Gym Class Heroes

Hailing from Geneva, New York, Gym Class Heroes burst onto the scene as a trailblazing American rap rock band, defying easy categorization. Formed in 1997, the genesis of this genre-bending outfit began when frontman Travie McCoy connected with powerhouse drummer Matt McGinley during a high school gym class – a fortuitous encounter that laid the groundwork for their distinctive sound. Their musical palette is a vibrant fusion, boldly weaving together the infectious rhythms of hip hop, the raw energy of rock, the undeniable groove of funk, and the laid-back vibes of reggae, creating an eclectic sonic tapestry that truly set them apart in the late 90s and early 2000s alternative scene.

After an independent debut album, the band solidified its iconic lineup in 2003 with the addition of intricate guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo and groove-laden bassist Eric Roberts. This pivotal formation paved the way for their signing to the legendary Fueled by Ramen label – a veritable hotbed for emerging alternative and pop-punk talent. Under the FBR banner, they unleashed their critically acclaimed album, The Papercut Chronicles, in 2005. Further solidifying their place within the vibrant emo and alt-rock landscape, they also championed the album through Decaydance Records, the indie imprint famously helmed by Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz. The Papercut Chronicles became a cornerstone for their growing fanbase, propelled by high-energy performances at seminal festivals like The Bamboozle and the venerable Vans Warped Tour, cementing their reputation as a must-see live act.

The year 2006 marked a monumental shift for Gym Class Heroes with the release of their gold-certified album, As Cruel as School Children. This record launched them into the mainstream stratosphere, primarily on the strength of their breakout single, "Cupid`s Chokehold." This infectious, instantly recognizable track became a global phenomenon, soaring to an impressive No. 4 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. and landing comfortably within the top ten in numerous international territories, including a significant run in the United Kingdom. Their momentum continued across the pond as follow-up single "Clothes Off!!" also stormed the UK charts, reinforcing their status as international hitmakers and a dominant force in the pop-rock and alternative hip hop crossover.