Biography
Travie McCoy emerged as the lead vocalist and creative force behind the eclectic alternative rap outfit Gym Class Heroes. Following four studio releases from the band, most notably the chart-topping 2006 effort As Cruel as School Children that included the platinum-certified single "Cupid's Chokehold," he launched a solo trajectory with the widely praised 2010 album Lazarus, which blended hip-hop, reggae, and rock elements. He maintained momentum through ongoing singles and guest appearances, later signing with Hopeless Records to deliver Never Slept Better in 2022, marking his first full-length outing in more than ten years.
Born Travis Lazarus McCoy in Geneva, New York, he was raised in a biracial household where early exposure to hardcore punk, R&B, and hip-hop shaped his musical outlook. In 2001 he co-established Gym Class Heroes, whose distinctive fusion of rap, rock, R&B, and funk aligned with the broadening indie rock and pop-punk landscape of the era. Mainstream recognition arrived in 2006 via the group's third album, As Cruel as School Children, propelled by the global success of "Cupid's Chokehold," with further chart traction coming from The Quilt in 2008 and Papercut Chronicles II in 2011.
His first solo album, Lazarus, appeared in 2010 and achieved notable impact through the single "Billionaire" featuring Bruno Mars, which reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Additional contributions on the record came from T-Pain, Young Cash, CeeLo Green, and other collaborators. McCoy remained active with numerous guest spots and issued his own tracks, among them the 2013 releases "Rough Water" featuring Jason Mraz and "Keep On Keeping On" featuring Brandon Urie. He joined Hopeless Records in 2021 and returned with the single "Spoonful of Cinnamon," his first new material in six years and the lead track from Never Slept Better, which arrived in July 2022. Prior to the album's launch he also previewed "Loved Me Back to Life" along with the Elohim-assisted "The Bridge."
Born Travis Lazarus McCoy in Geneva, New York, he was raised in a biracial household where early exposure to hardcore punk, R&B, and hip-hop shaped his musical outlook. In 2001 he co-established Gym Class Heroes, whose distinctive fusion of rap, rock, R&B, and funk aligned with the broadening indie rock and pop-punk landscape of the era. Mainstream recognition arrived in 2006 via the group's third album, As Cruel as School Children, propelled by the global success of "Cupid's Chokehold," with further chart traction coming from The Quilt in 2008 and Papercut Chronicles II in 2011.
His first solo album, Lazarus, appeared in 2010 and achieved notable impact through the single "Billionaire" featuring Bruno Mars, which reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Additional contributions on the record came from T-Pain, Young Cash, CeeLo Green, and other collaborators. McCoy remained active with numerous guest spots and issued his own tracks, among them the 2013 releases "Rough Water" featuring Jason Mraz and "Keep On Keeping On" featuring Brandon Urie. He joined Hopeless Records in 2021 and returned with the single "Spoonful of Cinnamon," his first new material in six years and the lead track from Never Slept Better, which arrived in July 2022. Prior to the album's launch he also previewed "Loved Me Back to Life" along with the Elohim-assisted "The Bridge."
Albums
Singles
