Since his studio debut Rodeo in 2015, Travis Scott has become one of the most popular rappers in the world. The Houston native’s ethereal trap sound has led to critical acclaim and some of the biggest hit songs over the last few years. Scott has recently teased a fourth album, Utopia, which the rapper is scheduled to release in June of this year. Here’s a look at some of Travis Scott’s biggest songs to date.
Scott’s “90210” was not featured as a single on Rodeo. However, the song is one of the album’s standouts and is Scott’s self-professed favorite song from the project. Despite “90210” not being a single, it has the second-highest streams on the album behind “Antidote,” according to Streaming Masters. The song features background vocals from Kacy Hill and details Scott’s move from Houston to Los Angeles, as well as Travis’s experiences with family, women, and drugs after achieving fame. A year after the release of “90210,” Scott released a music video for the song that depicts the rapper as an action figure. Many fans regard “90210” and its visuals as Scott’s best of all time.
“Pick up the phone” is the second single from Scott’s sophomore album Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight. The song features Young Thug and Quavo. Much like “Antidote,” Scott released “pick up the phone” months before the album. Travis initially leaked the song on his Soundcloud because both he and Thug’s labels would not agree to release it. Regardless, the song ended up being a hit as it peaked at No. 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum. At the time, “pick up the phone” was Quavo’s highest-charting solo effort and also one of the highest-charting songs for both Scott and Thug. The music video for “pick up the phone” was also released in 2016 at the same time as the video for “90210.”
By 2015, Travis Scott was well-known in the Hip-Hop community for his producer abilities and mixtapes Days Before Rodeo and Owl Pharaoh. However, it was not until the release of the single “Antidote” that Scott gained mainstream attention. “Antidote” was the second single on Rodeo, yet Scott did not originally intend for the song to be on the album. He released the song months before Rodeo; however, its popularity led to its placement on the album. “Antidote” has an atmospheric production and drug-induced lyrics that captivated fans and helped establish Scott’s unique sound. “The song peaked at No. 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 list and is certified quadruple platinum.
Rick Astley will take viewers on a reflective look back at his life and career when he appears alongside Dermot O’Leary in a new episode of Reel Stories, due to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in February 2026.
The series, first broadcast in 2018, invites major music figures into a London cinema to revisit key moments from both their personal lives and professional paths. With his 60th birthday approaching next year, Astley becomes the latest musician to sit down with O’Leary for the thoughtful and personal conversation.
Looking back on taking part, Astley said: “I loved doing Reel Stories with Dermot O’Leary, what a treat to be taken back to the start and come right through to today. Dermot is the perfect companion to go on that rollercoaster of emotion, love and thanks, Rick x.”
O’Leary shared his own praise for the experience, saying: “What a pleasure to spend time with Rick and hear him talk so openly about his memories from over the decades. I’ve long been a fan of his… A true gent, wise soul and real talent. I hope that viewers enjoy this extended interview as much as I did.”
Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor for BBC Pop Music TV, described the timing of the episode as ideal. She said: “Reel Stories is all about telling artists’ stories in a unique way… I’m thrilled that in February, Dermot will be joined by the one and only Rick Astley, celebrating Rick’s life and work as he reaches his 60th birthday.”
The programme follows Astley’s journey from his early work with the soul group FBI through to becoming an international pop star guided by Stock Aitken Waterman. He revisits his first appearance on Top of the Pops, speaks about the intense pressure that followed worldwide success when Never Gonna Give You Up reached number one in 25 countries, and reflects on his decision to step back from fame to focus on family.
Astley also talks about how his music found a new audience through the Rickrolling phenomenon, his return to recording after a 20 year break with encouragement from comedian Peter Kay, and his later career revival. This includes the success of his 2016 album 50 and his appearance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2023.
As part of the themed evening, viewers will also be able to watch a repeat of Astley’s Glastonbury performance along with Stock Aitken Waterman at the BBC. The additional programme features classic moments from Astley as well as performances by Dead or Alive, Donna Summer, Bananarama, Mel and Kim, and Kylie and Jason Donovan.
Astley now joins a notable group of past Reel Stories guests that includes Dave Grohl, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie, Noel Gallagher, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Take That.
