Released: 2016
Label: Cactus Jack / Epic
Featuring: Young Thug
“Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight”, the sophomore album by Travis Scott, is a mesmerizing soundscape that reinterprets the boundaries of hip-hop. It’s a chronicle of Scott’s journey through fame’s labyrinth, his encounter with industry politics and personal demons. Tracks like ‘the ends’, ‘way back’, and ‘coordinate’ serve as deep dives into Scott’s psyche, his trials and tribulations peppered with aspirational undertones.
Yet, it’s not all introspection. The Houston-born artist also knows how to craft a banger, and tracks like ‘goosebumps’ and ‘pick up the phone’ bear testament to that. True to his form, Scott mixes flamboyant production with intricate lyricism that’s layered with introspective narratives and bullet-hard street wisdom. ‘Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight’ is where Scott fully embraces his role as a hip-hop visionary, fusing elements from trap, electronica, and R&B into a chillingly beautiful sonic tapestry.
Then there’s ‘beibs in the trap’ and ‘sdp interlude’ – hip-hop reinvented through Scott’s dystopian vision, a dreamlike fusion of echoing synths and punchy trap beats. And let’s not forget the heartfelt ‘first take’ and ‘sweet sweet’, Scott’s ode to toxic love and heartbreak, iced with his signature auto-tuned crooning.
So let’s get into it. From ‘the ends’ to ‘wonderful’, here’s us Breaking down the Lyrics on ‘Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight’ by ‘Travis Scott’.
1. the ends
The lyrics reveal a darker side of Travis’s journey, a nocturnal odyssey completing a long way drive, battling demons and evoking an opaque sense of paranoia. He references his hometown, Third Ward, but delves into a world far from the everyday, painting a picture of a gritty struggle for survival. The hook throws a shade on his naysayers, gesturing to a sense of invulnerability and dominance. What’s fascinating about this joint is how Travis plays with dichotomies – success and struggle, visibility and obscurity, friendship and antagonism, which sets the tone for the roller-coaster ride that the album is.
2. way back
Namedropping James Harden, Scott draws a smooth parallel between his own trajectory and Harden’s long-range buckets. His disdain for phonies coming to the surface, Scott is pushing them “way back,” in his rearview. The use of the term “TEC” nods to his state of mind—always on edge, resting with a piece by his side for protection. His lines about the city underscore his H-Town roots. The verse concludes with a potent metaphor of his solo dolo status, a clear signal of his distrust. It’s raw, it’s real—just how we like our Travis.
3. coordinate
It’s Scott’s unapologetic nod to the hedonistic lifestyle – tipping his hat to his affinity for lean, his Rockstar jeans, and his hustler mentality. The lyrics paint vibrant images of reckless spending, late-night club escapades, and the clash of vulnerability and bravado that defines Scott’s persona. He’s addressing his critics, affirming his individuality and his refusal to conform. The repetition of “Coordinate the tan with the beans/In my Rockstar skinnies” underlines his affinity for material possessions as a marker of success. Overall, ‘Coordinate’ mirrors Scott’s raw energy and unyielding resilience, illustrating the complexity of his journey in the hip-hop landscape.
4. through the late night
It’s the sonic reflection of La Flame’s life on the other side of the clock, “sleep through day, then we play all through the late night.” The track is euphoric yet introspective, blending references to psychoactive substances (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine and Lysergic acid diethylamide) with thoughts about balance and talent. This ain’t just another catchy hook; the ‘Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight’ joint uses that repetitive drone to capture a chemically induced twilight zone. It’s Scott’s version of the insomniac’s anthem, where the boundary between day and night blurs into a glowing haze.
5. beibs in the trap
The lyrics paint a vivid image of a hedonistic night, replete with substance abuse, women, and lavish lifestyle. Referencing designer brands like Versace and Adidas, Scott intertwines opulence with self-destructive behavior. The references to a white girl ‘snortin’ three lines like Adidas’ and black girl ‘rollin’ off molly,’ exhibits Scott’s fearless contemplation of racial stereotypes within drug culture. This joint encapsulates the essence of the reckless, uninhibited side of the hip-hop lifestyle that Scott loves to explore and embodies perfectly the tone of the album.
6. sdp interlude
But don’t get it twisted, this ain’t no glorification. The simple, repetitive lyrics echo the cyclic nature of dependency. The track’s soundscape is hazy and distorted, mirroring the altered states of mind brought on by substances. Interspersed with snippets of conversation, the track portrays a realistic snapshot of youthful recklessness and its implications. Scott isn’t just a rapper on the mic here, he’s an artist holding up a mirror to society, underlining the pitfalls of the very culture he’s part of.
