Anita Baker made Chance the Rapper’s night during her Las Vegas show after taking the time to shout him out for assisting her in regaining ownership of her masters. The moment took place at the Venetian Resort and was captured on video.
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
The eight-time Grammy winner was in the audience when Baker acknowledged him and disclosed that the “No Problem” rapper helped her gain back ownership of her masters.
“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,” Baker said while the audience began to cheer. Chance stood up to be recognized and gave a meek bow.
Chance the Rapper took to Twitter to post about the filmed exchange.
“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.”
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 👸🏾 https://t.co/TFcWt3lZFj
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) May 29, 2022
In response to Chance’s tweet, Baker wrote, “Had no idea you would be in our Midst. Such a nice Surprise. Brought Tears to my eyes. Hope Ms. Essence enjoyed her Birthday ABXO.”
Had no idea you would be in our Midst.
Such a nice Surprise. Brought Tears, to my eyes. Hope Ms. Essence enjoyed her Birthday
ABXO🎼♥️🎈 https://t.co/EvTiTTaEgM— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) May 29, 2022
The tweet caught Chance the Rapper by surprise that the singer remembered his friend’s name, showing just how much of an “incredible person” Baker is.
WOW the fact that you remembered my friends name AND that it was her birthday just echoes what an INCREDIBLE PERSON you are on top of all that you’ve given artistically. Honored and blessed to call you friend miss @IAMANITABAKER https://t.co/jmcPwSkdY2
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) May 29, 2022
Last year, Baker asked her fans via Twitter to avoid buying or advertising her music until she regained ownership.
🎁Miraculously… i have out-lived *ALL, of my Artists Contracts🎈 They no longer “Own”, My Name & Likeness. And, by Law…30 yr old, Mstrs are 2B Returned, 2 Me🎼 Unfortunately, They’re gonna make me Fight 4 it. I’m Prepared, 2 do that. Please Dont advertise/buy them ABXO🎈💓 pic.twitter.com/PXe9xzsJK0
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) March 9, 2021
The same year September, Baker surprised her fans with the news that her battle for ownership of her music came to a successful end.
All My Children Are Coming Home
Catalog🎉
Impossible Things Happen🎁…
Every.
Single.
Day.
Gratefully❤️ pic.twitter.com/9OgYaxNmip— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) September 3, 2021