Rapper Travis Scott literally took fans on the ride of their lives when his Astroworld Tour landed at Enterprise Center Monday night. A mere four years since the release of his debut album, Scott has his finger on the pulse of mainstream rap music – and the sold-out arena receipts to prove it.
Before a capacity crowd in St. Louis, Scott delivered the type of production value that his young fans will tell their grandchildren about fifty years from now, even if Scott’s performance didn’t quite live up to the ambience of the elaborate set. The two functioning mini rollercoaster rides that paid homage to the defunct amusement park that inspired the Houston native’s album and subsequent tour, pyrotechnics that stretched across the rollercoaster ramp that connect his two stages and stunning will take precedence over the sometimes one-dimensional stage presence in their respective memory banks.
Venue management made it clear upon entry that the audience should prepare for an experience so hype that it qualifies as special circumstance. Bright yellow signs were taped to the entry way letting them know that they are not liable for just how lit the show will get.
“This is a high energy event” the disclaimer began – in all caps. “By attending this event, you voluntary assume all risks occurring before, during or after the event, including injury by any cause, and you release management, the facility, other participants, artists, their representatives and personnel, Live Nation, Ticketmaster and their respective affiliates and representatives, from any claims.” The note seemed a bit extreme –until the show started. And the fans didn’t wait for Scott to unleash the energy that patrons were warned about.
Harlem rapper Sheck Wes didn’t have to work hard to hype the crowd as he opened the show with tracks from his debut album “Mudboy” – but he did anyway. A freshman artist of lesser talent would have been swallowed up by the massive stage, but Wes seemed to relish in the opportunity of putting in work in the hopes of winning over Scott’s fans. It was clear as those in the mosh pit down front and the reserved seating alike unleashed as Wes performed “Mo Bamba” and “Kyrie” that he did what he set out to do and more.
Scott took his sweet time starting the Astroworld portion of the show – but delivered such a stimulating spectacle that fans forgave him for the delay.
No stranger to elaborate sets, there was barely room for Scott to perform during his last visit to St. Louis – when the mechanical falcon for “Bird’s Eye View Tour” nearly swallowed the stage. He wouldn’t have that problem at Enterprise Center since he’s quickly ascended to venue sizes suited to the scale of his concerts’ creative vision.
The rebirth of autotune is the best way to describe Scott’s opening musical sequence that included “Stargazing,” “Lose” and his feature on Drake’s “Company.”
Scott doesn’t have the extensive catalog of Drake or some of his other rap contemporaries, but he managed to keep his comparable fan base engaged for the better part of 80 minutes.
He connected with “day one” fans with “Uptown” from his debut mixtape “Owl Pharaoh” and took everyone along for the journey that continued through his most recent release – his Grammy nominated 2018 album that is the tour’s namesake.
“Beibs in the trap,” “Goosebumps,” “Antidote,” his feature on the 2 Chainz track “4 am,” “Love Galore with St. Louis born SZA and “Sicko Mode.”
He thanked the crowd for its energy. Their willingness to amp up with every song seemed to have left an impression on Scott. So much so that he thanked St. Louis again the following night when his tour landed in Kansas City.
