kelis: new video for "lil star" f/ cee-lo.

I originally objected to posting music videos on this blog, but in this experimental pre-April time...why not?

I've been following Kelis's career ever since the days of Kaleidoscope, when I got a call from my eighth grade girlfriend telling me that I needed to see the video with the crazy rainbow-brite Scary Spice wanna-be yelling a lot. It didn't take me much longer to realize that Kelis was more than that. Can't see beyond "Milkshake"? Check out the videos below, and understand my love. Several of these were not released in the US, so if you're on my side of the pond...they're definitely worth watching. I've starred my favorites.

- Caught Out There* - Good Stuff - Get Along With You* -
- Young, Fresh N' New* -
- Milkshake - Trick Me* - Millionaire -
- Bossy* - Blindfold Me - Lil Star -

• Note the minimalist aesthetic of "Trick Me".
• Note the poodles, ice sculptures, and absurdity of "Bossy".
• Note the Heidi Klum in "Young Fresh N' New".
• Note the oddly dark, gothic mood of "Get Along With You".
• Note the random jungle and polar wonderland scenes in "Blindfold Me".
  

Despite the giant bubble coat, "Lil Star" is probably the most "normal" Kelis video I've ever seen. It is directed by Mark Klasfeld, the same man behind "Bossy" and "Blindfold Me". I'm a little disappointed that the video took the song so literally, but Kelis can get away with it because she's super-cute. "Lil Star" is the single in the UK, so if you're still sick of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy"...don't be too worried about hearing Cee-Lo's voice on your radio too. My secret hopes are that it will do well enough to cross over to the US as Nelly Furtado's "Maneater" did, but I'm not holding my breath. "Trilogy" will be the third single in the US, and a video is not yet recorded.

This post is starting to get way too fanatical and I totally promised that I'd lay off the hip-hop, pop, and R&B for a couple of days, so I'll stop.

cee-lo: the closet freaks come out at night.

Cee-Lo Green the soul machine is certainly living up to his name these days. Whether he's singing about contemplating suicide or buying ladies drinks, he brings a full-force whirlwind of soul. And these days, he is turning out soulful sounds like a MACHINE.

You may be among those who are sick of "Crazy" thanks to the constant airplay on radio and video channels, or you may be among those who just realized how fabulous St. Elsewhere is. Either way, you probably want more Cee-Lo than can possibly be delivered. Or can it be?

Currently Cee-Lo is working on three musical projects...Gnarls Barkley with DJ Danger Mouse, The Heart Attack with Jack Splash of Plantlife, and an un-named collaboration with producer Jazze Pha.

If you haven't heard Gnarls Barkley yet than you must live on another planet. The extremely bizarre duo has lucked out, becoming pop music superstars.

WATCH: first draft of "Crazy" video
WATCH: live slow version of "Crazy" (Gnarls Barkley as men in uniform, violins)

DOWNLOAD: GNARLS BARKLEY- Just a Thought
DOWNLOAD: GNARLS BARKLEY vs. THE SHIRELLES- Crazy (Baby It's You)

BUY St. Elsewhere

The Heart Attack is a collaboration that makes sense the minute you actually hear Jack Splash's music. It's blatantly right up Cee-Lo's alley.

DOWNLOAD: THE HEART ATTACK- Right Now
DOWNLOAD: THE HEART ATTACK- Gangsta Boogie

Jazze Pha & Cee-Lo's collabo Happy Hour was originally shelved, but will probably be released after the success of Gnarls Barkley. Honestly, there's no reason it shouldn't have been shelved because it's the least interesting and uninspired of this bunch. But whatevs...the show goes on for Mr. Green.

WATCH: "Happy Hour" video at website

DOWNLOAD: JAZZE PHA & CEE-LO f/ THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS- Disco Chick

On top of that, there are rumors that Cee-Lo will be involved in a Goodie Mobb reunion album. All of that, and we're not even taking into account his solo career. Below you will find a video featuring Cee-Lo and a closing jam that was brought to my attention by Ms. Moondance Gypsyfox.

BONUS VIDEO: Mayday f/ Cee-Lo & DJ Craze- Groundhog Day

DOWNLOAD: CEE-LO- Under the Influence (Follow Me)

BUY Cee-Lo's music