Travis Scott is undeniably one of hip-hop’s biggest stars, known for his creativity, bold experimentation, and anthemic hits. However, despite his dominance in the music industry, his career has occasionally veered into uncharted—and often unfortunate—territory on the charts. His latest single, “4X4,” is just another example of how Scott’s relationship with chart history has been anything but predictable.
“4X4”: A Record-Breaking Drop
Released on January 24, “4X4” marked Scott’s first solo single since the divisive “K-POP.” With heavy promotion through collaborations with the WWE and NCAA, fans were eager for the song’s release. Initially, it seemed destined for success, skyrocketing to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in its first week. However, just one week later, the single made an unprecedented plunge to No. 57, marking the steepest fall from No. 1 in Billboard history.
This drop surpasses the previous record held by BTS’s Jimin with “Like Crazy,” which fell from No. 1 to No. 45. Other notable freefalls include Taylor Swift’s “willow” and 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj’s “TROLLZ.” Interestingly, this isn’t even Scott’s first time on this ignominious list—his 2020 single “FRANCHISE” dropped from No. 1 to No. 25 in just one week.
A Pattern of Peaks and Valleys
Travis Scott’s chart history has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. A similar situation occurred in 2024 when Days Before Rodeo, his 2014 mixtape, was officially released on streaming platforms. Initially, it fell just shy of the No. 1 spot, losing to Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet by only 1,000 units. The mixtape then experienced a staggering second-week drop of 94.7% in sales, a historic low for the decade, landing at No. 30. Despite this, the mixtape eventually climbed back to No. 1 a month later, a testament to Scott’s dedicated fanbase.
Travis Scott’s Triumphs
Despite the chart missteps, it’s essential to recognize Travis Scott’s significant achievements. “4X4” still earned him his fifth No. 1 single, joining the ranks of hits like “SICKO MODE” with Drake, “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM,” “THE SCOTTS” with Kid Cudi, and “FRANCHISE.”
Scott has also seen massive success on the album charts. Utopia, Astroworld, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, and Days Before Rodeo have all reached the No. 1 spot. These milestones highlight his ability to dominate the industry and push boundaries with his artistic vision.
A Legacy of Risk and Innovation
Travis Scott’s career is defined as much by his risks as his rewards. Whether breaking streaming records, redefining live performances with his chaotic Astroworld Festival, or delivering unique collaborations, he remains a trailblazer in modern hip-hop. His willingness to experiment occasionally leads to mixed results on the charts, but it’s also what keeps him exciting and unpredictable.
While the dramatic drop of “4X4” might sting, it’s a momentary setback in an otherwise groundbreaking career. For every stumble, Scott has proven time and again that he has the resilience and creativity to rise even higher. Fans can expect him to bounce back, armed with more ambitious projects and an undeniable flair for making history—both good and bad.
No matter how his numbers fluctuate, one thing is clear: Travis Scott’s impact on the music industry is here to stay. Whether he’s breaking records or rewriting the rules, he continues to captivate and challenge his audience, cementing his place as one of hip-hop’s most influential artists.
