Sir Charles loves the Gnarls

Charles Barkley says he’s “flattered and honored” to be the namesake of Gnarls Barkley, the hip-hop/rock duo of Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo. The Round Mound of Rebound says he has their CD “St. Elsewhere,” and “it’s pretty good, an interesting mix of rock and rap. I’m excited for all their success,” Barkley told the Philadelphia Daily News on Monday. Gnarls, who blend hip-hop, rock, funk and soul, performed their hit “Crazy” while dressed as “Star Wars” characters at the recent MTV Movie Awards. Despite the obvious homage to Barkley in the band’s name, a story in Sunday’s New York Times Magazine says the duo just thought the name sounded cool (which it certainly does) and aren’t necessarily huge basketball fans.

Originally Published: June 21, 2006 at 1:00 AM CDT