'Utopia': Travis Scott's Nod to Kanye West's 'Yeezus' Era

We've gotta talk about the H-Town phenom Travis Scott and his latest joint, Utopia. Dropped on July 28, this album got the streets buzzing, featuring heavy hitters like Drake, Beyonce, Future, The Weeknd, and more. The reviews? Fire. But hold up, there's something familiar about this record, isn't there? It's got that Yeezus energy.

Now, don't get it twisted, Utopia isn't a Yeezus clone, but there are a few things that might explain why you're getting those Ye vibes. First off, remember Travis was in the kitchen when Yeezus was cookin'. He had his hands in tracks like New Slaves, Guilt Trip, and I Am God. His signature blend of electronic, techno-inspired beats with classic hip-hop elements is all over those tracks and it's all over Utopia too. And guess who else has his fingerprints all over Utopia? Yup, Mr. West himself. From the ominous electric beat on Thank God to the auto-tuned vocals and intense beat on God's Country and Telekinesis, Kanye's influence is felt throughout the album.

But it's not just about Ye and Trav. They also tapped the same producers. Mike Dean, the man behind many of Ye and Travis' previous albums, co-produced Circus Maximus and Black Skinhead. If you noticed a similarity, now you know why. Travis isn't just borrowing from Kanye’s production style though. He's also mimicking Ye's flow. Play Circus Maximus and you'll hear a hint of Kanye's Black Skinhead. That drum pattern? Straight from Ye’s 2013 hit. Let's not forget about the samples either. Loove includes a sample of Pusha-T’s 2013 single Numbers on the Board, co-produced by none other than Kanye. Listen closely to the first 10 seconds, you'll catch it. Plus, Kid Cudi's on the track, another nod to Kanye’s circle.

So there you have it. Utopia may be Travis Scott's creation, but it's got Kanye's DNA all over it. But hey, isn't imitation the sincerest form of flattery? One thing's for sure, both these artists are pushing the boundaries of hip-hop, and we're all better off for it.