Travis Scott has dropped his long-awaited new album UTOPIA, his first since 2018’s ASTROWORLD. The Texas-native had teased the new project with the first track from the new album K-POP, a blockbuster collaboration with global music stars Bad Bunny and The Weeknd.
But if you thought that was the only big collaboration on his new project, you’re in for a treat – the 19-track album features appearances from 19 artists in total, though not every track is a collab. Within that number are some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Beyoncé, Drake, SZA, Pharrell, Future and many more.
With collaborations of this calibre, it’s only right we break down some of the most noteworthy tracks to look out for from UTOPIA.
TELEKIESISN (feat. Future & SZA)
A slower, futuristic, melodic collaboration between one of rap’s biggest stars, Future, and R&B sensation SZA. Granted this isn’t Travis Scott’s usual vibe, but this track worked perfectly towards the back end of the album. Production is heavy, with Scott’s otherworldly vocals matched with Future’s relaxed flows and SZA’s ever-prominent but smooth vocal riffs.
TIL FURTHER NOTICE (feat. James Blake & 21 Savage)
I’m slightly loving the fact that London-born James Blake has become hip-hop and R&B’s most unlikely darling. Featured in projects from Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Frank Ocean, his talents are in demand stateside. In TIL FURTHER NOTICE, the last track of the album, an all-star London pairing in Blake and 21 Savage comes together in an ethereal dubstep and trap fusion, with Blake’s stunning vocals the centrepiece of the track.
DELERESTO (ECHOES) (Beyoncé X Travis Scott feat. Bon Iver)
This collaboration is getting an honourable mention due to the Texas-native link up in Beyoncé and Scott, but I must say this one confused me a little. The intro suggests it’s about to turn into an electronic afro-beats banger, but instead Beyoncé and Scott ride the same flow, with Queen Bey’s vocals reminiscent of Haunted, from her 2013 self-titled album. It’s slightly chaotic, but capped off with great production, with Bon Iver’s interlude proving a highlight.
TOPIA TWINS (feat. 21 Savage & Rob49)
This collaboration is one of the best on the UTOPIA album. From the bass-heavy production to the difference in delivery among the trio, the track stays interesting throughout. Rob49 gives probably the most distinctive performance of the three; his New Orleans drawl is striking amid the low-key approach of 21 Savage and melodic flow of Scott.
FEIN (feat Playboy Carti & Sheck Wes)
This is probably the best collaboration of the whole album. From the choice of participants to the high-quality production, this track has it all. The cosmic intro features out-of-this-world production that almost feels like an ascent into a different universe, before the track drops into a trap-heavy beat, crafted to keep club dancefloors full.
