

71: Before Emo Rap Was a Genre, Gym Class Heroes Did It First w/ Travie McCoy
14 snips Sep 2, 2025
Travie McCoy, the charismatic frontman of Gym Class Heroes, joins the discussion on how their debut album, The Papercut Chronicles, redefined the sound of the early 2000s by blending rap, emo, and pop. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of transitioning from local shows to MTV fame and reflects on the enduring impact of their hit "Cupid's Chokehold." Travie also dives into the band's quirky origins and how a group of misfits managed to resonate with a generation, making waves in the music scene.
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Scooter Crash Led To Toe Amputation
- Travie lost the tip of his toe after a scooter crash and later developed an infection requiring amputation of the tip.
- He nearly missed an overseas show and credits a friend for forcing him to seek urgent care.
Bus Mascot: The Coochie Soap Story
- Travie told a wild tour story about receiving a handmade 'coochie soap' from a fan in Atlanta.
- The soap became a bus mascot and a memorable, bizarre piece of tour lore.
Youth-Crafted Record Feels Like A Time Capsule
- Travie McCoy wrote many songs for The Papercut Chronicles between ages 16–21, capturing a pivotal period of his life.
- That concentrated youth-made writing gave the album its raw, time-capsule impact.