Travis Scott Vows To Restore Virgil Abloh’s Skatepark In Africa

Travis Scott has pledged to revive the beloved Freedom Skatepark in Accra, Ghana, originally established by the late Virgil Abloh before his passing in November 2021. The cherished skatepark, a testament to Abloh’s legacy, is currently at risk of closure, prompting the Houston rapper to take proactive steps in preserving this cultural space.

Save Freedom Skatepark

On Jan. 5, Wole Olosunde took to Instagram to spread awareness to help save Freedom Skatepark in Accra, Ghana. It was opened by Virgil Abloh shortly before his death in November 2021 and is now facing closure.

The New York-based designer showcased a cement wall, and sand poured inside the park to prevent skaters from entering:

“The Irony of Freedom. Finally got to visit FREEDOM, the skate park Virgil Abloh built in Accra, Ghana. One of his last projects before he passed. I left heartbroken and confused,” Olosunde wrote.

He continued:

“Cause why tf is no one talking about or fighting for this? Another owner has shown up, stormed the park & built a cement wall then poured sand through the park to keep all skaters out.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vKxCKIYWe/?igsh=MTdpbHRuM3BobjlvYg==

Travis Scott Chimes In

Olosunde’s post caught The UTOPIA artist’s attention, prompting him to comment:

“MANNN WHATT WHAT WE DOINNNNNGGGGGGGG LET ME KNOW WHAT WE GOTTA DO TO GET MY BROTHER PARK BACK GOING PLEASSSSSEEEEEEE.” Olosunde replied to Scott bhy commenting “ITS TIME.” 

Users in the comment section reacted to Scott wanting to restore the skatepark. One user named @__jesse.vi commented, “trav coming to (Ghana) confirmed haha…i been always knew trav is a pure human.” Another user named @cimeryy commented doing gods work, nothing but respect.” 

The Freedom Skatepark was not just a skateboarding venue but also a vibrant community center. Alongside the skatepark, a community center provided free Wi-Fi, masterclasses, and studio time for recording to the local kids. 

It was a space where creativity flourished and dreams were nurtured. This added significance makes Scott’s efforts to save the skatepark even more crucial.

‘A Day In Ghana’

Interestingly, fellow rap star Kendrick Lamar had previously documented his visit to Freedom Skatepark in his Spotify mini-documentary A Day in Ghana. The documentary shed light on the vibrant skateboarding culture at the park and emphasized its importance as a safe space for the local youth.

While Scott’s determination is commendable, there have been no official plans announced regarding the reopening of the skatepark. 

In other Travis Scott news, he released his film Circus Maximus in August 2023. The film is a visual accompaniment to his latest album, UTOPIA. The film has Scott doing live performances of the album’s songs such as “HYAENA,” “SIRENS,” “DELESTO,” and others. 

Skate For Tyre

Travis Scott’s commitment to restoring Virgil Abloh’s skatepark in Africa echoes the efforts of Memphis rapper NLE Choppa. In an unrelated but equally significant event, NLE Choppa organized a peaceful protest at a skatepark to honor the memory of Tyre Nichols, a victim of police brutality.

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Travis Scott Slammed With Massive $100K Tax Lien

Travis Scott is facing another legal hurdle as he has been hit with a staggering tax lien, owing the State of California over $100,000 in unpaid taxes. The news comes as a blow to the Houston artist, who has recently been in the headlines for his collaborations and legal battles. 

Another Legal Setback

Travis Scott has recently encountered another legal challenge as he grapples with a massive tax lien. According to legal documents, the UTOPIA artist is held accountable for an outstanding $106,968.18 for 2021. 

This hefty tax lien is just a fraction of Scott’s reported $80M net worth. The rapper has yet to address the issue publicly, and it remains to be seen how he plans to resolve the matter remains to be seen. 

The AstroWorld Tragedy

The tax lien is another legal setback for Travis Scott, who has faced significant challenges recently. 

One such incident was the tragic AstroWorld Festival in 2021, where ten people lost their lives, and numerous others were injured. Scott has faced multiple lawsuits related to the event, which have added to his legal troubles.

Travis Scott x AP

Referencing his recent collaborations, Travis Scott recently partnered with luxury brand Audemars Piguet for a new collaboration featuring their luxurious watches. While the deal’s details remain undisclosed, Audemars Piguet watches typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 in price. 

Ne-Yo & Ex-Wife Hit With Tax Lien

Tax liens are not uncommon among celebrities, and Travis Scott is not the first artist to encounter such troubles. Singer-songwriter Ne-Yo and his ex-wife were served with a tax lien totaling a staggering $3.1 million amidst their ongoing legal battles.

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Travis Scott Teams Up With Audemars Piguet: AP’s Influence In Hip-Hop

Travis Scott has unveiled a significant collaboration with the esteemed Swiss luxury jewelry brand Audemars Piguet, highlighting the brand’s growing influence in the hip-hop community. The Houston rapper recently took to Instagram to introduce a limited-edition Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked watch. 

‘From Houston To Switzerland’

Travis Scott has revealed his collaboration with Swiss luxury jewelry brand Audemars Piguet (AP), solidifying the brand’s influence in the hip-hop community.

The announcement, made on November 30 through Scott’s Instagram account, showcased a new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked limited-edition watch crafted in brown ceramic – a first for Audemars Piguet. With an average cost ranging between $50,000 to over $100,000 for exclusive models, the price point for the collaboration remains undisclosed, requiring interested consumers to schedule an appointment or request pricing details. 

