Travis Scott’s Jackboys 2 looks 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 via leaked audio and stay efficiency previews. Nonetheless, for some purpose, I wasn’t notably excited. Earlier than diving in, I revisited the unique Jackboys from 2019. It was an honest group effort with a unified sound and minimal outdoors options. It got here and went, however it 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 had been hit and miss. GloRilla and Future felt pure, however appearances from Tyla and Vybz Kartel appeared misplaced. Total, there’s an absence of cohesion and no clear identification or theme. I saved attempting to determine what Jackboys 2 was speculated to be, however it’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 high. The remaining are preventing for scraps. The venture lacks objective and imaginative and prescient. It doesn’t even try and reply the query: What are the Jackboys, and what do they signify?
That stated, there have been some gratifying moments. “CHAMPAIN AND VACAY” had potential, although Waka Flocka’s shouting felt extra distracting than hype-inducing. “NO COMMENTS” provided a strong mix of synth-heavy manufacturing and Toliver’s melodic move. Travis’s diss aimed toward Pusha T on “CHAMPAIN AND VACAY,” nonetheless, fell fully flat. Pusha has taken huge pictures up to now. The previous? That might be the 12 months 2025. Different highlights embody “2000 EXCURSION” and 21 Savage’s function on “KICK OUT,” each of which introduced vitality and strong manufacturing.
However moments like these weren’t sufficient to hold the album.
Since Astroworld, an authorized traditional, Travis Scott has felt creatively stagnant, choosing secure, formulaic tracks over experimentation. At this level in his profession, he may very well be pushing boundaries, however Jackboys 2 proves he’d quite play it secure.
It didn’t impress me, however it didn’t shock me both. Travis is aware of his lane and infrequently leaves it. Whereas I gained’t be revisiting the complete venture, a few songs may make it to my playlist.
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