Geneva, NY-based crossover rap/rock group Gym Class Hero’s are here to
put fun back into hip-hop. As frontman Travis McCoy reveals, we
couldn’t agree more; “Everybody takes themselves so seriously, it’s
become a fashion show more or less. We want the vibe to be as fun as
possible.”
It’s hard to imagine anything less fun than their new single
“Cupid’s Chokehold”, set for it’s UK release this month (February 12th)
after already burning up across North America. The band have even
catapulted themselves from relative newcomers to serious U.S. chart
contenders with the cut – currently being featured atop MTV’s TRL
chart.
The band’s latest album “As Cruel As School Children is being
re-released “It’s just a complete full-on summertime album,” adds
McCoy. “The whole fun element of hip-hop has disappeared. Everybody
takes themselves so seriously, it’s become a fashion show more or less.
We wanted to the vibe to be as fun as possible.”
Click here to launch Sound Generator’s Gym Class Heroes media player, for clips from the new album.
So would they appeal to me?
Think OutKast, a soulful Beastie Boys or even acts like
Fall Out Boy and No Doubt. Gym Class Heroes look to the mainstream with
a west coast-flavoured party rap/rock sound, backed onto strong pop
hooks.
What’s being released & when?
Cupid’s Chokehold is released in both the U.S. and
Europe this week, with a new version of the album ?As Cruel As School
Children? (complete with the new single) out later this month.
When can I see them live?
There’s a few UK shows remaining before the band hit the U.S.
for a major headline tour, dubbed the Daryl Hall For President Tour
’07.
- Feb 7 Newcastle, The Global
- Feb 8 Glasgow, Cathouse
- Feb 9 Manchester, Academy 3
- Feb 10 Yeovil, Ski Lodge
- Feb 11 Leeds, Cockpit – NEW DATE
- Feb 12 London, Islington Carling Academy
The U.S. dates start Feb. 17 in Boston and run through until April 6th in New Orleans. For more info head to gymclassheroes.com
