Cee-Lo Green: Fuck You

If you haven’t been listening to Cee-Lo Green‘s latest song, “Fuck You,” all week, your only (absurd) excuse is that you’ve been living underneath a rock. The Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley member has recently announced that his latest solo album, Lady Killer, is slated for release on December 7 via Elektra Records and as a follow up to his first single, “Georgia,” and his contribution to the latest Twilight soundtrack with “What Part of Forever,” he presents us this blunt but sweet, masterpiece of a song that tells the story every jilted lover has ever wanted to tell his shady (and probably shallow) ex.

Green first uploaded the song onto this YouTube channel. The video has the words to the song but it’s not like any of us need it since the chorus is pretty catchy. (Those who love typography probably dig it.) Of course, it became viral and an internet sensation over night – which is completely justified. “Fuck You” has everything a great pop song should have. It has great chorus (who can resist singing “Oo ooo oooo!” after swearing?), it’s plumped with pop culture references such as the xbox, atari, “I pity the fool,” and “she’s a gold digger,” and a nice Jackson 5 sunshine vibe. The juxtaposition is what really sells this gem. It’s so foul-mouthed and full of attitude but it all sounds so sweet in the all that soul Green showers upon our ears. Also, props to Cee-Lo for using butter-smooth voiced Bruno Mars for his songwriting talents.

My friend Mouse recently said, “I’d argue that Cee-Lo, Kanye, and Lady Gaga understand “what’s cool in pop” better than anyone else. But you always want to root for Cee-Lo.” I agree with every word in this statement. These three are doing something significant enough (whether it’s good or bad) to be in the spotlight and their music isn’t bad. It’s just that Cee-Lo tops the other two simply because 1) he’s not tripping over his huge ego and 2) he doesn’t need to call out to all his “little monsters.” Ain’t that some shit?

If you haven’t listened to the song yet – shame on you. When something goes viral, you should be in the know. In this day and age, if you own a computer you should have been affected by viral videos such as the one below for “Fuck You.” If you were one of the people playing it on repeat all week like me, check “Georgia” out and his cover of Band of Horses’ “No One’s Gonna Love You.”