A collection of 15 audio recordings, reportedly featuring Kanye West performing reference tracks for Travis Scott's album UTOPIA, has surfaced online. The leaked files, which are said to have been recorded in May 2020, include early versions of songs that appeared on Scott's 2023 album, reigniting discussions about West's creative influence on the project.
Key Takeaways
- Fifteen reference tracks allegedly performed by Kanye West for Travis Scott's UTOPIA have leaked online.
- The recordings reportedly date back to May 2020, more than three years before the album's official release.
- Leaked tracks include versions of the Beyoncé-assisted song "Delresto" and an unreleased Roddy Ricch single.
- The leak gives context to previous claims from West that Scott used his musical ideas without proper credit.
Details of the Leaked Recordings
The collection of 15 audio files began circulating on Saturday, reportedly shared first within a dedicated Travis Scott fan community on the social media platform X. An account named Vault Of La Flame is credited with initially bringing attention to the leak. According to the information shared, all recordings were made during a session in May 2020.
A reference track in music production is a vocal guide created by one artist for another to follow. It often establishes the song's melody, flow, and lyrical themes. The artist who receives the track can then re-record the parts in their own style, sometimes keeping elements of the original guide.
Among the leaked files are demo versions for several songs from UTOPIA. Notably, a version of "Delresto (Echoes)," which featured Beyoncé on the final album, is included. Another track is an early concept for an unreleased Roddy Ricch single titled "Big Champ," suggesting the creative sessions involved material for multiple artists.
A History of Collaboration
Travis Scott and Kanye West have a long professional history. West was an early mentor to Scott, signing him to his G.O.O.D. Music production wing in 2012. Scott was heavily involved in the production of West's influential 2013 album, Yeezus, earning co-production credits on several tracks. This shared history has led fans to consistently draw comparisons between their musical styles.
West's Previous Claims and Fan Speculation
The leaked audio provides new context to statements Kanye West made earlier this year. In an interview with DJ Akademiks, West claimed that Travis Scott had taken four songs from a recording session in Wyoming and subsequently removed him from the tracks without notice.
"He just came and took a bunch of my shit and dropped it without telling me," West stated during the interview, expressing his frustration over the situation.
These claims now appear to be supported by the emergence of the reference tracks. West did not receive any official features or production credits on the final version of UTOPIA, an absence that many listeners found surprising given their extensive past collaborations.
Even before these leaks, fans and critics had pointed out significant sonic similarities between UTOPIA and West's album Yeezus. The industrial textures and experimental production on Scott's album were seen by many as a direct continuation of the sound he helped pioneer with West a decade earlier. The new recordings suggest West's influence may have been even more direct than previously understood.
UTOPIA by the Numbers
- Release Date: July 28, 2023
- Debut Position: No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart
- First-Week Sales: 496,000 album-equivalent units in the U.S.
- Grammy Nomination: Nominated for Best Rap Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
The Current State of Their Relationship
The relationship between Travis Scott and Kanye West appears to be complex. Scott has consistently praised West in public, citing him as a primary inspiration and mentor who was instrumental in launching his career. He has often referred to West as a genius and a formative figure in his artistic development.
However, West's recent public comments have been less complimentary. His statements regarding the alleged use of his music for UTOPIA indicate a strained professional dynamic. The lack of a public collaboration between the two in recent years has fueled speculation about a potential falling out.
This leak arrives during a period of professional activity for Scott. He released JACKBOYS 2, the second compilation album from his Cactus Jack record label, in July. While details of his next solo project remain unconfirmed, any new music from the artist is highly anticipated. Following these recent events, the possibility of another official collaboration with Kanye West seems increasingly unlikely in the near future.