Patti LaBelle: A Hip-Hop Icon You Never Expected
The Godmother of Soul Patti LaBelle has done it all, and she is definitely hip hop!
"Every chick I fuck with is a dime...
I'm like Patti LaBelle, homie, I'm on my own
Where I lay my hat is my home, I'm a rolling stone ..."- 50 CENT "What Up Gangsta?"
The Internet became all abuzz when a teaser for an upcoming episode of Revolt TV's " Drink Champs " featuring the effervescent Patti Labelle went viral. In a very loving and humble moment, Ms. Labelle recounted the moment her son Zuri informed her that she would be appearing on Hip-Hop's favorite " Inside The Actor's Studio " format talk-show.
When legends of her generation would turn their nose up in disgust or be dismissive, Patti Labelle jumped at the opportunity. She said one thing that we couldn't disagree with more. In a hushed voice she stated "...I am not Hip-Hop, but I am.."
Chop the first part of that statement, Miss Patti, because you ABSOLUTELY are Hip-Hop.
The Godmother of Soul Patti LaBelle has done it all. She is a legendary singer who has rocked the stage for decades and has graced us with her powerhouse voice. LaBelle has always shown love to the Hip-Hop generation and has made several cameos in Rap music.
In 2001, a cover of the iconic "Lady Marmalade" with rappers Lil' Kim, Mya, and Christina Aguilera became a massive hit and won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. LaBelle also collaborated with rapper Big Daddy Kane on the song "Feels Like Another One" from her 1991 album Burnin'. In 2012, she made an appearance in the video "Dilemma" by rapper Nelly. LaBelle's energy and passion for music are undeniable, and she continues to inspire upcoming artists today.
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Aside from her undeniable presence in Hip-Hop, Patti Labelle turns up in many Rap lyrics and her music has been sampled by everyone from Kanye West to OutKast.
Labelle's original group Labelle can be credited with creating a lane for women to express themselves through music and visually. Performers like Lady Gaga and the CITY GIRLS all owe Patti Labelle, Nona Hendrix and the late Sarah Dash a world of gratitude. The next time your fav stirs it up on stage, remind yourself Miss Patti did that.
