Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 13, 2024 3:01 pm GMT
After a decade-long wait, Travis Scott’s mixtape *Days Before Rodeo* has made a sensational rise to the top of the Billboard 200, marking a remarkable chapter in the rapper’s already illustrious career. Initially released for free in 2014, this project has now transformed into a phenomenal commercial success, demonstrating Scott’s enduring appeal and the power of music evolution.
Chart-Topping Comeback
Travis Scott’s *Days Before Rodeo* soared to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart for the week dated September 28, 2024. This marks his fourth album to achieve the top spot, following his past successes with *Utopia* (2023), *Astroworld* (2018), and *Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight* (2016). The mixtape clocked in an impressive 156,000 equivalent album units during the latest tracking week, thanks in part to the overwhelming response to its vinyl release.
This leap from No. 106 to No. 1 is particularly noteworthy, as it represents one of the largest jumps on the Billboard 200 since Tyler, the Creator’s *Call Me If You Get Lost* surged from No. 120 to No. 1 in 2022.
Vinyl Sales Drive Success
A significant driver of this surge in rankings was the exclusive release of vinyl records sold through Scott’s webstore. Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:
- Total equivalent album units: 156,000
- Traditional album sales: 150,000
- Vinyl sales: 149,000
- Streaming equivalent album units: 6,000
- Track equivalent album units: negligible
This vinyl release not only made *Days Before Rodeo* the top-selling album of the week, but it also recorded the largest week on vinyl for a rap album since tracking began in 1991.
From Free Release to Chart Legend
Originally, Scott released *Days Before Rodeo* in August 2014 as a free download, which at the time, rendered it ineligible for Billboard chart rankings. The recent commercial release on August 23 for its 10-year anniversary allowed the mixtape to be properly counted on the charts for the first time.
After initially debuting at No. 2 in early September, *Days Before Rodeo* fell sharply in its second week to No. 30 and then plummeted to No. 106. However, the anticipation surrounding the vinyl editions sparked revitalized interest among fans, ultimately leading the mixtape back to prominence.
Changing Dynamics in Music Consumption
The success story of *Days Before Rodeo* reflects the changing dynamics of how music is consumed today. With vinyl enjoying a revival, it is evident that fans are keen to invest in physical copies of their favorites. Scott’s mixture of standard and deluxe vinyl offerings—including exclusive boxed sets—enabled dedicated fans to connect deeper with the release.
The arms race for sales has seen similar trends previously, where vinyl editions have redefined success on the Billboard charts, a trend that speaks to the robust relationship between nostalgia and music consumption.
Impact on the Billboard Landscape
With *Days Before Rodeo* clinching the No. 1 spot, it displaced Sabrina Carpenter’s *Short N’ Sweet*, which had a three-week reign at the top. Carpenter’s album now sits at No. 2 with 108,000 equivalent album units.
Here’s a glimpse of the current Billboard 200 Top Five entries:
- *Days Before Rodeo* – Travis Scott
- *Short N’ Sweet* – Sabrina Carpenter
- *The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess* – Chappell Roan
- *F-1 Trillion* – Post Malone
- *One Thing at a Time* – Morgan Wallen
Conclusion
Travis Scott’s *Days Before Rodeo* has not only reclaimed its place in music charts but has also revitalized the conversation around the impact of vinyl sales in a digital-heavy industry. As countless fans continue to embrace music in diverse formats, Scott’s latest achievement serves as a reminder of how the industry is evolving, transforming not just access to music, but also the way that artists and their legacies are celebrated over time. The journey of *Days Before Rodeo* from a free mixtape to a chart-topping album underscores the artistic power and lasting connection that music can forge with its audience
