Travie McCoy

Travis Lazarus “Travie” McCoy was born on August 5, 1981, in Geneva, New York. His early life was marked by an interest in art and music, including hardcore punk and underground rap. McCoy met drummer Matt McGinley in high school gym class, and together they co-founded Gym Class Heroes in 1997. After independently releasing their debut album, they signed with Fueled by Ramen in 2003, followed by Pete Wentz’s Decaydance Records. In 2007, McCoy founded the imprint BatSquad, through which he signed then-unknown rapper Tyga.

Gym Class Heroes achieved mainstream recognition with their 2006 album, *As Cruel as School Children*, featuring the gold-selling single “Cupid’s Chokehold,” which peaked at No. 4 on the *Billboard* Hot 100. The band continued their success with hit singles like “Clothes Off!!” and later, “Stereo Hearts,” which also reached No. 4 on the *Billboard* Hot 100. In 2007, they were honored with the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist. After a hiatus, McCoy embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album *Lazarus* in 2010. The album featured the quadruple Platinum-certified single “Billionaire” with Bruno Mars, which further solidified his presence in mainstream music. His second solo album, *Never Slept Better*, was released in 2022.

McCoy’s contributions to music, both as a solo artist and with Gym Class Heroes, have earned him a place in the Rochester Music Hall of Fame, with the band being inducted in 2025. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with various notable artists including Patrick Stump, T-Pain, Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, Jason Mraz, Brendon Urie, Olly Murs, and Sia. His work reflects a blend of hip hop, rock, R&B, and funk, showcasing a diverse musical style that has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.