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ABC/Lou RoccoEven though legendary singer Patti LaBelle claims not to be a “rap girl,” she tells the Kansas City Star that there are a few notable rap artists she enjoys from time to time — and some of them might surprise fans.
“I love some of the things that Jay Z raps. Like ‘Jigga What.’ And I like Chance the Rapper. I really appreciate him,” she says. “And Kanye West has a lot of music that I love.”
She’s also apparently a 50 Cent fan: when she competed on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, she danced to his hit “In Da Club.”
She says she doesn’t listen to rap all the time, but notes, “If I hear it and I like it I’m going to play it over and over.”
Patti also appreciates current R&B artists like Yuna, MAJOR. and especially Emeli Sandé, calling the Scottish songwriter a “quiet storm.”
“She’s phenomenal. Most people don’t know about her, but I love her,” she adds.
Patti also has some valuable advice for the current crop of up-and-coming stars in the music industry, especially for those seeking to have a career like the Godmother of Soul herself.
“Stay out of trouble,” she cautions. “There are so many of our young people who get in trouble because of all the instant [fame] stuff that goes to their head.”
“And if you’re singing and trying to be a performer or hone your craft and someone tells you ‘No,’ don’t always believe it,” she adds. “Just keep on pushing. And once you get here, carry yourself like a lady or a gentleman.”
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