T.I. Knew Travis Scott Was A Star Before The Rodeo Even Started
Written by djfrosty on April 30, 2025
On Travis Scott’s birthday, we reflect on the early moments of his career and the unlikely co-sign that helped him rise from producer to global superstar.
While many initially praised Travis for his production skills, few believed in him as a rapper. His debut mixtape “Owl Pharaoh” received mixed reviews, critics loved the beats but questioned his ability on the mic. Despite the doubt, Travis never wavered in his belief. La Flame had a vision for himself that stretched far beyond beats and hooks.
One person who did see the bigger picture was Atlanta rap legend T.I. In a conversation with Hip-Hop Wired, T.I. spoke about what made him invest in Travis not just as a producer, but as an artist. “Ever since I met bruh (Travis), he always had such an idea on how he wanted to present his art. From fashion to live performances. He had such an interactive relationship with his fan base that people would travel to come see him perform. That always made me look at him and realize that he was special.”
At the time, Travis was signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music as a producer. T.I. stepped in and brought him on board Hustle Gang as a rapper, solidifying a unique dual deal that reflected Travis’s versatility and ambition. T.I.’s early belief in Travis as a complete artist helped open doors that eventually led to one of the most impactful and genre-bending careers in modern Hip-Hop.
Happy birthday, Travis Scott, proof that betting on yourself pays off.