In 1997, MC Travis "Schleprok" McCoy and drummer Matt McGinley became friends during physical education class at their local high school in Geneva, New York, the name of the band reflects this. The band officially came together in 1999. The original GCH began playing birthday parties, clubs, and festivals which eventually led to numerous larger venues throughout the northeast, including two years on Warped Tour (2003, 2004). During 2004, guitarist Milo Bonacci parted ways with the band and was replaced with current guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo. In mid 2005, right before their success started to really take off, bassist Ryan Geise left the band and was replaced by their friend, bassist Eric Roberts. Gym Class Heroes first taste at success occurred after the release of "...For the Kids," lead singer Travis McCoy won MTV's Direct Effect MC Battle and as a prize, appeared in Styles P's video "Daddy Get That Cash".[1] Aside from "...For the Kids," the group released five other CDs from 1999 to 2008, including "Hed Candy," "Greasy Kids Stuff," "Papercut Chronicles EP", "As Cruel As School Children", and "The Quilt."

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