On Monday night (8.07,) the live premiere of Utopia, Travis Scott‘s Billboard 200-topping new LP, drew tens of thousands to Italy
Featuring a rare Kanye West appearance, the event marked the global live debut of the record-breaking full length, and Scott found a venue that reflected the severity of the moment in Rome’s Circus Maximus.
Taking place at one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, it shares its name with the film accompanying the release of Utopia
Perched atop a mountain dominating the stage looking out at his audience, the rapper stated “I produced Utopia for moments like this. It’s been a long journey, but here we are.” “Look at yourselves. There are 60,000 of you, and you are the first in the world to experience Utopia,” added Scott before starting the show with “Hyaena” (the opening track of the album).
One of the show’s high moments featured the embattled Kanye West, Scott’s friend and mentor whose influence on Utopia is clear, with fans comparing it to West’s 2013 album Yeezus), as the rapper himself confirmed from the stage.
“There is no Utopia without Kanye West,” Scott said. “There is no Travis Scott without Kanye West. There is no Rome without Kanye West. Make a mess for Ye.” In that moment, the audience went insane, as the two rappers performed “Praise God” (from 2021’s Donda) and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” (from 2007’s Graduation).
Scott performed all the tracks of Utopia – which all hit the Billboard Hot 100 this week – including “Modern Jam,” “Sirens,” “I Know?” and “Thank God,” in between prior hit singles “Sicko Mode,” “Goosebumps,” “Highest in the Room,” “Antidote,” “Gatti” and many others during the 90-minute show.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: TheSouthernram24