis Scott. While his debut mixtape, Owl Pharaoh, hinted at his potential, Days Before Rodeo solidified Scott’s place as a pioneer of atmospheric trap music, blending futuristic beats with haunting melodies and dynamic flows. The mixtape, which includes collaborations with artists like Young Thug, Big Sean, Migos, and T.I., was a raw and authentic expression of Scott’s artistic vision, a precursor to the creative juggernaut he would become with later albums like Rodeo, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, and the chart-topping Astroworld.
The anniversary concert film is more than just a tribute to the music; it’s a celebration of a time when Scott was still an underground sensation, hungry to prove his worth. Reflecting on the project’s impact, Josh Peas, Head of Hip Hop and R&B – Artist Partnerships at Spotify, expressed the significance of this milestone. “Travis Scott’s Days Before Rodeo is an era-defining project. Leading up to the 10th anniversary of the mixtape and its release on streaming, we wanted to celebrate the moment and capture the energy it’s brought to all the ragers,” Peas said.
For many fans, Days Before Rodeo represents the beginning of the Travis Scott phenomenon. Its blend of psychedelic trap and introspective lyrics resonated with a generation searching for authenticity in music. Songs like “Mamacita,” “Drugs You Should Try It,” and “Skyfall” became anthems for fans, their moody soundscapes offering a portal into Scott’s creative mind. With its theatrical sound design and unorthodox song structures, the mixtape felt like a glimpse into the future of rap—one dominated by atmospheres, textures, and a sense of controlled chaos.
Revisiting the Era: The Concert Film
The Spotify Presents: Days Before Rodeo concert film, set to release on September 18, brings fans back to a time when Travis Scott’s performances were defined by raw, untamed energy. Recorded during a one-night-only show in Atlanta in August 2024, the concert was a raucous celebration of the mixtape’s 10-year anniversary. The sold-out show wasn’t just any ordinary concert—it was an event, a full-circle moment for Scott and his fans, particularly those who have followed him since his early days.
Scott’s setlist for the night was a nod to his breakout project, featuring high-octane performances of tracks from Days Before Rodeo. From fan favorites like “Mamacita” to the iconic “Skyfall,” Scott delivered an intense, visceral experience that transported the audience back to 2014. In typical Travis Scott fashion, the energy of the night was infectious, with fans rapping along to every lyric, mosh-pits forming at every drop, and an overall sense of euphoria engulfing the venue. But the night wasn’t just about the music—it was about celebrating the journey Scott has undertaken over the past decade.
Complementing Scott’s performance was a DJ set by Chase B, Scott’s longtime collaborator and tour DJ, who helped curate the sonic atmosphere of the night. As if the performance wasn’t already star-studded enough, Quavo, one-third of the Migos and a frequent collaborator with Scott, made a surprise guest appearance, much to the delight of fans.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Rare Footage
One of the most anticipated aspects of the concert film is its promise to include behind-the-scenes and archival footage from the original Days Before Rodeo era. This glimpse into the creative process behind the mixtape is sure to be a treat for longtime fans, providing insights into Scott’s mindset during that transformative period in his career. In addition to live performances, the film includes interviews with Scott, key collaborators, and some of his most dedicated fans. These interview segments will likely serve as a retrospective on the mixtape’s creation and its impact on the music industry.
For those who have followed Scott’s rise from the underground to superstardom, this behind-the-scenes look at Days Before Rodeo offers a rare chance to see the early days of La Flame’s artistry. The concert film will also feature archival footage from the making of the original mixtape, providing a time capsule of Scott’s journey from a rising artist to a global icon.
The Power of Nostalgia in Music
Anniversary celebrations like the one for Days Before Rodeo speak to a broader trend in music—the power of nostalgia. In a world where streaming has made nearly every song ever recorded available at our fingertips, the significance of an album or mixtape’s anniversary can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. But for artists like Travis Scott, who have built careers on creating immersive experiences for their fans, these milestones serve as a reminder of the impact their music has had over the years.
The re-release of Days Before Rodeo on streaming platforms earlier this year was a testament to the mixtape’s lasting influence. For younger fans who may have missed out on Scott’s early work, the concert film and the availability of the mixtape on major platforms offer a chance to experience a pivotal moment in his career. For older fans, it’s an opportunity to relive the excitement of discovering Travis Scott for the first time.
Josh Peas of Spotify highlighted the significance of this moment: “As a tribute to the special night and something for everyone to enjoy, the release of the concert doc is the perfect time capsule to tell this story for years to come.” The concert film captures not only the energy of the night but also the cultural significance of Days Before Rodeo in shaping the trajectory of modern hip-hop.