The UTOPIA artist unveiled the news on his Instagram, expressing:

“IT Took me and the gang four years. And now it’s time literally, Never been more excited, From Houston to Switzerland.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Ry-uzro0l/?igshid=ZDE1MWVjZGVmZQ==

Audemars Piguet, also took to their Instagram writing:

“Unveiling a new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked limited edition in collaboration with brand and label @CactusJack, founded by American artist Travis Scott. Crafted in brown ceramic – a first for Audemars Piguet – this new 41 mm model illustrates free and daring spirit, as well as our ability to push back the boundaries of watchmaking.” 

AP’s Influence On Hip-Hop

Travis Scott’s affinity for Audemars Piguet is no secret. His verses are peppered with references to the prestigious brand, solidifying his place as a prominent ambassador. In his latest album, UTOPIA, the Houston native raps in the track “MELTDOWN,” proclaiming:

“Chocolate AP and Chocolate the Vs, Got the Willa Wonka factory.” Older hits like “Watch,” featuring Lil Uzi Vert and Kanye West, also showcase Scott’s admiration for the brand, as he enthusiastically raps, “Yeah, man’s on the frontline ’cause man’s on his deen, No small faces, it’s just an AP beamin’.”

The collaboration between Travis Scott and Audemars Piguet sheds light on the brand’s significant influence within the hip-hop community. Here are some other hip-hop artists who have given the luxury Swiss brand a shoutout in their lyrics:

Dess Dior – ‘Rich B*tch’ (2020)

“Rich b*tch sh*t, I hit Chase and break the bank though/Carti on my wrist, I hit wafi drop the bankroll/AP comin’ next, I make sure that b*tch is two-toned/Hold my wrist up, I got em sick, send em to Blue Cross.”

Gunna – ‘Oh Okay’ (2018)

“Audemar wrist, count it then spend it/Matted the coupe, my windows tinted/Chop off the top, headed to Lennox”

Don Toliver – ‘Private Landing’ (2023)

“Diamonds and Margiela, AP canary yellow/She deserves a Patek, cause she on of the members/When it comes to Saldava, money not a probleM/Turned me to a killer, I just smashed a model”

Drake – ‘N 2 Deep’ (2021)

“Got some bad b*tches/That’s gon’ f*ck me for that AP/F*ck me for that AP, f*ck me for that AP”

Jay-Z feat Kanye West – ‘N*ggas In Paris’ (2011)

“Ball so hard, got a broke clock/Rollies that don’t tick-tock/Audemars that’s losing time, hidden behind all these big rocks.”

The Mastermind Behind Hip-Hop & Rock Fusion

A similar trend of hip-hop artists aligning with high-end luxury brands has been observed recently. Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli became the faces of the high-luxe brand Amiri, further demonstrating the influence of fashion within the hip-hop world. The fusion of rockstar and hip-hop fashion has been masterfully executed by designer Mike Amiri, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection between music and high fashion. 

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Artists Who Rap About The ‘Hood Lifestyle’ Despite Middle-Class Upbringings

Hip-hop has long celebrated the narrative of making it out of the hood, portraying a lifestyle many aspire to achieve. However, some of the genre’s most popular artists have been called out for rapping about the “hood lifestyle” despite coming from middle-class backgrounds. Artists like Tyga, Rubi Rose, Travis Scott, and Offset have built their […]

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Lil Yachty, Rod Wave, Sexxy Red & More Set To Hit The Road This Fall/Winter 2023

As summer comes to a close, hip-hop and R&B fans have a lot to look forward to this fall and winter. A star-studded lineup of tours is set to hit the road, bringing unforgettable performances to fans all over North America and Europe. From Lil Yachty to Rod Wave and many more, these tours promise […]

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Travis Scott’s Rome Concert Sparks Medical Emergency, 60 Injured

Travis Scott’s highly anticipated UTOPIA performance in Rome on Monday, August 7, was chaotic as at least 60 people required medical attention after someone sprayed pepper spray into the concert crowd. According to Rome’s civil protection department, the incident injured numerous concertgoers. Travis Scott Brings Out Ye In addition to the pepper spray incident, a […]

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Travis Scott’s “Utopia” Shatters Spotify 1st-Day Streaming Record

Travis Scott, the multi-talented artist known for his hit songs like “Sicko Mode,” has achieved record-breaking success by releasing his highly-anticipated album Utopia. In just one day, the album became the most streamed album on Apple Music and Spotify in 2023.  Travis Scott Breaks Spotify Records Travis Scott’s Utopia album has made history with its […]

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Travis Scott Collaborates With A24 For New Movie, Directed By Harmony Korine

Travis Scott is making waves in the film industry as he takes on a new role in collaboration with acclaimed production company A24. Known for his chart-topping hits, Scott has ventured into the realm of cinema by writing and starring in a movie that promises to align with his upcoming album UTOPIA. However, the project […]

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Travis Scott & Festival Organizers Not Facing Criminal Charges For Astroworld Tragedy

Travis Scott and the organizers of the Astroworld Festival will not face criminal charges over the deadly crowd rush that occurred during the event in November 2021. A grand jury in Houston reached this decision, concluding that there was insufficient evidence of criminal conduct by Scott, the festival manager, and others involved. While this outcome […]

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