Chaka Khan Says She Was Upset Kanye West Made Her ‘Sound Like A Chipmunk’ On His Debut Single ‘Through The Wire’ [VIDEO]

Chaka Khan, Kanye West

Chaka Khan Says She Was Upset Kanye West Made Her ‘Sound Like A Chipmunk’ On His Debut Single ‘Through The Wire’ [VIDEO]

Chaka Khan recently reiterated her distaste for Kanye West’s rework of her classic hit “Through The Fire” for his debut single “Through The Wire.”

Legendary singer-songwriter Chaka Khan released her last studio album in February 2019 and took part in heavy promotion for the debut of her new song, “Woman Like Me.” The track is reportedly the most-added song on R&B radio, securing a welcome from 23 stations in its release week.

Chaka Khan

Last week, Yvette Stevens, better known by her stage name Chaka Khan, sat down with “FOX 5 DC” and expressed her thoughts on how she didn’t approve of the way rapper and record producer Kanye West used her vocals to sample for his breakout single “Through The Wire.” The song samples Chaka’s “Through the Fire” from her sixth studio album, “I Feel for You,” released in 1984.

While speaking with show host Marissa Mitchell about whether or not Kanye West, 45, has reached out to the 10-time Grammy-Award winner, Chaka said:

“No, I’m not looking to hear from Kanye either. No, I have not heard from him and I’m not looking to hear from him. No.” 

The 69-year-old vocalist continued:

“That’s what he did with his music. I was upset about sounding like a chipmunk. ‘Cause he didn’t put that when he asked could he sample my song. He didn’t mention that he was going to speed it up three times it’s normal speed.”

Kanye West

Chaka added:

“Had he, I would’ve had something to say. But since I didn’t think of that… believe me, I think of it now.”

As previously reported, Chaka vocalized her dislike for Kanye’s use of her work for his track “Through The Wire.” The Chicago native was upset with Kanye for altering her voice through his style of sampling, which changed the pitch of her vocals. Chaka previously shared:

“Then when it came out, […] I was pissed. I thought it was a little insulting. Not insulting: I thought it was stupid! If I’d known he was gonna do that, I would have said, ‘Hell no.’”

What are your thoughts on both tracks and what Chaka Khan shared? Comment below and let us know!

[Sources: 1, 2]