The album was released to a flurry of various receptions. Many noted the obvious Kanye influences on the album, with a general consensus calling it “Travis Scott’s Yeezus.” Not only does he channel the broken down production on “MODERN JAM” and breathy flow on “CIRCUS MAXIMUS,” but three of the tracks were directly repurposed from the original demo of DONDA. However, a similar affinity for guttural sound makes sense, as Travis was a vital collaborator in the production of Ye’s controversial sixth album. Yet, even the way he involved a slew of different A-listers and up-and-coming artists within his production evokes Ye’s own collaborative storms.
Some found the album to be a generic amalgam of spectacle; others enjoyed the more experimental direction that Travis was taking.
The album was first teased through an Instagram post on July 8, 2020, with a simple caption which displayed “Utopia.” On August 3, 2020, during the second anniversary of Travis' previous album, ASTROWORLD, he would post a note thanking his fans for the support of his previous album on a tweet.
In June 2021, Scott described to WWD the sound of Utopia, stating that the album would have a psychedelic rock sound.
It was reported on August 2, 2021, that Travis Scott signed a production deal with the film company A24, with Travis posting on Instagram the first draft of the script, which revealed that UTOPIA would also have a film adaptation.
Despite the album being rumored to be released in late 2021, it had been put on hold following the tragic Astroworld Festival crowd crush where 8-11 people ended up dying on the night of the festival.
In May 2023, Scott revealed that the album was in the mastering stages. The album was announced alongside his Great Pyramids Of Giza show for July 28, 2023, on July 10 through Travis' Twitter.
Not long after “K-POP”’s release, on July 22, 2023, Travis confirmed the release of UTOPIA to be paired with the release of his movie Circus Maximus, hitting theaters on July 28, 2023, during his Rolling Loud Miami set at the GoPuff stage.
Two hours before the album was released, he revealed the tracklist without listing the features, similar to his previous two studio albums. However, days following the album’s release, the features were credited.
HYAENA
Travis Scott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Neither a good one, nor is it so unblessed
It can change, it can stay the same
I can say, I can make my claim
Hail, hail, hail
Yeah, okay
This shit is outta control
I'm drivin' through Hell and I done brought snow
It's shinin' in here and I done brought glow
I hear the sirens right out the chateau, run me the info
Tryna hear what you did, not how you came close
'Cause I get bobblehead like I done made pro
I made Italian bread like I done made dough
I be all around the map
Write a show by myself like I'm Chelsea Handler
Or write a series 'bout my bitches like I'm Kelsey Grammer
Nicknamed the jet Jayhawk 'cause it's outta Kansas
You know it's Spaldin' in my Tonk', I'm in my esperanza
You know it's slammin' wall to wall
We gotta fill the stands up, with slaps and the anthems
Poetic justice, I got you in all my stanzas
With your model stances, you everything I know about it
Know about it, know about it
Know about it, know about it
Know about it, know about it
Know about it, know about it
What we know
Where you shall go
Power, ah
Uh, yeah
C-notes, B-notes, I took the biggest boat
We stayed down for life, it's like a jingle to do 'em all
We too much involved to spend a single ounce of time
She bust a whole ounce by doin' lines
I had to leave like the leaves do trees
I'm finally home, I wiped the stress, then I touched that sweat
We took 'em 35 to 1 like this shit roulette
Hold up, beg your pardon, we done lit up, every
Set up, told the preacher, "Never finish," that's to say the least
Buy it, never lease it, but I got at-least a
Mobile, Mona type of pieces, Met Gala, night Jesus
Skip it, hit the city, party pack, I got it with me
I'm shotty while I let you with me
I'm too bent to let you ride, barely 'til it's empty
Gotta feel me, pockets dumb fat and I got a skinny
Squad is with me, and that's everything I know about it
I know about it, I know about it
I know about it, I know about it
I know about it, I know about it
I know about it, I know about it
I know about it, I know about it
I know about it, I know about it
Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time
For y'all have knocked her up
I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe
I was not offended
For I knew I had to rise above it all
Or drown in my own shit
In "HYAENA," Travis Scott reflects on the current state of affairs, acknowledging that it is neither entirely good nor unblessed. He recognizes that change is possible, but also acknowledges his ability to make his own claims and assert himself. The repeated word "hail" signifies both a recognition of the situation and a call to action.
The opening lines convey a sense of chaos and turmoil, with Travis Scott feeling like he's driving through a hellish landscape. He juxtaposes this imagery with references to snow and glow, hinting at his ability to bring shine and light even in dark times. He mentions hearing sirens outside a chateau, highlighting the contrast between luxury and danger. He then shifts focus to his own accomplishments, referencing his success in the music industry and his ability to make money, likening himself to a bobblehead or a successful baker.
The following verses showcase Travis Scott's versatility as an artist and his ability to take control of his own narrative. He mentions writing a show like Chelsea Handler and a series about his relationships like Kelsey Grammar, demonstrating his creative range. The reference to being called the "jet Jayhawk" connects back to his origins in Kansas. Throughout the song, he emphasizes his lyrical skill and the influence he holds in the industry.
