Travis Scott has been teasing his next album for some time, keeping fans curious ever since the release of JACKBOYS 2 last year. While the project left some listeners wanting more, anticipation for a proper follow-up to UTOPIA has continued to grow. Now, fans have received a promising clue about one of the key collaborators who could help shape Travis’ next musical chapter: Mike Dean.
On Friday, August 28, Travis reposted a clip originally shared by @archives.magazine that featured him, Mike Dean, and longtime collaborator Anthony Kilhoffer working together. Kilhoffer, who previously discovered Travis and helped manage him, is also known for his extensive work with Kanye West.
The footage showed the trio working on “Uptown,” a track from Travis’ Owl Pharoah project, while reacting to Ferg’s feature. Travis later shared the clip and hinted that the creative partnership could play a role in his upcoming album.
“You had to be there to understand,” the “Eaters” rapper wrote. “Album Otw. @therealmikedean @kilhoffer. We will see them On the other side e. I’m Otw back to crib meet me.”
Of course, Travis Scott’s post could be interpreted in several different ways. Some fans believe Mike Dean and Anthony Kilhoffer could have a much larger creative role on the upcoming project, serving as more structured collaborators rather than simply contributing as producers or engineers. Others think the moment may have just been a nostalgic look back at their history that is adding to the excitement surrounding the album.
Either way, Travis Scott’s next album appears set to be an ambitious release based on the previews he has already shared. During a recent interview with Variety, the rapper highlighted influences including Parliament-Funkadelic, Oasis, Van Halen, Don Toliver, Raphael Saadiq, and Daft Punk.
Meanwhile, Travis Scott and Mike Dean’s creative partnership has proven to be one fans should not overlook. Rumors of tension between the two surfaced after Dean was missing from JACKBOYS 2 and some interpreted his social media activity as possible shade, but those rumors ultimately appeared to be unfounded.
With their history together, fans are hoping the pair delivers something special on Travis’ upcoming project.
