Last week, Cee-Lo put out a preview video (full video coming soon) for his new single “Fuck You”, featuring stylized lyrical cues throughout the song. Before people could really even get used to the track, 50 Cent, of all people, has come out of left field and inserted a freestyle into the beginning of the Gnarls Barkley/Goodie Mob singer’s work (via Gigwise). He’s even edited the video and added his own lyrics.
50’s lyrics touch upon the same subject Cee-Lo’s original song, gold-digging bitches and the assholes that take them from decent men. He doesn’t add anything to the track, but he doesn’t wreck it either. So if you just like hearing 50’s voice on everything you listen to or don’t feel comfortable listening to pop music around your hip-hop friends, this version is for you.
However unnecessary this freestyle may be, it’s a sign Cee-Lo’s single is making its mark in the few days it’s been out. In an interview with EW.com’s Music Mix, Cee-Lo said of the song, “It’s a pleasant surprise, I must say.” He continued, “I think it’s totally surpassed just about everyone’s expectations. We had a clue — I mean, it’s a very noticeable song — but this has been extraordinary.” The YouTube video is already reaching 2 million views in the five days its been up.
The track is part of Cee-Lo’s upcoming December 7th release Cee-Lo Green is the Ladykiller. He worked with Bruno Mars and Phil Lawrence (B.o.B’s “Nothin’ on You,” Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire”) on the track, according to Music Mix. Cee-Lo said, “When Bruno first sung ‘F—- You’ to me, they were still a bit indecisive on whether or not it could work at all.” He added, “I was like, ‘I like it. Let’s record it.’”
Meanwhile, Cee-Lo tells Music Mix we will hear more from Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley soon, in that order. “Idealistically, I would like a Goodie Mob album to come first. That’s what I want: another Goodie Mob album, and then Gnarls, and then we’ll all be one big happy family and go out on the road together…. I have a whole awful lot of work to do, but it would be great.”
Imagine that — three Cee-Lo acts on the same bill. Co-headline with 50 Cent?
See 50’s version of “Fuck You” below and the original below that. You can also download a copy of 50’s remix here.
