Travie McCoy life and biography

Travie McCoy: An Overview of His Career and Accomplishments

Travis Lazarus "Travie" McCoy is an American singer and rapper, best known as the lead vocalist of the alternative hip-hop band Gym Class Heroes. McCoy released his debut solo album, Lazarus, on June 8, 2010, showcasing his versatility and talent as a solo artist.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Raised in Geneva, New York, McCoy was actively involved in both hip-hop and punk rock scenes as a teenager. He formed Gym Class Heroes with childhood friend Matt McGinley. After several line-up changes, the group signed with Fueled By Ramen and released their debut album. They gained mainstream success in 2006 with the release of As Cruel as School Children, which featured the hit single "Cupid's Chokehold."

Gym Class Heroes and Solo Career

Gym Class Heroes took a three-year hiatus, during which McCoy focused on his solo career. His debut solo album, Lazarus, released in 2010, featured the lead single "Billionaire" with Bruno Mars, which peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the UK Singles Chart, and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. Currently, McCoy is working on Gym Class Heroes' fourth studio album, The Papercut Chronicles II. He is also signed to T-Pain's label Nappy Boy Entertainment.

Rise to Fame

McCoy made his MTV debut in the summer of 2002, winning a nationwide MC battle on the MTV show Direct Effect. He and McGinley, friends since ninth grade, officially formed Gym Class Heroes in 1997. The band's line-up solidified with the addition of guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo and bassist Eric Roberts. They signed with Fueled By Ramen and Decaydance Records, Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz's label, and released the gold-selling album As Cruel as School Children. The album's singles "Cupid's Chokehold," "Clothes Off!!," and "Cookie Jar" achieved significant chart success.

Collaborations and Remixes

In 2009, McCoy remixed Bring Me the Horizon's "Chelsea Smile" for their album Suicide Season: Cut Up!. He announced his solo career in 2010, clarifying that Gym Class Heroes had not broken up. He initially planned an introspective album but shifted to a more upbeat approach after relocating to Miami to recover from addiction. He adopted the name "Travie" to create a closer connection with his audience.

Solo Success

McCoy's single "Billionaire" with Bruno Mars was a hit in both Europe and the U.S. His solo album Lazarus, released on June 8, 2010, debuted at number 25 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album featured collaborations with Bruno Mars, T-Pain, and Cee Lo Green, among others. He supported Rihanna on her Last Girl on Earth Tour and toured Europe with Bruno Mars in late 2010. McCoy supported Rihanna on some North American dates of her Last Girl on Earth tour, and later toured Europe with Bruno Mars, playing several dates across the UK, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and France.

Other Musical Ventures

McCoy featured on Jessica Jarrell's debut single "Up and Running" and collaborated with British singer Cheryl Cole on her album Messy Little Raindrops. He also runs his own music imprint, The Bat Squad, and collaborates with various artists, including the duo Tequila Mockingbird. Tequila Mockingbird, a duo formed by McCoy and Nicholas Scimeca, released tracks like "Brooklyn Basement" and "Snowglobe," featured on Mic Terror's mixtape The Late Pass Volume 2.

Personal Struggles and Legal Issues

In March 2008, McCoy opened up about his battle with opioid addiction, which began at age 15. The death of his cousin in 2007 exacerbated his addiction, leading him to undergo detox programs. He expressed regret for glorifying drug use in his music.

McCoy faced legal issues in July 2008 when he was arrested for assault after hitting a man who shouted racial slurs at him during a concert. In October 2010, he was arrested in Berlin for graffiti on the Berlin Wall, but was released on bail.

Relationship with Katy Perry

McCoy dated singer Katy Perry on and off for several years. They met in a recording studio and their relationship ended in 2009 due to his drug addiction. Perry's song "Circle the Drain" is allegedly about their relationship. Despite the breakup, McCoy wishes Perry well and has moved on. He acknowledged his responsibility for their breakup, admitting that he "chose drugs over our relationship" and expressing that there was no bad blood between them.

Recent Projects and Future Plans

McCoy continued to release singles and features, such as "Rough Water" with Jason Mraz and "Keep On Keeping On" with Brandon Urie. In 2021, he signed with Hopeless Records and released "Spoonful of Cinnamon," the lead single from his album Never Slept Better (2022). He shared several singles in advance, including "Loved Me Back to Life" and "The Bridge" with Elohim.

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