5 Shocking Secrets Behind Travis Scott's Super Bowl Halftime Show (And The $500K Controversy)

The Travis Scott Super Bowl Halftime Show remains one of the most polarizing and fiercely debated performances in the history of the National Football League (NFL) championship game. For fans of the Houston rapper, it was a moment of mainstream validation; for critics, it was a betrayal of a social justice movement. Happening on February 3, 2019, at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, Georgia, the appearance was short, explosive, and overshadowed by a massive controversy that required a significant charitable donation to even happen.

As of late 2025, the conversation around Scott’s involvement continues to evolve, especially when contrasting his high-stakes Super Bowl debut with his more recent, less-successful appearances. This deep dive uncovers the full story, from the intense negotiations with the NFL to the surprising details of his brief, fiery set, and the unexpected debut of a new song at a completely different major sporting event.

Travis Scott: Complete Biography & Profile

Jacques Bermon Webster II, known professionally as Travis Scott, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary hip-hop and youth culture.

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• Full Name: Jacques Bermon Webster II
• Born: April 30, 1991
• Birthplace: Houston, Texas, U.S.
• Stage Name Origin: Named after his favorite uncle, Travis, and the first name of a mentor, Scott.
• Occupations: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Designer.
• Notable Albums: Rodeo (2015), Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight (2016), Astroworld (2018), Utopia (2023).
• Major Collaborations/Brands: Kanye West (G.O.O.D. Music), Nike, McDonald's, Epic Games (Fortnite).
• Personal Life: Has two children with businesswoman and media personality Kylie Jenner.

The Super Bowl LIII Controversy: Why Jay-Z and Kaepernick Disapproved

The decision for Travis Scott to join headliners Maroon 5 and fellow rapper Big Boi at the Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show was immediately met with significant backlash. The controversy stemmed directly from the NFL’s treatment of former quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who had been effectively blackballed from the league after kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice.

The Social Justice Demands

Many prominent artists, including Rihanna, reportedly turned down the opportunity to perform in solidarity with Kaepernick.

To mitigate the controversy and secure his participation, Travis Scott demanded a major concession from the NFL. He only agreed to perform if the league would join him in making a significant charitable contribution to a social justice cause.

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The result was a combined $500,000 donation made by Scott and the NFL to Dream Corps, a non-profit organization that supports social justice initiatives.

The Jay-Z Factor

The controversy was further fueled by reports that hip-hop mogul and NFL partner (through Roc Nation) Jay-Z actively tried to discourage Scott from taking the stage. Jay-Z, who had also previously turned down the Super Bowl performance slot, felt that Scott’s participation undermined the ongoing movement for social change, even with the charitable donation.

Scott reportedly spoke with Colin Kaepernick directly before making his final decision, though the details of that conversation remain private. Despite the efforts to address the issue, many critics, including filmmaker Spike Lee, viewed the performance as a sell-out, believing the half-million-dollar donation was insufficient to outweigh the political statement of performing for the NFL at that moment.

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Sicko Mode: Breaking Down the 3-Minute Super Bowl Performance

When Travis Scott finally took the stage at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, his segment was designed to be a high-octane, unforgettable moment—though it was notably brief and sandwiched between Maroon 5's hits.

The Setlist & Visuals

Scott's appearance began dramatically. He was introduced by a graphic of a meteor streaking across the screen, a visual nod to his hugely successful 2018 album, *Astroworld*.

• Song Performed: "Sicko Mode"
• Duration: Approximately 3 minutes.
• Entrance: Scott descended onto the stage on the back of a fiery, streaking meteor prop.
• Performance Energy: The rapper delivered an intensely energetic, hype-man style performance, surrounded by a ring of fire effects.
• Setlist Context: His segment was quick, following Maroon 5's "This Love" and a bizarre, brief interlude featuring the *SpongeBob SquarePants* "Band Geeks" episode, and was immediately followed by Maroon 5's "Girls Like You."

The Mixed Reviews and Underwhelming Reception

Despite the spectacle, the performance was widely criticized for being underwhelming and disjointed. The core complaints were:

1. Lack of Stage Time: Both Travis Scott and Big Boi (who performed "The Way You Move") were given minimal stage time, making them feel like afterthoughts to the headlining pop-rock band, Maroon 5.
2. Technical Issues: Some critics and fans on social media noted that Scott's vocals sounded out of tune or that he was simply yelling over the track, a common issue for high-energy rap performances in massive stadiums.
3. Imbalance: The entire show was seen as imbalanced, failing to properly integrate the three distinct acts into a cohesive 12-minute performance.

The Post-Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Fresh Update

While the 2019 Super Bowl performance remains the most famous, Travis Scott has continued to participate in other major sporting event halftime shows, with varying degrees of success. His most recent notable appearance provides a fresh perspective on his live performance style.

The '4x4' College Football Debut

In a more recent halftime performance at the College Football Playoff National Championship, Scott chose to debut a brand-new song titled "4x4." This decision was significant, as artists typically perform established hits to maximize audience engagement at such high-profile events.

The performance, which took place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, was another high-energy spectacle, but the debut of unfamiliar music proved to be a risk that didn't pay off for the casual audience. Fan reaction was largely underwhelmed, with many expressing confusion or disappointment with the new track.

This "4x4" debut highlights Scott’s artistic tendency to prioritize new material and unconventional choices, a trait that makes his performances unpredictable, whether it's a short, fiery cameo at the Super Bowl or a surprise single launch at a major college game. The legacy of the "Travis Scott Halftime Show" is thus defined not just by the music, but by the complex intersection of art, activism, and the enormous pressure of the world's biggest stages.