No, it’s not just you. Most of the garbage you hear on the radio really does sound the same–even to the people who make it. That’s why so many cats like Black Thought and Common constantly incorporate words like “creativity,” “sameness” and “pretender” in their rhymes. The Dungeon Family, the most eclectic collection of hip hop minds this side of Shaolin, is tired of all the photocopied MCing, too. But rather than Outkast, Goodie Mob, Slimm Calhoun, Witchdoctor, Backbone, Big Rube and Rico Wade hating so much on wax, they simply express their art different (See: the just-released album, Even In Darkness). Their theory is that by ignoring traditional codes of urban decorum (Hey, Dre, is that a flamingo on your head?) and avoiding My First Sony keyboard sounds, they will prove to the world that being different is good.
Now it doesn’t get more different than Cee-lo. Goodie Mob’s most poignant lyricist, Cee-lo looks like a southern depiction of Buddha, only about 34 shades darker. He’s smart. Bald-headed. Speaks with a drawl only Jimmy Carter could love. And when HipHopDX caught up with the ATLien a month or so ago, he wasn’t wearing the trademark gold fronts in his mouth.
This same mouth has said a lot of things–some prophetic, some funny, all inspiring– that demanded rewinding over the years. Cee-lo is even more eloquent in-person, chatting a bit on current global issues, the fragility of life and the somewhat-shaky future of the Goodie…
You’ve made a strong presence around Atlanta since the events of September 11. Why?
AD LOADING...
I just want to continue showing support and admiration for my people and empathy for our situation, and [continue showing] hope for the power, knowledge and wisdom bestowed upon me. I wanna make sure people don’t just see me one time being an activist and being a positive influence on our music and our mindset, but [see me] offering continued wisdom.
Are you supportive of the military presence in Afghanistan?
AD LOADING...
I agree that there should be some degree of justice, but I can’t say that I’ m in total support. I’m in acceptance of what I have no power over, but I can’t say that I support war at this time. I actually think that it’s a deeper situation than the media will not allow us to know. I mean, until I have a complete, undeniable understanding, it won’t have my complete heart involved; it’ll just have my mind aware and abreast. That’s it.
On a lighter note, I hear fellow Goodie Mob member, Big Gipp, on Mr. Cheeks’ album. Will we hear you on anybody else’s album? What about your own?
Well, you’re going to hear me on the Dungeon Family album, Even In Darkness. Of course, I got a solo album coming out next year, man. You’ll be hearing from me.
AD LOADING...
Anything else from Goodie Mob?
I simply ask people to prepare themselves. Master yourself. Your fruits of your labor earn your writes of passage. We’re all living in our last days of time. I just think that is what’s important–more than anything. That’s the most prevalent idealism in my mind right now; to just prepare. I’m within God’s grace. That’s all I can ask.
So, basically, you’re saying that they’re bigger things going on in the world than knowing if Goodie Mob will ever make another album together?
AD LOADING...
Yeah, it is. For me.
