The multi-platinum, rap-rock band Gym Class Heroes made their long-awaited comeback on July 10th of this year with the release of “Universal Language,” their first single in 15 years. Over a month later, on August 19th, the group dropped a music video for the song. The visuals, directed by Angelica Valente and Spaced Visuals, seem to tell the song’s story aptly.
The video stars the band’s frontman, Travie McCoy, and the street dance icon Dytto. The two characters look at and dance with each other throughout the 3-minute video, but it never quite seems like they’re actually together. It’s almost as if they are functioning from fond memories of the other rather than a material present reality, representing an ability to connect even when worlds apart.
Such themes align with what McCoy stated the inspiration for “Universal Language” to be. “I’ve been traveling this planet for more than half of my life, and I speak two languages, one I’m fluent in and one I was born with,” the singer said. “I’ve been in a long-term relationship with someone who didn’t speak much English, and sad to say, she’s the one that got away. But I think this song is letting people know that love is and always will be the universal language.”
In other Gym Class Heroes news, the release of “Universal Language” is not the only milestone the band will hit this year as they’re having their first headlining tour since 2011 this fall. Kicking off September 10th in Cleveland, Ohio, the band will be joined by Lupe Fiasco for the “Back To The Basics” Tour.
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