Travie McCoy Talks "Forgetting Katy Perry" & Working With T-Pain

Complex: Was "Don't Pretend" written from personal experience?

Travie McCoy: Of course. That's probably the most personal joint on the record. I wanted to keep the record fun and upbeat and positive. When Chad Beatz, who produced that for me, played me it, I was like, "Whoa." We got Colin [Munroe] to sing the hook. Emotionally, I wanted it to come across almost like I was crying. Luckily enough, I had just landed in Miami. Whenever I'm away from Miami for a while and come back, those first three days I have the worst allergies in the world. I recorded it the day I got back, so my allergies were fucked up, I was so congested. I recorded it then listened back and it sounded like I was teared up. I wanted that raw emotion to come across. Listening to it, you're like, "Damn, he's definitely going through some shit." I was second-guessing putting it on there, because I didn't want to kill the vibe, but it's the last song on there. The last song you listen to is a setup for the next Gym Class record that is a lot more introspective and personal.

Complex: So was the song about Katy Perry?

Travie McCoy: Ehh...

Complex: There is line that says "Was I just another step in the progression for you?"

Travie McCoy: It was hinting more to the career aspect—but not to throw stones, but I think it was inspired by that whole situation. At the end of the day, I think anyone who has been thorough some shit can relate to that song. It could have been about my girlfriends before, but I'ma keep it real with you, it was definitely about Katy Perry. [Laughs.]

Complex: With that particular line, do you feel you were used as a step in her progression to upgrade to Russell Brand?

Travie McCoy: I definitely felt a certain way about the whole situation. Having a year and a half to reflect on it, you start questioning everything...

Complex: Like "Did she ever really like me? Was she just with me to get with a bigger star?"

Travie McCoy: Exactly.

Complex: There was a lyric "I knew about him the whole time, the hotels, the phone calls, the whole nine."

Travie McCoy: It is what it is. It's straightforward. The timelines... she got engaged so quickly after. I was like "Really?" I had to sit back and reassess what was really going on. After you have some time to start thinking about it, you start putting things together. It's been a year in a half. I'm over it. I'm a lot happier and I think the record reflects that. The summer is coming up and the last thing I wanna do is put people in a sad mood for summer.

Complex: Are you still in contact with her?

Travie McCoy: Nah.

Complex: So you gave her no heads-up about the mixtape?

Travie McCoy: Nah but I'm sure she knows. The mixtape is not airing out any dirty laundry. If anything, it's me poking fun at myself. If you've seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall, that's my life. I'm that dude.

Complex: What scene from that movie could you relate to the most?

Travie McCoy: The entire movie, minus the resort. No awkward run-ins yet. But just the coincidences that went down and the fact that it's Russell Brand.

Complex: Have you ever spoken to Russell Brand?

Travie McCoy: Nah, I haven't.

Complex: Are you concerned with people perceiving you as being bitter because of the mixtape?

Travie McCoy: Nah, I think the title will throw people off a little bit, but I think when they hear the music it'll be okay. I think there is only one reference to Katy on the mixtape. It was just that the title was so fitting, I had to take advantage of it.

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