As much as we’d like to believe otherwise, there’s no such thing as “instant fame” in the music business. Even the youngest, luckiest artists must toil in relative obscurity for months or years without seeing the fruits of their labor. For every American Idol winner, a thousand talented singers, songwriters and instrumentalists enter and leave the world of music in relative obscurity.
Although he’s currently living out his own version of the American Dream, Cee Lo Green wasn’t always a household name. Before his 18th birthday, Green lost both of his parents, struggled with intense bouts of depression and nearly gave up on the rock-steady faith that had informed his childhood. Thanks to unwavering support from dedicated friends, extended family members and fellow musicians, Green reconnected with his faith and resolved to create a musical legacy that couldn’t be ignored.
Throughout the 1990s, Green worked as a founding member of Atlanta-based hip-hop foursome Goodie Mob. Although the group released several well-received albums and had a few local hits, it failed to break into the mainstream or make a solid showing on the singles charts. As a result, Green parted ways with the group in 1999 and pursued a brief solo career.
After collaborating with Carlos Santana and Lauryn Hill on a track for Santana’s 1999 comeback album, Green met up with DJ Danger Mouse to form Gnarls Barkley. Although the duo found success with the ubiquitous 2006 hit “Crazy,” it lacked the staying power that many had predicted. As a tireless experimenter, DJ Danger Mouse began to devote more attention to side projects and solo efforts. Meanwhile, Green began looking for inspiration for a genre-bending hit that would be worthy of his talent.
He soon got his wish. In the summer of 2010, Green took the music world by storm with the release of the expletive-laden lead single from his new solo album. Published by Stephen Finfer‘s Arthouse Entertainment, the efficiently titled “F*** You” shot up the Billboard charts and reached the top spot on the closely followed American Top 40 listings. With evocative lyrics and a confident delivery that clearly communicated Green’s passion, “F*** You” was widely regarded as one of the most popular and innovative songs of 2010.
The partnership between Cee Lo Green, Ari Levine, and Stephen Finfer’s Arthouse Entertainment, continues to bear fruit. “F*** You” has sold more than six million copies to date and has been featured in dozens of parodies, ad spots and films. The song continues to fuel the sales of Green’s Lady Killer album and has reinvigorated the pop-soul movement like few other tracks in recent memory. In a true testament to the sophistication and receptiveness of music listeners around the world, “F*** You” failed to generate much in the way of controversy. In fact, the Green-Finfer collaboration was hailed for its heartfelt message and masterful production values.
Stephen Finfer has worked with more than his fair share of big-name artists. While it might not be possible to recreate “F*** You,” Finfer and Green both have plenty of creative juice left in their respective tanks. In the years to come, it’s safe to bet that these two men will continue to push the envelope and craft era-defining sounds.