The Closet Freak: The Best of Cee-Lo Green the Soul Machine  (Audio CD) 
by Cee-Lo

Cee-Lo Green sprang into the national consciousness in 2006 thanks to his stunning Gnarls Barkley collaboration with Danger Mouse. Yet, those in the know have been following the career of this adventurous Southern singer and rapper for more than a decade. This set culls tracks from his days as part of Goodie Mob, a groundbreaking Dirty South rap ensemble, as well as his two terrific-but-overlooked solo albums. Mixing elements of jazz and psychedelic soul into his weird, eclectic hip-hop blend, Cee-Lo became one of rap's most remarkable cutting-edge artists--spiritual, street-savvy, soulful, and not afraid to sing if the mood should strike him. "Closet Freak," from his solo debut, proves his incredible facility as a rhyme-spitter, as funky horns and frenetic beats swell behind him. Producer Timbaland provides an appropriately strange but still-groovy track for "I'll Be Around," a highlight from Cee-Lo's second solo album. Meanwhile, "Soul Food," the title track from Goodie Mob's 1995 debut, offers a hard-hitting glimpse of Dirty South music in its formative years. While this compilation may only intend to capitalize on (exploit?) Cee-Lo's latest success, it's filled with top-notch, audacious material and provides a worthwhile introduction for those new to the table. --Marc Greilsamer