Travis Scott just released two new tracks titled, “Escape Plan” and “Mafia” before his “Astroworld” festival taking place in Houston this weekend. These songs are most likely part of his upcoming album “Utopia”, which has been hinted at dropping over the past few weeks. Scott has not released an album since “Astroworld” which dropped in August of 2018. Producer Mike Dean worked as the mixing and mastering engineer for both singles and upcoming album.  

In the first track, “Escape Plan”, Travis alludes to the idea of making billions and walking away from the rap industry. He simultaneously references to signing with movie studio “A24”, includes a bar about his new alcohol seltzer brand, and shuts down rumors that he is an industry planted artist. The lyrics on this track aren’t anything special but are spat with a very catchy and impressive flow. Dean also certainly performed with producing this beat, especially when it left for a moment as the tension from Scott’s flow rose, dropped, and then returned in a swift transition. It checks the box for being a normal Travis Scott song with adlibs in the background and his classic autotuned vocals. The track is solid but still does not feel like it could be Scott’s best work. The sound is there but doesn’t fully capture the listener in an experience like previous songs have. Overall, I’d say this track is above average compared to general rap music nowadays but fits slightly below average as a place in Scott’s discography.  

Scott’s next track “Mafia”, consists of lyrical themes about death, paranoia, jealousy, and people who have it out for you. The lyrics on “Mafia” dive into much deeper topics when compared to “Escape Plan”. This track has a slow and mystical trap beat mixed with a piano that plays high keys. Popular rapper, singer, and songwriter J. Cole is also featured in some of the vocals for this piece. At first, the track is very appealing as the listener becomes engaged in a psychedelic realm of music, but almost becomes underwhelming as it progresses. Once the slight buildup of sounds in the beginning comes to a halt, it feels sonically repetitive and loses all vividness.  

I am not completely repelled from these two tracks but do wish Scott had pushed his sound style much further than what was delivered. The songs are enjoyable for an average music listener but do not mark any breakthrough in Scott’s musical career whatsoever.