Released: 2023
“HYAENA” by Travis Scott is a voyage through an artist’s rise to the top, filled with introspection, self-awareness, and the occasional drop of existential dread. It’s a blend of celebration and repentance, self-aggrandizement, and self-doubt.
In the first verse, Scott is taking on his ambitions and aspirations, mixed with a sense of being overwhelmed. As he says, “Okay, this shit is outta control/ I’m drivin’ through Hell and I done brought snow.” He’s talking about his journey in the music industry, which is often depicted as a hellish landscape. However, he’s brought “snow”, signifying how he’s brought something unique and refreshing to this space. The phrase “I done brought glow” underscores his desire to stand out and shine in the midst of chaos.
As the verse progresses, Scott uses clever wordplay and cultural references to establish his dominance in the music scene and life in general. He drops lines like “I get bobblehead like I done made pro” and “I made Italian bread like I done made dough.” These lines are a boastful celebration of his success in the game – “bobblehead” referencing the accolades and recognition he’s gained, while “Italian bread” refers to his financial success.
Scott also name-checks prominent figures like Chelsea Handler and Kelsey Grammer, indicating his broad cultural influence. He sees himself as a multifaceted artist who can create a show about himself or chronicle the lives of his ‘bitches’, highlighting his narrative ability within and beyond music.
The repeated phrase “Know about it” in the chorus serves as a mantra, a self-affirmation of his awareness and control over his circumstances. His knowledge is his power, and he calls out those unaware of his journey, demanding attention and acknowledgement.
The second verse sees Scott delving deeper into his success and the excess that comes with it, using visually rich terms like “c-notes” and “b-notes” (slang for hundred and thousand dollar bills). He also references engaging in casual drug use, which is another aspect of the decadent lifestyle often associated with hip-hop.
The verse ends with Scott asserting his presence, stating how important his squad is to him. The phrase “Squad is with me, and that’s everything I know about it” emphasizes the importance of loyalty and unity in his journey to success.
The last part of the song is a profound reflection on the state of the world, with dark imagery such as “Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time” and “I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe.” This portrays Scott’s awareness of the world’s problems, and his desire to rise above them despite the challenges.
Overall, “HYAENA” by Travis Scott paints a vivid picture of the artist’s journey through the cutthroat world of the music industry and his quest for existential meaning amidst the chaos.
