Slimesito Calls Out Travis Scott for Merch Copying

Ever feel like your unique style is being copied? That’s exactly the situation Atlanta rapper Slimesito finds himself in, and he’s not holding back! He’s publicly called out none other than Travis Scott, accusing the superstar of jacking his distinct airbrush SpongeBob merch designs. Let’s dive into this streetwear showdown.

The Accusation: SpongeBob Swipes?

Slimesito took to his Instagram stories to express his frustration, making it clear he believes Travis Scott’s recent Cactus Jack x SpongeBob collection is a direct copy of his own work. The core of the dispute lies in airbrushed, cartoon-style merchandise.

Back in July 2025, Slimesito dropped his own airbrush SpongeBob tee. It wasn’t just any tee; it featured a menacing, graffiti-style SpongeBob in bold yellows and greens, exuding that raw, handmade vibe reminiscent of early 2000s swap meet culture. It had a distinct, gritty energy that stood out.

Travis Scott’s Collection: Familiar Vibes

Fast forward to Travis Scott’s recently released Cactus Jack x SpongeBob collection. This capsule collection features heavyweight tees, hoodies, and more, all leaning heavily into neon cartoon aesthetics. While polished and well-produced, Slimesito and many others noticed a striking similarity in the visual language.

Slimesito didn’t shy away, even tagging Travis Scott and Kanye West in his Instagram stories. His message was blunt: people at the top are copying his airbrush art. It’s a bold claim, especially when dealing with a character as iconic as SpongeBob.

The Roots of Airbrush Art

Now, it’s fair to say that neither artist invented the airbrush cartoon aesthetic. This style has deep roots in American street culture, tracing back to early 2000s swap meets, boardwalks, and bootleg vendors. SpongeBob himself has been a pop culture staple for over two decades, making him a natural fit for this kind of art.

Both Slimesito and Travis Scott are tapping into a shared cultural wellspring that independent artists and vendors have drawn from for years. It’s a common source of inspiration for many creators in the streetwear and art worlds.

Timing is Everything

Despite the shared influences, the timing of Travis Scott’s collection is hard to ignore. Slimesito released his unique SpongeBob tee first, and Scott’s collection, featuring a very similar visual concept, arrived shortly after. This sequence of events is what sparked the public call-out.

Slimesito’s original tee, released through his own store, showcased a graffiti-style SpongeBob with a fitted cap and boots, dripping with that authentic early 2000s street art energy. It felt personal and intentional, a stark contrast to the often mass-produced feel of major brand merchandise.

Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack collection, while featuring polished pieces like the ‘Chum Bucket Tee’ with its spray-paint sensibility, undeniably shares that same visual DNA. The question remains: is it inspiration, or imitation?