Overall, "HYAENA" reflects Travis Scott's self-assuredness, his ability to navigate challenging situations, and his determination to rise above them.
Line by Line Meaning
The situation we are in at this time
The current circumstances we find ourselves in
Neither a good one, nor is it so unblessed
Not necessarily positive, but not entirely negative either
It can change, it can stay the same
The situation has the potential to either improve or remain unchanged
I can say, I can make my claim
I have the power to express myself and assert my position
Hail, hail, hail
Referring to acknowledgement and recognition
This shit is outta control
The current circumstances are chaotic and uncontrollable
I'm drivin' through Hell and I done brought snow
I am enduring difficult times but still bringing my own uniqueness
It's shinin' in here and I done brought glow
I am bringing my own brilliance and light to the situation
I hear the sirens right out the chateau, run me the info
I am aware of the danger and urgency, give me the information
Tryna hear what you did, not how you came close
I want to know your accomplishments, not just your failed attempts
'Cause I get bobblehead like I done made pro
I achieve success to a level of being recognized and celebrated
I made Italian bread like I done made dough
I have created something valuable from scratch
I be all around the map
I am well-traveled and experienced in various locations
Write a show by myself like I'm Chelsea Handler
I have the ability to create content independently, akin to Chelsea Handler
Or write a series 'bout my bitches like I'm Kelsey Grammar
I can create a series focused on my companions, similar to Kelsey Grammar
Nicknamed the jet Jayhawk 'cause it's outta Kansas
I am referred to as the fast-flying Jayhawk, acknowledging my origins in Kansas
You know it's Spaldin' in my top, I'm in my esperanza
I have a Spalding basketball on top, indicating my love for the game and my state of hope
You know it's slammin' wall to wall
It's a wild and exciting scene from one end to the other
We gotta fill the stands up, with slaps and the anthems
We need to gather a crowd, with energetic music and hits
Poetic justice, I got you in all my stanzas
In my poetic verses, I reflect the concept of justice and include you
With your model stances, you everything I know about it
Your confident and elegant poses embody everything I understand about this
Know about it, know about it
Fully aware and informed
What we know
The knowledge we possess
Where you shall go
The direction you will take
Power, ah
A exclamation emphasizing the idea of power
C-notes, B-notes, I took the biggest boat
Referring to large amounts of money, I made significant financial investments
We stayed down for life, it's like a jingle to do 'em all
We've remained loyal and committed, as if it were a catchy tune that everyone follows
We too much involved to spend a single ounce of time
We are deeply engaged and invested, not willing to waste any moment
She bust a whole ounce by doin' lines
She consumed a significant amount of drugs through snorting
I had to leave like the leaves do trees
I had to depart, like how leaves fall from trees in autumn
I'm finally home, I wiped the stress, then I touched that sweat
I have reached a place of comfort, releasing the tension and embracing relaxation
We took 'em 35 to 1 like this shit roulette
We took risks with great odds, like playing a game of roulette
Hold up, beg your pardon, we done lit up, baby
Wait a moment, excuse me, we have illuminated and succeeded, my dear
Set up, told the preacher, 'Never finish,' that's to say the least
Planned and arranged, I told the preacher to never conclude, and that's merely an understatement
Buy it, never lease it, but I gotta lease it
I prefer ownership over temporary arrangements, but I still have to resort to leasing
Mobile, Mona type of pieces, Met Gala, night Jesus
Referring to mobile, valuable art pieces, reminiscent of the Met Gala and a religious aura
Skip it, hit the city, party pack, I got it with me
Skipping over certain aspects, heading to the city, equipped with a party package
I'm shotty while I let you with me
I'm protecting you, while allowing you to accompany me
I'm too bent to let you ride, barely 'til it's empty
I'm in an altered state to an extent that I can't allow you to join me, just until it's over
Gotta feel me, pockets dumb fat and I got a skinny
You have to understand my worth, my pockets are filled significantly, even though I appear lean
Squad is with me, and that's everything I know about it
I have my crew with me, and that's all I need to know about this situation
I know about it, I know about it
I am well-informed and knowledgeable
Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time
The Earth is going through a period of renewal and transformation
For y'all have knocked her up
Humanity has played a significant role in causing this change
I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe
I have experienced the unpleasant and disturbing aspects of the world's consciousness
I was not offended
I did not take it personally or let it negatively affect me
For I knew I had to rise above it all
I understood that I needed to elevate myself beyond these negative experiences
Or drown in my own shit
Or else I would be consumed by my own internal struggles and negativity
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Raymond Shulman, Andy Votel, Ebony Naomi Oshunrinde, Edward E. Hazel, George Clinton, Jacques Webster, Jahaan Akil Sweet, Kerry Churchill Minnear, Michael G. Dean, Noah D. Goldstein, Victor Derek Shulman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind