Cee Lo Green is a hot commodity these days. Besides his hit single “F**k You” and forthcoming LP The Lady Killer, the ATLien is preparing to keep insomniacs entertained with his new late-night talk show, “Lay It Down,” premiering October 20 on the Fuse network.

Though the Goodie Mob MC is accustomed to being in the spotlight and answering interviewer’s questions, he’ll turn the tables on his guests, which will range from hip-hop to rock acts. “I’ve interviewed the likes of Ludacris, T-Pain, Janelle Monáe, [and] Public Enemy,” Cee Lo tells Rap-Up.com. “This is all in the first season, so just those few names alone lets you know how diverse the guests will be. Then of course there’s me. I am a fan of music so I get a chance to shine a spotlight on that.”

Janelle Monáe particularly struck a chord with the crooner. Known to many as a visionary and founder of the Wondaland Arts Society, her musical genius is what sparked the ever-smiling singer’s interest.

“I personally believe that Janelle Monáe is the next big thing,” Cee Lo admits. “She’s the next big thing, once she gets that record. Sometimes you can’t be such a fan of yourself, you have to sit down and see who’s a fan of yours. Let them inspire you to find that record. I had to do it, it’s not the easiest thing to do.”

Veteran artists such as Green, who also made a name for himself as one half of Gnarls Barkley, may look to new artists such as Monáe for inspiration, yet it’s his diligence in the industry that has burgeoning artists coming to him for advice. So what does a man with his expertise have to share with newbies heading into the game?

“The more you can do for yourself, the less favors you have to ask,” he reveals. “The more you know yourself, the less chance you got somebody to tell you who you are or who you should be. Be original, that’s what matters.”

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