CeeLo Green "Failed" At Wearing A Dress Because People Thought Young Thug Was The First

BY Erika Marie 11.2K Views
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CeeLo Green, Dress, Young Thug, Gnarls Barkley
Over a decade ago, CeeLo posed in a wedding dress for a Gnarls Barkley shoot & he recently discussed not receiving enough backlash or attention for it.

There are few artists in the Rap and Hip hop arena that have had an impact like that of CeeLo Green. The Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley artist's style has made headlines for decades as he often captures attention for wearing full-on gold 'fits on the red carpet or wedding dresses for artistic purposes. CeeLo has faced both praise and criticism over the years, and in a recent interview, he addressed the controversies over his choices.

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"Sometimes you have to do something exceptional to say that you are," said the rapper. "I felt like I could get away with it and I did. To me, that's when the game is worth watching. I told you I was all about being anti-establishment. I wanna push the f*ckin' envelope off the table." He explains that at the time, Gnarls Barkley had an album titled The Odd Couple (2008), so he and DJ Danger Mouse decided to pose in wedding attire.

CeeLo added that in the alternative rock scene, a man in a dress isn't a big deal, but in Rap and Hip Hop, acceptance isn't as prevalent. He admitted that he didn't receive as much backlash as he expected because where he's from, he's respected and people chose to defend him rather than allow the negativity to spread.

"I feel like I failed because they felt like when [Young Thug] and them did it, they were the first ones to do it," said the rapper. "That's how much people missed out on me doing it first." Overall, CeeLo isn't overly concerned with the opinions of others. "If I don't give f*ck about your opinion what make think I give a f*ck you?"

Watch his interview below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.