CeeLo Green is engaged

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CeeLo Green is engaged

CeeLo Green has got engaged.

The 41-year-old rapper is set to tie the knot with his long-time lover Shani James, 38, after he secretly popped the question over a year ago while finishing up at the studio.

Speaking to PEOPLE.com, he said: "It was just a typical night at the studio, but then again, not so typical cause I did something extra special, out of the ordinary.

"I went and purchased a ring that we had seen together, maybe four or five months or so prior.

"I went back and purchased the ring and I just kind of had it stashed away in some old equipment. And I said, 'Will you reach in there and grab something for me?' "

The couple - who are known for being notoriously tight-lipped on their private life - haven't shared their happy news until now because they want to keep their romance "sacred."

He explained: "Truth be told, it's not something we wanted to promote. We're a collective power together because our private life is sacred.

"But you know what though, maybe it's time. Maybe it is time for the world to know that I have a very secure situation and a loving woman supporting me the entire way."

Although the loved-up duo haven't started planning their nuptials as of yet, the 'Forget You' hitmaker is keen to be "spontaneous" when it comes to getting hitched in the future.

He added with a smile: "I'm a pretty hands on person. We'll be prepared to be spontaneous."

Meanwhile, this isn't the first time CeeLo - whose real name is Thomas DeCarlo Callaway - has popped the question as he was previously married to Christina Johnson for five years until they divorced in 2005.