7. sweet sweet
His opening line, ‘Sak Pasé? Wah yah seh?’, is a shoutout to his Haitian roots, merging culture with art effortlessly. There’re hidden meanings galore in this joint, like the duality of ‘sweet’, reflective of both his girl’s nature and his vices. Above it all, Travis paints a realistic portrait of the highs and lows in his quest for stardom, intertwining love and success, evident in his reference to making ‘it out the hood through the hoops.’ Sublime in its audacity, “sweet sweet” got layers fam, vibing deep into the game of life and love.
8. outside
He and his crew aren’t ones to bow to societal norms or expectations, embodying their rebellion in the very physical act of remaining ‘outside,’ unwilling to ‘go in.’ The lyrics also touch on the glam and grime of fame, with Travis suggesting a constant state of readiness (‘automatic’). He’s signaling here his unremitting hustle and a readiness for combat – both metaphoric and literal. This is raw, this is real, this is Travis Scott in his element, unapologetically straddling the fine line between rebellion and a self-made success.
9. goosebumps
The track dives into the emotional tumult of fame, the rush of adrenaline, the inner battles with anxiety, and the intoxicating allure of both love and lust. Scott masterfully uses the imagery of getting ‘goosebumps’ as a euphemism for the emotional and physical reactions he experiences. On one side, he expresses his vulnerability when dealing with the pressures of fame, and on the other, he conquers his insecurities by acknowledging his own self-worth. In essence, it’s a journey into his psyche, a climactic exploration of the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
10. first take
This track pulls at them heartstrings, peeling back layers of Scott’s persona and serving up an unfiltered scoop of his inner turmoil. Scott paints a raw picture of complicated love, where he’s at odds with the notion of commitment but can’t deny the magnetic pull of his attachment. The narrative dances around the delicate balance of love and freedom, and the struggle to not lose oneself in the journey. Conveyed through Scott’s signature blend of auto-tuned vocals, the lyrics on “First Take” are a testament to his ability to inject profound emotion into his trap soundscapes.
11. pick up the phone
The song serves as a melancholic trap anthem, blending autotune with the smoked-out vibe that Travis is known for, while Thugger’s playful lyricism adds a distinct character to it. The references to ‘Actavis’ and ‘Rollie’ underscore the excesses associated with the hip-hop lifestyle while the repetitive plea of ‘Pick up the phone, baby’ paints a picture of longing and desperation. The lyric ‘I just poured up a four, baby’ emphasizes the coping mechanisms that come into play in their chaotic world. Travis once again demonstrates his mastery in cultivating an atmospheric soundscape with this track, further stamping his identity in the trap sub-genre.
12. lose
The lyrics reflect the palpable tension between his hustler spirit and the wariness driving him to “keep his cool,” all while grappling with the menacing threat of losing everything he’s struggled to build. The song provides insight into Travis’ hedonistic world where luxury objects like Lambos sit alongside his paranoia. He candidly addresses the anxiety-inducing duality of having “shit to lose” versus “more to gain.” The steady repetition of “steady with the crew” underscores Travis’ reliance on his crew, a tried-and-true hip-hop fixture that often serves as a protective cocoon in a world fraught with potential betrayals and dupes. ‘Lose’ serves as a stark reminder of the tightrope walk that is the rap life.
13. guidance
It’s his way of encapsulating the rollercoaster of love and desire amidst the wild trips and crazy shifts. The song reinforces Scott’s fascination with the wild and uncontrollable, the thrill of the chase, and the elusiveness of something just beyond grasp. In addition, he delves into the complexities of relationships, subtly hinting at not just the euphoric experiences, but the conflicts and discontent that often creep in. Overall, “Guidance” marks his journey of self-exploration in the face of stark realities, while also mastering the art of leading the melody within his chaotic world.
14. wonderful
The lyrics and the vibe are all about embracing the excess, with endless parties and no shortage of female attention. However, there’s an underlying duality in the track as Scott’s lyrics also present a perspective of a man working the nine-to-five grind. The wordplay here is layered, anchoring the luxury and sensuality in a reality that includes a daily hustle. Ultimately, “wonderful” paints a vivid picture of Scott’s world, one that oscillates between the high-life and the streets, underlining the dichotomy that forms the crux of his persona and his music.
