The Bottom Line
Gym Class Heroes lead vocalist Travie McCoy has a hit out of the box with his first solo release. The song "Billionaire" is a lilting reggae tune spelling out the wish many many of us have. Most all of McCoy's listening audience will instantly relate. Bruno Mars contributes a sung hook just as instantly catchy as his work on the #1 pop smash "Nothin' On You" by B.o.B. This will be one of the definitive pop hits of the summer of 2010. It is also an impressive lead-in for Travie McCoy's debut solo album Lazarus.
Pros
- Bruno Mars' sung hook to kick off the song
- Travie McCoy's witty and charming raps
- The lilting, summery mood
Cons
- No weighty substance here
Description
- Written by Travis L. McCoy, Peter Hernandez, Ari Levine, and Philip Lawrence
- Produced by the Smeezingtons
- Released by Fueled By Ramen March 2010
Guide Review - Travie McCoy - "Billionaire" featuring Bruno Mars
Who doesn't want to be a billionaire "so f**king bad?" Raise your hands. I don't think there are many of you out there. If you became one, would you be as gracious and giving as Travie McCoy says he would be? The song "Billionaire" is great for summer daydreaming, wishing, and commenting on those who are billionaires.
The song was co-written and produced by the songwriting and production trio the Smeezingtons which includes Bruno Mars. This is the second major hit single in just months to feature Bruno Mars' sweet, slightly edgy, vocals. The first was B.o.B.'s #1 smash "Nothin' On You." He provides a near perfect vocal hook to lead into Travie McCoy's always engaging raps. McCoy's humor and light touch draws you in even further and is likely to leave a smile on the face of most listeners.
"Billionaire" is one of three songs with the Smeezingtons that will be included on the Lazarus solo album due in stores June 8, 2010. With curent chart performance it looks as if "Billionaire" is near guaranteed to be a top 10 hit. If it breaks the top three it will have outperformed all of the singles by Gym Class Heroes. Travie McCoy is in demand as a participant with other artists in a wide range of recordings. Now he is stepping out front with a top notch debut single to kick off a very promising solo career.
