Travis Scott’s Jackboys 2 appears like a missed alternative, missing imaginative and prescient, cohesion, and a real group dynamic.
Following “Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy,” anticipation for Travis Scott’s Jackboys 2 started constructing by leaked audio and reside efficiency previews. Nonetheless, for some cause, I wasn’t significantly excited. Earlier than diving in, I revisited the unique Jackboys from 2019. It was a good group effort with a unified sound and minimal exterior options. It got here and went, but it surely sounded higher than what this sequel turned out to be.
Jackboys 2 feels much less like a collective showcase and extra like a Travis Scott and Don Toliver venture, with scattered contributions from Sheck Wes and SoFaygo. Eh. Whereas Don continues to obtain correct highlight, the others are left within the background. They present up on tracks that really feel extra like filler than highlights. Travis appears to be emulating the success of rap teams like A$AP Mob or Watch the Throne. However he by no means permits different members to shine.
The album’s options have been hit and miss. GloRilla and Future felt pure, however appearances from Tyla and Vybz Kartel appeared misplaced. General, there’s a scarcity of cohesion and no clear identification or theme. I stored making an attempt to determine what Jackboys 2 was imagined to be, but it surely’s simply 55 minutes of empty, formulaic music. This might’ve been a breakout second for lesser-known Cactus Jack members, however as an alternative, it strengthened the identical hierarchy: Travis and Don on the prime. The remainder are combating for scraps. The venture lacks function and imaginative and prescient. It doesn’t even try to reply the query: What are the Jackboys, and what do they signify?
That stated, there have been some pleasurable moments. “CHAMPAIN AND VACAY” had potential, although Waka Flocka’s shouting felt extra distracting than hype-inducing. “NO COMMENTS” provided a stable mix of synth-heavy manufacturing and Toliver’s melodic movement. Travis’s diss geared toward Pusha T on “CHAMPAIN AND VACAY,” nonetheless, fell fully flat. Pusha has taken large pictures prior to now. The previous? That will be the yr 2025. Different highlights embrace “2000 EXCURSION” and 21 Savage’s characteristic on “KICK OUT,” each of which introduced vitality and stable manufacturing.
However moments like these weren’t sufficient to hold the album.
Since Astroworld, a licensed basic, Travis Scott has felt creatively stagnant, choosing protected, formulaic tracks over experimentation. At this level in his profession, he may very well be pushing boundaries, however Jackboys 2 proves he’d slightly play it protected.
It didn’t impress me, but it surely didn’t shock me both. Travis is aware of his lane and infrequently leaves it. Whereas I gained’t be revisiting the total venture, a few songs may make it to my playlist.
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