By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
May 10, 2002
Cee-Lo has 50 tattoos, a bald head and a repertoire of songs that could fill several albums. For now, Cee-Lo–who is best known as one of the members of the Atlanta hip-hop band Goodie Mob–is content to tout his debut solo record, “Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfection.”
“The Goodie Mob was a challenge ’cause we were Southerners doing hip-hop, and it came before my solo career,” Cee-Lo says, phoning from his Atlanta home. “So with my album coming out nine years later, I’m very comfortable–but not complacent. This album is different from anything I’ve done before with my associates, but it still rolls in that same revolutionary orbit.”
The orbit includes quite a bit. Never one to be content being pigeonholed, Cee-Lo sprinkles in speed rapping with classic soul. He employs the kerrang of metal guitar as he does the twang of a banjo. And you don’t have to listen too hard to hear his gospel influence.
“It’s divine intervention that’s involved in all of this,” he says. “Knowing that God has compelled me to do this and that everything is predestined for me is very empowering. I don’t take any of it for granted, though. I work hard and it pays off. But being humble doesn’t mean that you don’t know you’re good at what you do.
“There’s a reward at finding your own destination and having it work for you is very gratifying. I was completely liberated working on this album.”
Though he’s still touring to promote this record, Cee-Lo says he’s already hankering to get to work on a second solo effort.
“People don’t know what the recording process is like. You usually live with an album for two years before it comes out, so by the time it’s released you’re ready to get to work on the next one.”
HERE’S WHAT ELSE CEE-LO HAD TO SAY:
Best thing about Chicago when it’s cold: I can be fashionable. I can put on all my furs and look nice. I can’t do that in Atlanta.
Favorite Chicago personality: Louis Farrakhan. I met him in around 1997. He kind of feels like your father. He said he became a fan of mine after speaking with me. That was very flattering.
Favorite restaurant: The best food I’ve eaten in Chicago is at Portillo’s. I love the hot dogs and hamburgers there. That’s all I want to eat when I’m in Chicago. You can’t get them like that anywhere else.
Favorite movie: “Family Man.” I’m a big Nicolas Cage fan.
Favorite hotel: The Swissotel is very nice.
Last good book you read: The 48 Laws of Power [by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers].
The thing that makes you feel most alive: When I’m blazing my own trail.
Biggest misconception about you: People always think I’m older than I am. I’m an old soul, but I’m only 26. I’ve always been the youngest guy in the group.
Favorite venue to perform in: They’re all pretty nice. Let’s go with the House of Blues.
Favorite thing to do in Chicago during your time off here: Maybe buy a treat for my son.
Favorite activity while in town: I don’t always have time to do a lot of exploring, but I like walking around the city.
Best thing about playing to Chicago audiences: They know their music.
The last word on Chicago: Great city. Great people.
