DEEP DIVE

In a world with Ariana Grande‘s “God is a woman,” and Kanye West‘s “I Am A God,” explicit and potentially blasphemous references to a higher power are not new in popular music. Travis Scott‘s latest music video for “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD,” part of his album ASTROWORLD, visually and musically explores God complexes, humility, and the absurdities of religion, humanity, and fame.

The video shows Travis Scott walking among sheep, as a Monty Python-esque God in the clouds, and as a prophet baptizing subjects in a water park pool. Images of a golden Kylie Jenner, a world on fire, and of Scott riding a flying beast are shown over lyrics questioning the pitfalls of fame and fortune.

The song features Stevie Wonder on Harmonica, and vocals from Philip Bailey, Kid Cudi, and James Blake. The video was directed by Dave Meyers, who also directed Ariana Grande’s “God is a woman.”