If you were lurking on the Cactus Jack discord or scrolling through X back in July 2025, you probably remember the absolute chaos. Travis Scott basically just decided to set the internet on fire by dropping Jackboys 2 on "713 Day" (July 13th), a nod to his Houston roots. Everyone expected a short seven-song EP like the first one from 2019.
Instead? We got a massive 17-track compilation.
Honestly, the features on Jackboys 2 are what actually made the project a moment. It wasn't just the usual Cactus Jack roster of Don Toliver and Sheck Wes—though they're all over it. Travis went global and reached into some weird corners of the industry that most fans didn't see coming. From Jamaican dancehall legends to the most viral voices in South Africa, the guest list was a total pivot from the psychedelic trap bubble we’ve lived in since Utopia.
The Heavy Hitters and Shocking Guest Verses
Most people assumed we’d get another Pop Smoke-style breakout or a Quavo feature. We didn't. Travis went for weight and variety. The most talked-about track is easily "Where Was You," which managed to pull Playboi Carti and Future onto the same beat. It’s dark, it’s groggy, and it feels like a fever dream. If you’re looking for that classic high-energy La Flame, this isn't exactly it—it's more of a late-night, atmospheric vibe that leans heavily on Carti's current "Deep Voice" era.
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But the real curveball? Vybz Kartel.
Yeah, you read that right. The "World Boss" himself appears on "PBT," a track that also features Tyla. Seeing a Jamaican dancehall icon who was just released from prison in 2024 on a Cactus Jack project was not on anyone's 2025 bingo card. The song blends Afrobeats with that gritty Houston bounce, and honestly, it’s probably the most "radio-ready" song on the whole album.
The Full Guest List (At a Glance)
- Playboi Carti & Future: Bringing the "Opium" energy to "Where Was You."
- Tyla & Vybz Kartel: The Afro-dancehall experiment on "PBT."
- GloRilla: She brings a raw, aggressive energy to "Shyne" that honestly outshines Travis on his own track.
- 21 Savage: He doesn't actually have a full verse on "Kick Out," which kind of annoyed people. He mostly just provides these menacing ad-libs and a spoken bridge.
- Kodak Black: He closes out the album on "Florida Flow," a five-minute-plus track that feels very unpolished but incredibly raw.
- NBA YoungBoy: A surprise appearance on "Outside."
- SahBabii: The king of "squidtastic" rap pops up on "Beep Beep."
Why the Cactus Jack Roster Matters More This Time
Back in 2019, the Jackboys project felt like a Don Toliver launchpad. This time, the focus shifted a bit. Sheck Wes is actually awake. After years of fans asking "where is Sheck?" he showed up with "ILMB" (I Love My Bitch), which was the lead single. It’s vintage Sheck—loud, chaotic, and perfect for a mosh pit.
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SoFaygo also had a lot to prove here. His track "MM3" is a solo moment, and while critics like Anthony Fantano called it "mid," the core fanbase seems to think it’s his best work in years. It’s less "rage" and more melodic, showing some actual growth. Then you have the new guy, Wallie the Sensei, who Travis signed in early 2025. He’s on "Can’t Stop" with Don Toliver and Future, and he actually holds his own against two of the biggest melodic rappers in the game.
The Production is the Secret Feature
You can’t talk about the features on Jackboys 2 without mentioning the people behind the boards. Metro Boomin is here, obviously, but the real star is Vegyn. The UK producer, known for his work with Frank Ocean, handled "JB2 Radio" and "2000 Excursion."
It gives the album this weird, glitchy, lo-fi electronic feel that balances out the heavy 808s from guys like Southside and Tay Keith.
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The project is hosted by the legendary Bun B. Having the UGK co-founder narrate the album gives it that "Gangsta Grillz" feel but with a Houston "chopped and screwed" soul. He shows up at the end of "Champain & Vacay" to talk about the culture of Ford Excursions in the early 2000s, which is where the title of the breakout single "2000 Excursion" comes from.
Is Jackboys 2 Actually Better Than the Original?
It’s complicated. The first Jackboys was a tight, 21-minute experience. You could run it back three times in an hour. Jackboys 2 is a nearly hour-long commitment. It's messier. Some of the features feel like "cutting room floor" demos that were polished up at the last second.
For example, "Kick Out" with 21 Savage feels like it was supposed to be a massive hit, but without a 21 verse, it just feels like a long intro. On the flip side, the collaboration with GloRilla on "Shyne" is a top-tier Cactus Jack moment that nobody expected to work as well as it does.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're just getting into the project or trying to keep up with the Cactus Jack rollout, here is what you need to do:
- Listen to "PBT" and "Shyne" first: These are the tracks that define the "new" sound Travis is pushing.
- Watch the Harmony Korine trailer: If you haven't seen the short film/trailer Travis dropped on Instagram, go back and find it. It sets the visual tone for the whole era.
- Check the Merch Bundles: Travis is still doing the "physical-only" bonus tracks. If you want the Yeat or Luxury Tax 50 features, those are usually tucked away on the digital deluxe versions or physical CDs sold on the official shop.
- Keep an eye on Rolling Loud 2026: Now that the album has been out for a while, the 2026 festival circuit is where we’re finally going to see these features performed live together.
The features on Jackboys 2 proved that Travis Scott isn't just a solo artist anymore; he's a curator. Whether you love the experimental "Afro-piano" vibes or hate the lack of a 21 Savage verse, you can't deny that he's still the only one in rap who can get these specific people in a room together.