Cee Lo Green named his 2004 album Cee-Lo Green…Is The Soul Machine. The album’s title and its “Soul Machine” selection could be seen as nods to the late James Brown, the iconic singer who was known as “The Godfather Of Soul” and who released the single “Sex Machine.”

Get On Up, a biopic on the legendary singer-producer, is due in theaters August 1.

In a video exclusive to HipHopDX, Cee Lo Green says he first saw Brown on television.

AD

AD LOADING...

“The first time I experienced James Brown was a clip of him performing ’Night Train,’” Cee Lo Green says of Brown’s 1961 single.

Cee Lo Green also says that he was influenced by Brown and his music.

“I like to feel like what I have is an inheritance of some sort,” Cee Lo Green says. “Father James, if you’re watching I hope you’re proud because I still got what you were trying to give me.”

AD

AD LOADING...

Get On Up features Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed Jackie Robinson in 2013’s 42, as Brown. The Roots’ Black Thought, Aloe Blacc and Jill Scott also appear in the film.

RELATED:CeeLo Green Doesn’t Regret Passing On “Happy,” Praises Pharrell’s Generosity