He calls it “raging”. But there’s been a few words that have shaped this explosive performance style over the years.
“Lit”
“Turn Up” (or T.I’s twist, “Turn It”)
“Crunk”
Decades ago, a mosh pit at a hip hop concert would be a bit confusing to see. Even if Onyx was on stage shouting “Slam,” you wouldn’t see sweaty shirtless kids pushing each other around in a circle pit like it was a Metallica concert. Nowadays, it’s all par for course.
“Turning up” has become the most engaging performance style for hip hop artists, borrowing a bit of flavour from rock and metal with more energy, more adrenaline, and a respectful dose of carnage.
There’s been no better embodiment of this than Travis Scott. Hip hop’s conduit; a showman every bit as engaging as Mick Jagger or the endlessly charismatic Pelle Almqvist.
And yes, it’s led to tragedy in the past. We all know what happened, and no one is glad it did. Most of all the artist himself.
In the past, Scott hasn’t been the most responsible of performers. He even actively encouraged a riot at Lollapalooza ’15, for which he was punished. Reckless conduct? Yes, no one should deny that.
But for a generation that has such a one-dimensional view of human nature, and seems to think personal development is some scripted bit of TV (that is, linear), holding Scott in eternal contempt is as naive and stupid as thinking Kanye West’s most abhorrent views aren’t a direct result of schizoaffective disorder.
Given his recent shows since the release of Utopia, Travis Scott seems to rage within limits. He’s tempered his performance. You can tell he still inspires an outrageous amount of energy wherever he is, but you can also tell that he’s swiftly learnt his lesson.
I have no doubt that when Travis Scott takes to the stage in Australia, the fans are going to mirror the man’s boundless stamina. Circle pits during “Fein”? You’ll see it all over your socials for sure.
In all my years of watching hip hop performers tour Sydney, I’ve seen plenty of rappers transform their performance style to something more modern; more befitting of a stereotypical rock star. Louder, more energy, more jumping, more moshing. It never used to be like this. Go see Nas or Wu-Tang and it’s old-school – more bounce than jump.
While I prefer the older style – because I’m older and really can’t stand mosh pits anymore – it’s hard not to think of Travis Scott as the single best performer in hip hop right now. The ultimate purveyor of nasty, aggressive energy over good vibes. And that’s kind of why we pay so much to see a Travis Scott concert (tickets are as almost as expensive a three-day festival used to be). We want energy when we see hip hop now. And a Travis Scott concert brings that ten fold.
Tickets for all shows are still available, although it seems General Admission (Standing) is all sold out. You can still rage from the seats, and watch the chaos below from a more comfortable distance.
Travis Scott “Circus Maximus” Australia tour
October 17th
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
October 18th
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
October 22nd
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
October 23rd
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
October 26th
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, QLD
October 31st
Eden Park, Auckland, NZ
