Album Review

Travie McCoy Feat. Bruno Mars – Billionaire

• 13th Jul 2010

Gym Class Heroes are renowned for their genre-bending blend of hip-hop, rap and pop; so it comes as no surprise that Travie McCoy’s solo debut is just as original, but still a step away from his band’s material.

It’s a sentiment we all share – who wouldn’t want to be a billionaire? Travie’s tongue-in-cheek account of exactly how he’d handle being a billionaire is both familiar (“My name in shining lights/A different city every night”)and yet entirely individual (“Playing basketball with the president/ Dunkin’ on his delegates”).

Bruno Mars (who helped pen one of 2010’s World Cup anthems, “Wavin’ Flag”) lends both his writing and vocal skills to the tune.His Hawaiian origins are apparent in his lilting voice and guitar sound, and the juxtaposition of this with a hip-hop beat and Travie’s self-assured rapping guarantee this track to be the feel-good hit of the summer.
Just make sure you’re listening to the neighbour-friendly Radio Edit when you blast this on the stereo…!