Label compilations like JACKBOYS 2—the latest from Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack collective—have long served as platforms for their headlining MCs’ more whimsical impulses. JACKBOYS 2 is no different. See: Scott singing in patois over an Afrobeats riddim alongside Tyla and Vybz Kartel (“PBT”), scatting in the style of Barrington Levy on “SHYNE”, and making his delivery extra gravelly for “FLORIDA FLOW”. But it’s also so much more. As a sequel to the label’s seven-song introduction to the squad from 2019, JACKBOYS 2 is, to borrow a well-worn cliché, its predecessor on steroids. The guesting MCs alone—Future, Playboi Carti, SahBabii, GloRilla, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Kodak Black—are near exclusively Rolling Loud-headliner-calibre acts. Which is not to mention non-rapping stunt appearances including ad-libbing from 21 Savage and Waka Flocka Flame, along with several storytelling interludes from Scott’s Texas OG, Bun B. The intra-crew linkups are especially well-curated. The Cactus Jack team sounds great on pairings like “CHAMPAIN & VACAY” (Scott and Don Toliver), “CONTEST” (Scott and SoFaygo) and “ILMB” (Scott and Sheck Wes). Scott is indeed the tie that binds, but he’s a star who has no problem yielding the spotlight for standout solo showcases like SoFaygo’s “MM3” and Toliver’s “NO COMMENTS”. It’s an incredibly strong showing top to bottom, and with its mid-July 2025 release, it recalls the kind of summer blockbuster that should have fans that much more excited for an inevitable JACKBOYS 3.
