Fall of Hip-Hop: Travis Scott's '4x4' Cover Art Fiasco
written by a member of the WCB
Travis Scott's "4x4" single cover art is nothing short of a catastrophe, emblematic of the steady decline of true masculinity in modern hip-hop. This dark, murky image is an affront to the bold, assertive presence a man of Scott's supposed stature should command in the industry. That shadowy "4X4" symbol? It's a pathetic attempt at depth, trying desperately to be mysterious when real men face their challenges head-on, no questions asked. The muddy brown backdrop screams mediocrity louder than a liberal arts major at a protest rally, utterly failing to inspire the rugged individualism that hip-hop once proudly stood for.
Where's the grit? The street cred? This cover's about as tough as a latte-sipping hipster's Instagram filter on a selfie at a farmers market. Scott's playing it safer than a bubble-wrapped toddler, pandering to the soft, overly sensitive sensibilities of today's youth instead of pushing boundaries like the rap legends of old. It's a weak, limp-wristed attempt at artistic depth that ends up shallower than a kiddie pool in the Sahara.
Real men don't hide in shadows, Scott. They stand tall, proud, and unapologetically masculine. This cover? It's just another glaring sign of how far hip-hop has fallen from its glory days, tumbling down a slippery slope of political correctness and watered-down ideals. Bring back the raw energy, the in-your-face attitude that made hip-hop a force to be reckoned with. This wishy-washy, try-hard artsy nonsense? It ain't it, chief. It's a participation trophy in visual form.
The "4X4" motif is about as intimidating as a Prius in a monster truck rally. Is this supposed to represent toughness? Because the only thing it's crushing is the last remnants of hip-hop's backbone. This cover wouldn't look out of place on a mindfulness app or a vegan cookbook. It's hip-hop for people who think saying "darn" is edgy.
Travis Scott had a chance to make a statement, to show that there are still artists out there who aren't afraid to embrace traditional masculinity. Instead, we get this – a visual whimper in a genre that used to roar. It's a sad day when album art that should exude strength and confidence looks like it's apologizing for existing.
This cover art is a perfect representation of everything wrong with modern hip-hop – soft, unclear, and desperately trying to appear deep while having all the substance of a shadow. Travis Scott needs to remember what made hip-hop great: unapologetic masculinity, clear messages, and artwork that doesn't look like it was created during a power outage. Until then, "4x4" will stand as a monument to hip-hop's emasculation, four times over.