Ye and Travis Scott’s 2016 Underrated Gem Claims an “INSANE” Spotify Triumph, Leaving Fans Feeling Nostalgic

Published 12/21/2024, 1:30 AM EST

via Getty

The film and record industries are abundantly disparate, yet strikingly similar because resilience and resistance decide tenure in both. Since perseverance and adaptability are the yardsticks of longevity, visionaries like Ye aka Kanye West, occupy a rarefied realm in showbiz, where time only amplifies their allure, transforming them into timeless legends. While the years may leave their mark on mortals, iconic creations remain immortal. Speaking of which, a 2016 collaboration between Mr. West and Travis Scott recently achieved a historic Spotify milestone, transporting fans back in time and reaffirming the agelessness of their craft.

According to Ye Streams on X, ‘Champions’ by Ye featuring Travis Scott, Quavo, Desiigner, Gucci Mane, Big Sean, Yo Gotti, and 2 Chainz has officially surpassed 300 million streams on Spotify, culminating 8 years of uninterrupted streaming fanaticism. Originally composed for a release as the lead single of the scrapped GOOD Music compilation album, ‘Cruel Winter,’ the track was produced by the Atlanta native alongside Low Pros and Mike Dean with co-production and additional production from Derek Watkins, Charlie Heat, and Noah Goldstein, respectively.

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‘Champions’ was first previewed on Big Boy’s 92.3, and the ‘Vultures’ rapper later dropped the track as the first single from ‘Cruel Winter.’ At the time of the release, the song remained untitled with working titles like ‘Round and Round’ and ‘Champions’ in use. The song eventually hit iTunes on June 12, 2016. Though the track received positive reviews and considerable chart performances, it was a reminder of the heartbreak that followed with its fragmentation.

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While Mr. West and Travis Scott were already keeping their days busy with Spotify milestones second to none, this latest one has fans in an emotional chokehold instead of the usual celebration mode.

Ye and Travis Scott’s Spotify achievement has fans strolling down memory lane

Ye and Travis Scott are the masterminds behind countless hits, whether in the context of solo or collaborative efforts. Since the record game does not always unfold in ways artists strategize, this Spotify milestone for ‘Champions’ flipped the script on a celebration with the unrelenting lamentation of the what-ifs. While fans could not have done away with the regret-filled atmosphere, they seized the opportunity to make a case for just how “INSANE” the project was, regardless.

Many fans were reciting the lyrics flawlessly with the entire thread picking up from where the others left.

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On the flip side, those caught in the emotional rollercoaster of nostalgia were dwelling in the memories of the bygone days. Although showbiz has its funny ways of bringing back things artists once axed or left to rot, ‘Champions’ was unlike any other ghost of the past since the track only brought back the banger on top of the playlist. While the record may not have materialized back in the day, thanks to the track, fans can still enjoy the ‘Champions’ of the undisputed championship. 

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What do you think of the latest Spotify achievement of Ye and Travis Scott's 2016 track? Let us know in the comments below!

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Anushka Bhattacharya

1698 articles

I'm Anushka Bhattacharya, an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. Armed with a degree in literature, I once wielded my words to catalyze change within society through my work with NGOs. However, as I stumbled into the exuberant hole of crime thrillers and documentaries on Netflix, it was love at first sight and pushed me into entertainment journalism.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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