Chaka Khan Slams Pop -- from cnn.com

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Ain't nobody does it better than Chaka Khan, some R&B music lovers might say.

But the Grammy-winning singer insists there are a handful of new-generation vocalists who come real close -- though the music scene today is swamped by flavorless tunes and shallow talent, she says. "Sometimes I wonder what business this is I'm in today -- is it a circus, a fashion show or what?" Khan told a news conference Wednesday during a visit to this Southeast Asian country.

"It's like anybody who has a look can be a singer or entertainer now. The talent is almost not necessary anymore," she said. "I think a lot of people are out there making videos, singing and making a lot of money based on nothing but a cute shape and a pretty face."

Khan, who came to prominence as the vocalist for the 1970s soul-funk group Rufus and had a string of solo hits in the 1980s such as "Ain't Nobody," "I'm Every Woman" and "I Feel For You," said many modern songwriters seem to have "stunted imaginations" and sample tiredly from classic R&B riffs without mixing in fresh inspiration.

She stressed, however, there remain some "honest" hip-hop talents.

"There are not a whole lot, but there are a few recent artists that I have been impressed by," Khan said. "Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, I love her, Faith Evans, Mica Paris ... Craig David -- he's very good, he's brilliant."

Khan is slated to perform Friday at a charity dinner in Kuala Lumpur. She said some members of her entourage had expressed concerns about traveling to Malaysia, a moderate, predominantly Muslim country that borders Indonesia.

Showbuzz Headlines--

You tell 'em Chaka!! That woman can sssaaannngg!

But when is Chaka gonna release some new music? I saw her in concert last year and she mentioned a reunion album with Rufus.

DavidEye said:

is She Still Selling Her Chocolate Candy as well? long overdue for aome new Music IMHO.She gave Nate Dogg alot of Props.She was So Flat Singing EWF's "Fantasy" on that Tribute IMHO on B.E.T

mistermaxxx said:

Nate Dogg?? Thats odd coming from Chaka.

Anyway, is she gonna work with PRINCE again??

I hear that she's gonna work with Andre Harris, The Flyte Tyme team and there will be duet with Mary J Blige.

yeah, well you know, I always took Chaka for a knock-off Aretha or Patti. so go figure...

AaronForever said:

Not at all. You'd be hard pressed to not find Aretha's influence on many SINGERS that came after her, but Chaka wasn't/isn't derivative. As far as Patti goes; I don't know if it's only in her later years, but she can be too masturbatory vocally, with all the screaming for screaming's sake...and stuff.


Powerful voice when she's not doing that and actually has something to sing about though.

mrchristian said:

But this is not new. People who have a certain "look" have always been able to make it in show business by getting breaks and opportunities that others who don't have a certain "look" don't get. Prince helped to nurture the careers of more than one low talent bimbo.

NikkiDarling said:

Yes, but the better artists like Springsteen, Prince, Sting, MJ, etc normally got the most attention and album sales. That seems to have switched: the bubble gum bands sell far more CD's than the better musicians and artists IMO. I think that was the point Ms Khan was trying to make.

AaronForever said:

---
You must not listen to a lot of RnB to make such a statement.

I Like Older Chaka Khan Material.but I have Friends that Think She is Wack&Diss Her Vocals.it depends on who you ask?I think Her Albums as a Solo Artist are Uneven IMHO.also Her take on Earth,Wind&fire's "Fantasy" for the tribute was Flat IMHO.I dig Her Older Stuff&Respect Her All Around Music Talent.

I adore Chaka, but prefer her live. I think she pretty much summed up how I feel about the music industry these days, particularly in Britain. It's all about marketing, not about the music anymore

Vintage Chaka Khan is Chaka with RUFUS.

DavidEye said:

She should put her money where her mouth is and release another great record. Or any record! I'm getting a little bit sick of all those older statemen and women of music bitching about the new music scence becuase it just sounds like they are jealous. When they were in their twenties and thirties, they had their heyday! Elvis couldn't get a record that sold well when he was getting older and they just said he was too old. The kids are going to buy what they like and most of the time it will be sexy and glossy. At lease Chaka pointed out some cool artists that are young and intelligent making good stuff.

Granted, my favorite albums this year have come from artists in or around their fifties (Bowie's "Heathen") but they kid's are alright too. Just give them a chance!
[This message was edited Fri Nov 8 11:31:03 PST 2002 by VinnyM27]

Supernova said:

saying that is like saying Madonna is a knock-off of Donna Summers...and im sure aaron would flame on to disprove that..

Notice, Chaka didn't mention Prince?

And Craig David is no genius.

2freaky4church1 said:

Chaka&Prince Hit&Miss Relationship from what I can tell&Heard.and as for that Craig David Comment:She must be Vibing on Him for purposes that have nothing too do with Music??He is a UK Reject Usher IMHO.

mistermaxxx said:

Craig David isn't bad but the word genius is most certaintly not accurate!