Being known as one of the most talented powerhouses of our time, Anita Baker has been greatly esteemed in the music industry for decades. Now, recently, she has poured out admiration for one of today’s artists.
According to Hypebeast, the legend took a moment at one of her live performances to show appreciation to Chance the Rapper, who helped her during her fight for control of her masters.
Anita Baker Shows Love To Chance The Rapper
In a special moment during her set, Baker paused to thank the rapper for his assistance which followed the audience cheering him on.
“You should say hello to a friend of mine by way of the music industry and by way of helping me, helping me to get a hold and ownership of my master recordings,” she said.
Tonight Ms. @IAMANITABAKER introduced @chancetherapper and acknowledged his helping her regain control of her master recordings! Wow! #AnitaBaker pic.twitter.com/GrSBpvDfJq
— Lonnell Williams (@3LWTV) May 29, 2022
As an independent artist himself, Chance the Rapper knows the importance of artists owning their masters. The heartwarming exchange between the two continued on Twitter after he responded to the circulating video.
“I saw one of THE greatest performances of my LIFETIME last night! Thank you so much @IAMANITABAKER for being an inspiration and an icon to so many of US,” he said.
The Backstory
Back in March 2021, Baker requested via Twitter for her fans to halt streaming or buying her music while she was in the battle for her masters at the time, per REVOLT.
“Miraculously… I have out-lived ALL, of my Artist Contracts,” she tweeted. “They no longer ‘Own’ My Name & Likeness. And, by Law…30-year-old masters are to be returned to Me. Unfortunately, they’re gonna make me Fight 4 it. I’m Prepared 2 do that. Please Don’t advertise/buy them. ABXO.”
Fast forward to September 2021, and it was announced that her supporters were again in the clear to stream her discography after she successfully obtained her master recordings. In her Twitter bio, it was updated to: “Retired from The Plantation 2020 My Masters Are Coming Home 2021 STREAM ON.”
“I had my fists balled up Ready for a Fight… But, there was No Enemy, in sight…. Only, a Lovely Seat. At a Lovely Table. With Conversation & Cocktails. Love & Light.”