This has been the biggest week of the year for Travis Scott.
As he puts the finishing touches on his Astroworld Fest in Houston — taking place Nov. 5-6 — he also held a variety of philanthropic and promotional festivities in his hometown throughout the week.
Ahead of Astroworld Festival (Nov. 5), Scott was feeling spontaneous during the day Thursday, announcing the release of new music at midnight on Nov. 5, a two-pack containing tracks in “ESCAPE PLAN” and “MAFIA” with J. Cole.
Travis dropped an accompanying visual for “ESCAPE PLAN” Friday, as fan have been clamoring for the track to release for months. Travis first teased it on Instagram in July and would later perform it at his set at Rolling Loud Miami that night.
“ESCAPE PLAN” is a burst of energy, lasting two and a half minutes and is produced by Nik D. Nik worked previously on “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” with Travis and with artists like Drake, Trippie Redd and Aminé, as well as OZ — who also worked on “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” and additionally “SICKO MODE” and other Drake hits.
As much as the production gets the listener’s blood flowing, Scott’s energy on the track adds even more to the experience. It feels as though he hardly takes a single breath the entire song, as he rattles off quick transitions between the hooks and verses, rapping about his current living situation and ducking drama.
Twelve fig’ estate plan, that was the escape plan
But hate investigatin’, that shit was a waste man (Right)
But wait, I stopped the facin’ ’cause shit just start erasin’
But wait, it opened gates and this shit just start paradin’, olé
“ESCAPE PLAN” — Travis Scott
“MAFIA” provides a much calmer atmosphere, filled with soothing stretched harmonies and melodic keys on the instrumental. Produced by the iconic Boi-1da, Travis’ layered vocals on the song and poised performance makes for a stunning listen.
Like it thick with a bounce , we all in the count
Wine bottles cost by the couch
You wanna wait with the wave
Stacks in my pouch, you know it jump out the house
You come with two and it’s late
Know the brown one is my fav’
“MAFIA” — Travis Scott featuring J. Cole
J. Cole’s entrance on the backend of the track is the cherry on top. His sung refrain capitalizes on the background harmonies he has perfected on his recent projects. He embraces the song’s title by staying loyal to those who couldn’t live to see his current success.
We still pourin’ up for the niggas that can’t be around today
“MAFIA” — Travis Scott featuring J. Cole
Overall, “ESCAPE PLAN” and “MAFIA” are a grand opening for the upcoming new era of Travis Scott, expected to come in the form of his album Utopia. Fans couldn’t have expected a better performance, as his versatility matched with fine-tuned production and execution leaves little to be desired.
Stream “ESCAPE PLAN” and “MAFIA” by Travis Scott below!
