by Joseph Sweeney | staff writer
If I’ve learned anything from my six and a half weeks of AP Environmental Sciences, it would be that more developed countries create more pollution due to higher levels of growth and luxury. With that being said, how is a Travis Scott branded sandwich a sign of growth or luxury‽
It’s been over 19 months since Travis Scott ruined the Super Bowl, and now he’s returned by kicking the fast food dial past Sicko Mode. This September, the Texan-born rapper teamed up with McDonald’s, giving us the long awaited sequel to reboot of the McJordan, in what is probably the most underwhelming comeback since the Logan Paul vs. KSI rematch.
Rumors of a Travis Scott partnership first began back in late August, and soon thereafter, Scott took to Twitter to tease the “Cactus Jack” lineup, Cactus Jack of course being the name of the rapper’s record label, well known for ruining modern-rap music, not unlike how they ruined the Super Bowl last year.
Many people were disappointed in the partnership, however, as we were only given one meal—one which was practically already on the menu if that was your preference—as well as Cactus Jack sponsored merchandise, including a true-to-life chicken nugget body pillow. Now normally at this point I’d say that the Cacti Clan have ruined McDonald’s (kind of like how they ruined the super bowl last year), although knowing my audience of extreme Mensa level intellectuals, you didn’t need me to tell you that.
The uncreatively named “Travis Scott meal” costs $6.00, compared to the original quarter pounder meal with cheese that it’s modeled after, which costs $5.79, and does not come with the McBacon and McLettuce of the former. Now, when I say modeled after, one would assume I mean that the two items are similar, though in this case they are exactly the same, one is just served Travis Style™. The meal also comes with a pack of McDonald’s Tangy BBQ Sauce, meant for your french fries, as well as Scott’s favorite beverage, Sprite, optionally with extra ice—just like grandma Scott used to make. What’s worth noting is that this is the exact same lineup of items featured in the aforementioned McJordan all the way back in 1992, just with lettuce and a signature, although optional, drink tied-in.
In order to make my Travis Scott meal in the most enjoyable—while still the most authentic—way possible, I ordered mine with no onions or mustard, while opting to keep in the ketchup and pickles I’d normally remove. Though, knowing McDonald’s, my order, much like the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show, did not come as expected: this time, only my BBQ sauce was missing, so I had to improvise and add my own.
To sum up my thoughts on the meal, as well as last year’s halftime show, I must say: my disappointment is expected, though my day was still ruined.
With how much hype both of these events had going for them, it is downright deplorable the condition in which they were handled. Not only is the meal something that was already on the menu, the effect that it has on the human digestive system is unspeakable, even by McDonald’s standards. How fitting it is that this meal comes with Sprite, something I’m sure we’ve all been told to drink by our parents when hit with the occasional stomach bug.
And the fact that Travis Scott has the audacity to show his face again after the Superbowl incident last year is downright despicable. The fact that he used the legacy of Stephen Hillenberg, the creator of SpongeBob, to promote his own image right after the man’s death, when fans demanded for a tribute to be made, provides a perfect analogy of this meal. Both were introduced in times of hardship for both SpongeBob fans and the American people alike. Both deserved far better but instead we were treated to a rehash of the same old products with fancy new advertising material. With stunts like these it’s no wonder Kylie Jenner left Scott faster than his meal-deal did.
