Why exactly is Travis Scott in the upper echelon of hip hop and pop culture. We’re glad you asked.

#5: He Runs His Own Label

To stay ahead in the game, in 2017 Travis Scott decided to take his next step in the music industry by launching his own label, Cactus Jack Records. Scott has said the goal of the label is to provide opportunities to launch the careers of other artists; signees include Miami trap rapper Smokepurpp and Senegal’s Sheck Wes. He does seem very confident in the label’s potential, as he ordered nine iced-out chains for him and his team, and spent a reported 500 grand on the bling. But look out: the WWE is threatening a lawsuit for using Mick Foley’s old moniker.

#4: He Originally Began As A Producer

Before the Houston-born Scott became one of the most popular rappers around, he was making a name for himself as a producer. Scott started playing drums and piano as young as three, and was once said he eventually quit piano because it wasn’t helping him get women (at an older age, presumably.) His first big break came in 2012 when the head honcho of Atlanta’s Grand Hustle Records, otherwise known as T.I., heard Scott’s track “Lights (Love Sick)” and set up a meeting. In addition to T.I., Travis has also done tracks for Wale, Big Sean and even Jay-Z.

#3: He’s in A Relationship with Kylie Jenner

Despite how twisted and heavy many of Travis Scott’s tracks are, the rapper clearly has found love with reality show personality and social media superstar Kylie Jenner. After meeting and then spending time together at Coachella in 2017, Scott and Jenner were soon spotted at basketball games, and then on vacation. Though the pair kept a relatively low profile, Kylie eventually posted photos of their matching tattoos on Snapchat. Now, tattoos are one thing, but then along came the big reveal. After months of speculation, in February 2018, the couple welcomed their first child together, a girl named Stormi Webster.

#2: Kid Cudi Is His Biggest Inspiration

Though many rappers have had a big influence on Travis Scott, Kid Cudi is the only one he’ll never stop raving about. Travis has said Kid Cudi’s music saved his life, and that he would even tour with Cudi for free. When he was recording his debut record, “Rodeo,” Scott allegedly insisted that Cudi had to feature on the album. Travis even reportedly started crying when Cudi actually visited him in the studio, and he considers the moment a career milestone. And while it took almost three years, the two finally did collaborate on each other’s songs like “Through The Late Night” and “Baptized In Fire”.

#1: He Was A Kanye Protégé

Travis Scott was facing turbulent times chasing his dream before he became famous, and was actually without a steady home in 2012, when got a fateful call from Kanye West’s team. La Flame quickly flew out to New York to meet Kanye, who offered him a Doritos taco and the opportunity to be mentored. Now that’s a combo. West was focused on nurturing Travis’s production skillz even more than his flow, and invited him to work on the “Cruel Summer” album with his GOOD Music project. Scott also co-produced tracks on Kanye’s album “Yeezus”; the rest is hip hop history in the making.

What’s the coolest thing you like about Travis Scott? Tell us in the comments!  #travisscott