However we had to choose one…

Congrats to Rita W. who penned the following second verse…

See, we are in this race together
so how can one look farther when eyes wont chase sight
Rather, sedentary in settings where we settle with
lids shut tight, but if one sways one we could strum
our harps to the same rhythm, instead of pulling strings
like mannequins, Man it can be beyond the blind ballet
in the heart of the man in tin
We’d have a better connection hand in hand,
taking this load one step at a time
giving direction down this yellow brick road
we’re running in our minds

So lets imagine our old tattered shoes into
golden slippers, as we become the Artist
painting new hues over this discolored picture,
yesterday, framed as life
but before we click our heels
and chant our way home to the finish line,
we should heal those who can’t find
hope for the better, and remind
those eyes that can’t visualize
the beauty of being alive is that
WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.

Congrats, Rita. One of Travie’s New Era Staying Alive caps is on it’s way to you!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Remember you can buy the track and donate HERE!

Please let us know what you think of the show by leaving a comment below!

Get it on:

iTunes in the US

or

Bandcamp globally

All money from sales goes directly to the Staying Alive Foundation.

Click here to view the embedded video.

An exclusive 30 second clip of the video to One At A Time.

Officially showing on MTV channels from this week onwards…

Official release date - December 1st… and you know the score by now - all proceeds from sales go straight to The Staying Alive Foundation!

Let’s take a minute and reflect on what we can do
to be smart and play a part in something beautiful
embrace life, appreciate the fact you’re even breathing
cos we in the cross hairs and it’s open season
if each one teaches one, we got a good start
you’re not a  square because you care and have a good heart
we gotta speak soft, and listen hard
it’s right in front of our face but we don’t even bother

Thoughts?

Here’s a challenge… Before we reveal them, come up with your own lyrics for the second verse - whoever comes up with the best will bag one of just 8 New Era Staying Alive caps (they’re Travis’ hats though so they’re size 8!)

Go for it. Just add yours in the comments section below and show us how great your writing skillllzzzz are!

We’ll pick the best on November 26th.

We’ve shot a documentary (on MTV December 1st), met some of the most inspirational young people, and got to see, first hand, the amazing work that they do in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Below is an exclusive 30 second preview of the track Travis has written exclusively for The Staying Alive Foundation. It’s dedicated to all of our grantees, who are out there working tirelessly to make a difference. The inspiration comes from those that Travis met on his journey - especially Bulelani, Alex and Mandakini.

The full track will be released on December 1st - World AIDS Day - please take the time to download it - every single cent from sales will go directly to The Staying Alive Foundation, helping us to fund even more amazing projects.

Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!

The evening was held at hip lower east side venue Broadway East - friends and fellow celebs were just some of those who were part of the crowd that turned out to celebrate Travis’ journey with The Staying Alive Foundation.

Hosted by MTV VJ Kim Stolz, the evening saw special appearances from two Staying Alive Grantees - Natalia Cales from the Carolina Empowerment Group, and Tyler Spencer from DC-based group Athletes United.

Check out some shots from the event below:

Travis and Kim Stolz

Travis and Estelle

Travis takes to the stage

Staying Alive Foundation grantee Tyler Spencer

Staying Alive Foundation grantee Natalia Cales

The day started early – there was a full day’s worth of press interviews to get through before the evening’s big event at London’s exclusive Westbury Hotel. Travis was interviewed by OK!, NME and The Daily Telegraph to name a few, so be sure to keep your eyes open for the interviews in the coming days…

After press it was back to the hotel for a nap before getting ready for the big night ahead. Travis showed off his inimitable style by opting for a white suit with pink bow tie.

The evening kicked off with an opening speech from The Wire star and acclaimed actor Idris Elba. Idris has been involved with Staying Alive since 2008 and did a great job at explaining the work of the Foundation to the celeb-packed room.

Next up was Georgia, the Foundation’s Exec Director and Founder, she spoke a little more about what we do – including how she started the Foundation back in 2005 (we’ll save that story for another post!).

And then it was Travie’s turn to take to the stage. He gave an emotional speech about the track and the journey that inspired it.

But the highlight of the evening had to be when Georgia introduced a surprise special guest… Foundation Grantee Bulelani Mvotho.

Travis met Bulelani during his trip to South Africa when filming for The Unbeaten Track back in June… The pair immediately hit it off, with Travis declaring Bulelani as a life-long friend who will always hold a place in his heart. Little did Travis know that they would be re-united just a few months later.

The shock and surprise on Travie’s face was amazing.

The rest of the evening was fun-filled and everyone was talking about the track and the great work of the Foundation grantees…

Guests included, among many others, X-factor’s Brian Friedman and Sinitta, Westlife’s Mark Fehilly, hip hop artist Tinchy Stryder and  musician and actor Goldie.

Check out a few more snaps from the evening below…

The New York launch happens tonight - so stay tuned for news and photos soon!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Let us know what you think!