From a music standpoint, CeeLo Green is easily one of the most versatile artists, period. Not only is the gifted lyricist one of southern hip hop’s pioneers, he’s also broken boundaries in pop and R&B. Lately, he’s been giving his fans quality soul, having released his latest solo album, Heart Blanche, in 2015. Now, he’s getting ready to release CeeLo Green Is Thomas Callaway, a collaborative project with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Following the release of the single “Lead Me” comes another cut titled “Doing It All Together,” an upbeat, nostalgic effort and centers around unity and love:
“I need, need you, you need, me too, that means, we’re doin’ it all together/
I’m here, you’re there, you’re kind and fair, that means, we’re doin’ it all together…/”
The accompanying clip shows behind the scenes photos of CeeLo and Auerbach during the CeeLo Green Is Thomas Callaway studio sessions. Speaking to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, CeeLo spoke on how the collaboration even came to pass:
“We were friends and had some history, and I jumped at the opportunity. It was an honor and a compliment… We were messing around in the studio and I didn’t know that he was secretly recording and compiling material for me. The whole process was a first (for me), to sit and write with an acoustic guitar and organ and with seasoned musicians from Nashville and Muscle Shoals, all of these wonderful elder statesmen. It was a really enlightening experience.”
CeeLo Green isn’t new to working with others, having found worldwide success as a member of experimental outfit Gnarls Barkley and legendary rap collective Goodie Mob. He’s also provided show-stealing assists to the likes of Trick Daddy, Estelle, Nas, Tyler, The Creator, and more over the past couple of decades.
Press play on “Doing It All Together” below. CeeLo Green Is Thomas Callaway is said to be making landfall next month.