Once upon a time, Cee-Lo was enjoying one of the most unlikely career trajectories in hip-hop history. The Goodie Mob lynchpin began scoring pop hits on his own and as Gnarles Barkley, his duo with the producer Danger Mouse. He parlayed that into a gig hosting The Voice, the NBC reality show that aims to highlight aspiring singers. However, all that came crashing down when, in October 2012, he was accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman. (Cee-Lo eventually pleaded no contest to furnishing ecstasy, a felony, and was sentence to three years' probation, one year's worth of Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous and 360 hours of community service. Now with a new album on the horizon, he's looking to make amends--and perhaps to return to his old haunts.

In an interview with Billboard, Cee-Lo says that a return trip to NBC isn't out of the question. "I've talked very possibly about doing The Voice again," he said. "So I just kind of put that out there, wishful thinking, kind of willing it. Because I would love to do it again." As for his legal situation, he had the following to say: "It was a very redefining moment in my personal and professional life. I get in front of my Creator, humbled, and I ask, 'What does this mean? What is this supposed to mean for me? What am I supposed to learn from it?' And [to] have that revealed and have it bestowed upon me is a blessing, of sorts." Heart Blanche is due out Nov. 6.

More From XXL