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The Impact of Spotify's New Royalties Model on Music Creators

February 12, 2024

Spotify's upcoming overhaul of its royalties model marks a significant shift in the way the streaming giant compensates artists, aiming to funnel more earnings towards more popular artists, labels...

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How Tracy Chapman Wrote Fast Car

February 9, 2024

Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" is not just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon that transcends its initial release. Its ascent to global acclaim was catalyzed by a pivotal moment: Nelson Mandela's 70th...

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How Tyla's "Water" is Making a Splash in the U.S. African Music Craze

January 29, 2024

‍The U.S. music scene has been captivated by the African music craze, and at the forefront is Tyla, a young South African singer whose song "Water" has taken the world by storm...

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Understanding Music Publishing for Music Creators

January 28, 2024

Understanding music publishing is crucial for artists looking to make their music a viable long-term career. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of music publishing and how it can...

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Maximize Your Music Royalty Earnings With Songtrust

January 28, 2024

Navigating the world of music royalties can be daunting, especially for independent artists and newcomers. Songtrust has emerged as a popular solution, favored by a range of artists from beginners...

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Rick Rubin's Tips for Creative Growth

January 27, 2024

Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer, is known not just for his exceptional work in the music industry but also for his profound insights into creativity and personal growth...

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Sonical.ly Masterclass Review: Nas Teaches Hip Hop Storytelling

January 23, 2024

ntroductionIn the ever-evolving landscape of music education, Nas' Masterclass emerges as a beacon for those intrigued by the art of hip-hop. Nas, a figure synonymous with lyrical finesse...

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Post Malone's Successful Songwriting Techniques

January 22, 2024

Songwriting and Inspiration: Post Malone often draws inspiration from his personal experiences, emotions, and the world around him. His songwriting process can start with a concept, a feeling...

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The Making of Michael Jackson's "Thriller": A Blueprint for Music Creators

January 18, 2024

Released on November 29, 1982, by Epic Records, "Thriller," the sixth studio album by American singer Michael Jackson, stands as a monumental achievement in music history. Produced by Quincy Jones...

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Meet RIIZE: The Rising Stars of K-Pop

January 18, 2024

Unveiling the Members of SM Entertainment's Latest Sensation RIIZE, an acronym for RISE&REALIZE, is a dynamic 7-member boy group that has been taking the K-Pop world by storm since their debut...

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Who Are the Next GEN K-Pop Group Debut's To Anticipate in 2024?

January 18, 2024

Also known as NCT Tokyo, this group is the latest sub-unit of NCT, managed by SM Entertainment. The six-member group includes Sion, Riku, Yushi, Daeyoung, Ryo, and Sakuya...

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"In Harmony with H.E.R.: A Deep Dive into Stripped-Down Songwriting"

January 17, 2024

In the world of songwriting, H.E.R. stands as a beacon of authentic storytelling and melodic mastery. Her class on Studio.com, "Stripped-Down Songwriting: Write Songs That Tell Stories,"...

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Chaka Khan on Kanye West’s Through the Wire – “I hated it; it was an insult!”

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Photo: Frank Micelotta (Getty Images)

Whether you’ve been a fan of Kanye West from the start, or you’ve recently watched his Netflix trilogy “Jeen-Yuhs”, you’ve probably heard his of first breakout single into the rap industry “Through the Wire”, which samples Chaka Khan’s hit song, “Through the Fire”.

Changing the title from “fire” to “wire”, Kanye was inspired to make this song after a car accident left him with a shattered jaw, causing him to undergo surgery. Having found comfort in listening to Khan’s “Through the Fire” during his seven day stay at the hospital, he was inspired to sample the song for one of his own mixtapes. Recorded with his jaw still wired shut, “Through the Wire” was born.

In the scene from part two of “Jeen-Yuhs”, Kanye plays the song for legendary producer Pharrell Williams who, despite only having heard two of Kanye’s songs including “Through the Wire”, is amazed by the song and declares Kanye as one of his favourite artists.

While Chaka Khan, whose son had been good friends with Kanye, was touched at first, she has been vocal over the years on her true feelings of West’s “Through the Wire”. In a recent interview with VladTV, she discusses her distaste for Kanye’s choice of raising the original pitch of the song. After initially being under the impression that her original chorus would remain untouched, Khan says “It was an insult” to the original version of the song.

However after thirty-five years of performing the song, Khan says she’s done with “Through the Fire” and isn’t as heated as she used to be after all.