In a move that caught fans off guard, American rapper Travis Scott has quietly removed 21 Savage from his track “Kick Out”, a standout song from the recently released JACKBOYS 2 project. The song, which initially featured uncredited ad-libs and background vocals from 21 Savage, now plays with a noticeably different sound—his contributions stripped away, and his name nowhere to be found.
No official statement has been issued by either artist or their representatives, leaving listeners to speculate. The updated version appeared suddenly on major streaming platforms over the weekend, prompting a flurry of online discussion.
“He was louder than Travis on the original,” wrote one user on Reddit’s r/travis Scott forum. “Now the track sounds tighter.”
Another countered, “21 gave it energy. Without him, it feels empty.”
The edit follows days of complaints from fans who felt the Atlanta rapper’s vocal presence overpowered Scott’s performance. Yet for others, that was part of the song’s charm—a gritty contrast that added depth.
The original version, quietly released as part of JACKBOYS 2, never credited 21 Savage by name. But his ad-libs and backing vocals were widely recognised by fans and music journalists alike. Some praised the collaboration for its raw energy; others felt it disrupted the mood Scott was building throughout the album.
Music critic Nia Brooks, writing for Pitch, described the original version as “a clash of styles—one cold, the other chaotic. That tension made it work.” She added, “Removing 21 smooths the edges, but also removes the spark.”
It’s not the first time Scott has altered a track post-release. He’s known for making quiet edits even after songs have gone live. Still, this latest change has stirred a wider debate around creative control and transparency in modern music.
“Artists have the right to shape their vision,” said DJ Suede, a longtime producer and hip hop commentator. “But fans want honesty too. If someone’s on the song, say it. If you take them off, say why.”
There’s no word yet on whether 21 Savage agreed to the changes. Industry insiders suggest the decision may have been creative rather than contractual. But the silence from both camps has only fuelled speculation.
Meanwhile, JACKBOYS 2 continues to top charts, despite the growing debate around “Kick Out”. The song remains in rotation—but now, it plays like a different story.
About the Author
