In the late summer of 2014, the music world was introduced to Travis Scott’s electrifying mixtape Days Before Rodeo, a project that not only showcased his evolving musical talents but also served as a teaser for his official debut, Rodeo. Now, with the release of its 10th-anniversary deluxe edition, fans and critics alike are revisiting the mixtape that cemented Scott’s place in the hip-hop pantheon.
A Musical Visionary in the Making
In the lead-up to Days Before Rodeo, Travis Scott’s reputation as a rising star was already brewing. Known for his work behind the scenes with major artists like Kanye West and Jay-Z, Scott’s production style was gaining recognition. His collaborations on tracks like “New Slaves” and “Guilt Trip” from Yeezus had already hinted at his capacity for crafting sonically adventurous, emotionally charged soundscapes.
But Days Before Rodeo was more than just a collection of bangers—it was a statement. Released on SoundCloud on August 18, 2014, this project felt like Scott’s last push toward superstardom. Days Before Rodeo captured his hunger and ambition as he weaved together influences from trap, rock, and psychedelic music, all while showcasing his ability to curate his sound with precision.
This curatorial skill, now fully evident in his 10-year anniversary deluxe edition, set the stage for Travis’s breakout. The 2024 reissue includes previously unreleased tracks that offer a nostalgic yet fresh glimpse into this crucial era in his career.
The Making of an Icon: Behind the Scenes of Skyfall
Before the release of Days Before Rodeo, Metro Boomin shared a behind-the-scenes video that gave fans an inside look at the making of “Skyfall,” one of the mixtape’s standout tracks. The footage features Travis Scott and Young Thug in the studio, working tirelessly as smoke billows around them. The video captures Scott’s relentless pursuit of perfection, as he oscillates between playfulness and obsessive micromanagement—an early glimpse into the production genius that would later define his career.
The scene is emblematic of Scott’s approach throughout Days Before Rodeo. Whether tweaking drum patterns or adjusting bass levels, Scott’s ability to fine-tune every element of a track is on full display. This meticulousness is especially evident in “Skyfall,” where Scott’s deep, moody vocals blend seamlessly with Young Thug’s sharp, piercing bars, creating a track that feels both hypnotic and haunting.
Days Before Rodeo: A Blueprint for Success
Though Scott’s mixtape is often seen as a precursor to his debut album, Rodeo, it’s hard to ignore how foundational Days Before Rodeo was for his success. The opener, “The Prayer,” sets the tone with a growling refrain:
“I might fuck ’round lose my mind, I gotta break out.”
Here, Scott’s declaration of breaking free feels more like a battle cry than a simple rap verse. He was fighting for his place in the spotlight, and the tape’s overall mood reflected that tension between the hunger for fame and the pressure to deliver.
Lacking the extensive guest features that would populate his later albums, Days Before Rodeo instead relied heavily on Scott’s ability to curate an immersive sound experience. Tracks like “Mamacita,” featuring Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan, are cinematic in scope, blending blistering hi-hats with spaghetti Western-inspired instrumentals. This meticulous pairing of rappers and production elements foreshadowed Scott’s future as one of hip-hop’s most visionary creators.
Standout Moments: Drugs You Should Try It and Sloppy Toppy
While Days Before Rodeo is packed with high-energy anthems, it’s on tracks like “Drugs You Should Try It” where Scott’s talent for blending vulnerability with hard-hitting production truly shines. Over a dreamy, downtempo beat produced by FKi 1st, Scott’s lyrics feel raw:
“I try it if it feels right / This feels nice / I’ve been down and lost for days / Glad I found you on the way.”
His voice, distorted and layered, drifts over the lush guitar strings, creating an emotive ballad that captures a unique moment in Scott’s musical evolution.
Equally memorable is “Sloppy Toppy,” a track that previews the epic collaborations that would later define Rodeo. Featuring Migos and Peewee Longway, “Sloppy Toppy” is a joyride through raunchy, high-octane rap that feels on the edge of spiraling out of control. The Migos’ rapid-fire verses, combined with Scott’s unique production flair, make it a quintessential posse cut that perfectly encapsulates the wild, unfiltered energy of the mid-2010s Atlanta rap scene.
A Timeless Legacy: The Anniversary Edition
The 10th anniversary deluxe edition of Days Before Rodeo arrives as a nostalgic time capsule, preserving the creative spark that launched Travis Scott into the stratosphere. Available for the first time on streaming platforms and vinyl, the re-release includes five previously unreleased tracks, including the fan-favorite “Yeah Yeah,” featuring another dazzling performance by Young Thug.
Though these bonus tracks don’t reinvent the wheel, they offer a deeper glimpse into Scott’s creative process during a pivotal time in his career. For longtime fans, this reissue is a chance to relive the excitement that accompanied the mixtape’s original release, while newer listeners can experience the raw, unpolished brilliance that helped shape one of the most influential artists of the past decade.
Looking Back: Days Before Rodeo and the Making of a Star
In many ways, Days Before Rodeo was Travis Scott’s proving ground. It laid the foundation for what was to come, showing the world that Scott wasn’t just another producer or rapper. He was an artist with a clear vision, someone capable of merging genres, creating immersive sonic landscapes, and, most importantly, curating moments in music that felt larger than life.
The success of Days Before Rodeo wasn’t just about the music itself—it was about the experience it created. Fans didn’t just listen to the mixtape; they lived it. Whether played off phone speakers in high-school hallways or blasting through speakers at house parties, the tape became a cultural moment. And as Scott’s career continues to soar, the importance of Days Before Rodeo as the launchpad for his meteoric rise remains undeniable.
With its 10-year anniversary edition, Days Before Rodeo not only takes us back to Travis Scott’s origins but also solidifies its place as a defining project in the evolution of modern hip-hop. Whether you’re a day-one fan or a recent convert, this re-release is a reminder of the musical ingenuity that propelled Scott to the top of the game, and it offers a fresh perspective on how far he’s come since those early days in the studio.