Travis Scott’s first week numbers for his sophomore album Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight were only 88,000 for the first week. They were indicative of his place in hip-hop; acknowledged, but not eminent enough to truly make an impact. But now, with the release of ASTROWORLD, things have changed. Travis managed to move 553,000 in the first week of sales, giving him the second highest first week opening of this year.

This is immense for Travis. He’s finally in the big boy league now, aligning himself with names like Drake and J. Cole when it comes to rappers that can do numbers. This is a seldom feat; most artists aren’t able to move more than 100,000 first week. But with Travis being able to move such a high number of units, it means that next time, it’ll be easier. He finally has a fanbase that’s interested in investing its money into his artistry.

So what changed?

On first glance, it has to be his association with socialite Kylie Jenner. Travis has become America’s favorite celebrity boyfriend who happens to be one of the most respected artists in the game. His rapping capabilities have never been the sharpest, but his ability to create genius music has saved him time and time again. Now, the world knows exactly how good he is.

In the future, just as with other artists who hit amazing sales figures, Travis will only go up from here. Whether he goes platinum first week next time, who knows. But him being able to hit this milestone on his third album says a lot. It’s only up from here for Travis.

The path to amazing opportunity goes through many people on its long winding road. These denizens have the influence and knowledge that will enable you to reach amazing heights, but they receive payment in your charisma. In other words, if you’re not a likable person, influential people won’t gravitate towards you.

Or, anyone else, for that matter. Life improves drastically when people can relax around you, be themselves, and relate to you in conversation. It’s not only about talking either; everything from your personality to how you carry yourself are important parts of your charisma. Your hygiene, your way of talking, your surroundings, things that you may find miniscule can be the difference between corporate opportunity and minimum-wage.

“It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know,” says the age-old mantra about making connections. How do you think that those “who-to-knows” get established? By being charismatic, you’ll win at this, as well as nearly every other aspect of life.

Here are some general tips on improving your charisma.

Always listen, really

Don’t wait for someone to finish speaking before giving your two cents. Listen. Actively, at that. Nod your head, engage with their conversation, and then offer a response. Showing someone that you’re paying attention to what they have to say is essential in building their trust and opinion of you. It makes you look mature and understanding as well. Also, never cut across someone while they’re speaking; apologize if you do.

Plaster a genuine smile on your face

Many people may not realize it, but a resting facial expression says a lot about the type of person you are. It can either encourage people or scare them away from talking to you. Your friends may know that you’re the nicest person on Earth but to the untrained eye, a resting scowl may deter people from approaching you. Gradually, work in a resting smile onto your face. It won’t be overnight, but eventually it will happen.

Follow through with promises even if it kills you

If you say that you’re going to do something, always do it. You’re only as good as your word in this world and making sure that your reputation remains solid should be the number one thing on your mind. It’s a great way to establish reputation, which in turn works to your overall charisma. People will treat you better, causing you to carry yourself better.

Undersell and over deliver = positive impression

This is the most important one, also piggy-backing off of following through with promises. If you promise to do something, make it less than you know what you can do. Then, exceed expectations. You’ll impress your audience, helping to establish your name. Continuing to do this will give you the charisma and reputation to take on the world.

If there’s one thing you can say about YG, it’s that he’s super-friendly on the microphone. He’ll damn near hand out a verse to anyone if the price is right. Over the course of his near-decade career, he’s created a ton of hits for himself, and other artists that all carry that lucrative, West Coast gangster energy. We’ve handpicked five of the best, even though, admittedly, they are all as hard as can be.

5. “Big Bank Take Lil Bank” by YG feat. 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj, and Big Sean

This is the fun-loving YG that makes party tracks so vivacious. His star collaboration track with Big Sean (props to his Kaepernick reference) 2 Chainz, and Nicki Minaj is a certified smasher. YG anchors the thing with a nonsensical collection of bars about jack shit, but the sheer craziness and energy of his delivery make it the best part of the song. This is YG in rare form and we love every minute of it.

4. “Last Time That I Checc’d” by Nipsey Hussle feat. YG

Nipsey Hussle’s the epitome of self-made progress. “Last Time That I Checc’d,” which came out earlier this year, repeatedly hones in on the fact that he built his empire himself. His achievement is amazing, but the content of the song comes off as slightly preachy. That’s when YG brings that trademark nonsensical flow and lines that really take a load off and may elicit a laugh or two. Props to YG bringing the balance and really elevating this song from good to great.

3. “I Got a Question” by YG feat. Lil Wayne

Now, this is a YG song that’ll make you think; much different than the swaggering, shoot-em-up records that populate his discography. Here, YG is angry and confused. He questions the establishment, his girlfriend, the police, all trying to find answers about the way that his daily life is scheduled. He talks himself into solving his problems, and just as he wraps up, Lil Wayne comes in with a smooth autotuned verse that reminds us of just how brilliant he is. This is one of YG’s favorite tracks.

2. “Don’t Come to LA” by YG feat. SadBoy Loko, AD, and Bricc Baby

This track starts off Still Brazy on a dangerous note. All those fake rappers and the bullshit that comes to the West Coast, it’s done. Now. YG’s turf is dangerous; you have to check in or else you get stomped out. Here, his brutal reality is especially apparent in his swaggering opening verse. When he opens up the microphone to AD ad Bricc Baby, they deliver some new spectrums to the mantra that YG delivers, and they’re just as necessary to round up a complete picture.

1. “Toot It and Boot It” by YG feat Ty Dolla $ign

This was the song that introduced most of the world to YG. Here, he was rough – almost unlistenable at certain points as he slurred through his words and verses without much attention to detail. The song’s sole saving grace was Ty Dolla $ign’s uncredited chorus that made it one of the best songs of 2009. This collaboration kicked YG’s career into high gear and will always hold a place in any true fan’s heart.