Despite my obvious devotion to punk, I do like other genres. However, it’s really cool when an artist tries to bridge the gap between genres. Especially when they pay homage to punk bands.

Enter Gym Class Heroes. Unlike most hip hop artists out there, they use live instruments. Forget sampling and assembled tracks. They hit the stage and the studio with guitars and drum sticks in hand. Right now they’re busy touring with on the Warped Tour. They were just in Milwaukee on Friday. I missed it since I had to work, but that would’ve been a great show.

If you haven’t noticed, nearly every line in the song Taxi Driver has a reference to the name of a punk band, such as Death Cab For Cutie, Dashboard Confessional, My Chemical Romance, Hey Mercedes, Jimmy Eat World, Thrice, Planes Mistaken For Stars, Thursday, Taking Back Sunday, Jets To Brazil, Story of The Year and Hot Water Music. I named the obvious references. I’m sure I missed several more.

And here’s a bonus track fresh off the Fueled By Ramen & Decaydance Summer Audio Sample graciously released to the internet by the record labels. This is probably my favorite Gym Class Heroes song I’ve heard yet.

Gym Class Heroes website