In the United States, many celebrities—including actors, artists, musicians, and influencers—capture public attention, with fans following them closely on social media and often modeling themselves after these personalities. Next, on i-houston.
Travis Scott, an American rapper and singer, is well-known worldwide. His songs have repeatedly topped global charts, and some of the most recognized brands in America have collaborated with him.
However, the singer’s reputation is complex: while he is admired by fans across all ages, he has also been criticized for his perceived indifference toward his fans and at times harsh and confrontational behavior.
Why is Travis Scott so popular? What is his real name? How did he achieve such fame and success?
Growing Up in Houston’s Rough Neighborhood
The artist’s real name is Jacques Bermon Webster II, though everyone knows him as Travis Scott. Many fans may not even realize he performs under a stage name, and if someone heard his real name, they might not recognize the star behind it.
Scott was born on April 30, 1991, in Houston, Texas. He spent his early years living with his grandmother in one of the city’s dangerous neighborhoods, a place he described as filled with risky influences and a negative environment. From a young age, he longed to move away from there, and those early years left an indelible mark on his character.
Later, Scott was able to join his parents in a safer part of Houston. His mother worked for Apple, while his father, also a musician, owned his own business. Raised in this environment, Jacques developed a natural affinity for music and performance. By high school, he was already performing in a musical theater group, and after graduating at 17, he enrolled at the University of Texas. But halfway through his studies, he decided to leave to pursue music full-time.
Early Musical Attempts and Struggles with Housing
In 2008, Scott began his journey in music, working on duets and group projects. His first attempt at forming a duo, The Graduates, didn’t take off, so he joined forces with a classmate to create the group The Classmates. This group produced two projects, with Scott handling most of the production. By 2012, however, internal disputes and financial issues led to the duo’s dissolution.
With limited success in Houston, Scott moved to New York, where he stayed with a friend for a few months, but the city did not bring the breakthrough he hoped for. With little choice, he headed to Los Angeles, seeking opportunities but finding none. Eventually, he returned to Houston, only to find that his strained relationship with his parents meant he couldn’t stay there either. After another return to Los Angeles, he met rapper T.I., which marked the beginning of his musical rise.
Music Career and Popular Tracks
Scott’s first solo project, a mixtape titled Owl Pharaoh in 2012, faced delays and technical issues but eventually set the stage for his career. Over the next few years, he released popular songs like “1975,” Days Before Rodeo, and “Don’t Play.” With his growing fan base, Scott embarked on a tour across major U.S. cities, which bolstered his fame.
From 2015 onward, he continued to gain traction, working with artists like Justin Bieber, Young Thug, and Toro y Moi, and releasing numerous hits that solidified his place in the industry.
Collaborations with Other Artists and Brands
Scott has collaborated with a variety of musicians and producers, explaining that he does so not for financial gain but to work with creative talents and, often, lesser-known artists. This approach, he says, helps him highlight other talents and bring fresh voices into the limelight.
In addition to music, Scott has partnered with some of the world’s most recognized brands. In 2019, he launched a line of sneakers with Nike, the Cactus Jack Air collection, released on May 1. In 2021, Scott partnered with Dior to release a men’s clothing line, unveiled through a live show featuring his new song.
Scott has also partnered with McDonald’s, releasing a limited-edition meal, the McJordan. His collaboration sold out quickly, with fans eagerly purchasing the items, leading some McDonald’s locations to run out of ingredients due to high demand.
In 2020, Scott promoted the PlayStation 5 release with an unboxing video and live gameplay with fans, further showcasing his influence.
Personal Life
Scott’s relationship history is primarily known for his time with media personality and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, with no public information on any other relationships. He met Kylie in 2017, and she appeared in some of his music videos. In 2018, they welcomed a daughter together, though the couple separated the following year. However, they reconnected during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, and in early 2022, they welcomed a second child, a son.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Despite his popularity, Scott has often been at the center of controversies, many involving interactions with his fans.
In 2015, at a festival in Switzerland, a fan tried to grab Scott’s shoe. His reaction was immediate: Scott stopped the concert, cursed at the fan, and encouraged the crowd to attack him, even spitting at the individual.
In 2019, at the Astroworld Festival, several fans were injured due to a chaotic surge when the gates opened.
However, the most severe incident occurred in 2021 at the same festival. On November 5, during a performance in Scott’s hometown of Houston, a crowd surge led to the tragic deaths of nine fans. Initially scheduled for two nights, the festival was canceled after the first night’s fatal events.
Scott continued performing even after fans began screaming and waving for him to stop, as medical personnel arrived. He claimed in interviews afterward that he was unaware of the severity of the situation until later. Despite offering financial assistance to the victims’ families, including funeral expenses, some families declined his help.
The incident made headlines globally, and although Scott expressed regret in interviews, saying he hadn’t realized the gravity of the situation, the tragedy marked a significant point in his career.