The Breakfast Club – Best of Full Interview: Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle & Chaka Khan

Airdate: January 1, 2026 | iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

This powerhouse episode of The Breakfast Club brings together three icons of soul, R&B, and funk—Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan. The conversation, led by hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne tha God, dives into the "Queen Tour" uniting these legends, their industry journeys, overcoming beauty standards and stigma, creative integrity, longevity, and the legacy they’re building for future generations. Lively, insightful, and full of sisterly banter, the discussion is a celebration of Black women in music and their impact on culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Queen Tour: Making It Happen

• How the Tour Came Together
  • Stephanie Mills: “I just think it wasn’t the right time … this is definitely the right time.” (04:20)
  • Chaka Khan underscores the tour’s uniqueness: “This was going to be a one-off ever in life … for the people who grew up listening to our song … that was what compelled me.” (06:37)
• Show Structure & Setlist
  • Patti LaBelle: “It’s about two hours long … we have quick, quick moments, 50 minutes apiece.” (04:40)
  • Stephanie clarifies lineup: “Gladys opens, I come on second, and then Ms. Patty … Shaka closes.” (04:57)
• Egos and Camaraderie
  • Patti LaBelle: “No, I haven’t seen anything … God is the only ego.” (05:32–05:40)
  • “We have fun watching each other and doing each other … giving love … we are all different people. We do what we do individually.” (06:12–06:19)

2. Generational Impact & Audience Diversity

• The artists reflect on seeing multiple generations at their shows:
  • Shaka Khan: “I get it all the time, you know, kids saying I was weaned on you.” (07:18)
  • Stephanie Mills: “They made children on our music. People had babies on our music.” (07:27)

3. Defying ‘Diva’ Stereotypes and Embracing Authenticity

• On the “Diva” Label
  • Patti LaBelle: “I’m not a diva. I ain’t looking, because divas are the ones who demand … I’m not that girl. And neither is Shaka. And baby girl [Stephanie] never will be. We just sing.” (11:54)
  • Chaka Khan: “I’m an artist. That’s what I am.” (12:10)
• On Live Performance Integrity
  • Stephanie Mills: “Because we have a real band. Nothing’s taped. Our microphones are on.” (09:34)
  • Shaka Khan: “We are actually singing … when you go up there, you should represent yourself, honestly.” (09:39, 09:52)

4. Battling Industry Beauty and Colorism Standards

• Stephanie Mills discusses overcoming colorism:
  • “I was always told, you know, dark girls don’t … people are not going to promote dark girls or anything. So I was always working against that.” (13:56)
• Patti LaBelle on rhinoplasty and industry pressure:
  • “I had an issue also with my being a Black woman with a big nose … I tried it. I did.” (14:23)
• Back-and-forth about cosmetic surgery:
  • Stephanie Mills: “Michael [Jackson] took me to the [nose job] doc.” (16:38)
  • Chaka Khan jokes about her natural features and passing on cosmetic trends: “My whole life … now in the ‘60s, the ‘70s, I have the same behind I’ve always had … they look like ants.” (15:38–16:02)
• On changing standards:
  • Stephanie Mills: “They wanted you to look a certain way. I’ve always been told I should sing pop songs, but what is pop songs but popular? … I just stayed true to who I was.” (17:54, 18:00)

5. Overcoming Criticism and Channeling it into Strength

• Stephanie Mills: “People that are not nice to me … inspire me to be even better. It makes me stronger because I have a strong will … I just don’t let it—let it wash off me.” (36:05)
• Patti LaBelle: “Anytime someone says something negative about me, it pushed me forward … let them keep talking. It makes you popular.” (36:43–36:48)
• Chaka Khan: “I don’t get much criticism, but—[on negative feedback]—I’m not talking about that.” (37:04, 37:19)

6. Creative Freedom, Ownership, and Industry Evolution

• On Sampling & Legacy
  • Chaka Khan: “Once I understood hip hop and the way they would take a song … I really apologized because I just didn’t understand … My son told me [to embrace it].” (37:44, 38:24)
  • Stephanie Mills: “I love it. I have a good time with it, and I do get my checks.” (39:10)
• Business Acumen & Independence
  • Stephanie Mills: “I’ve always been … like a sponge … I never wanted to be one of those artists that wound up with no money … I was always covered in some way and lived a certain way.” (39:40)
  • “Now in the last 10 years, absolutely [made more money].” (41:14)
  • “I think it’s better for artists to be independent … record companies are just a marketing company. Why should they take half your money?” (40:24)
• Patti LaBelle: “I think women are getting more play these days … you have to know your worth … and know that whoever’s doing business with you, they are safe, which is hard to find.” (41:39)
• Chaka Khan on creative control: “Prince and I went through a really big fight ... about how crooked they were. Finally I’m in a good place where I own everything of mine. You have to come through me first.” (42:41)

7. Supporting the Next Generation

• Patti LaBelle on mentoring: “Calls from Jennifer Hudson … when she was doing ‘Respect’ … we plan to do things together. But they do call and get information. We could let them know that you might have to go through this.” (35:22)
• The icons share love for younger artists:
  • Stephanie Mills: “I love Jasmine Sullivan, Selena Johnson, Layla Hathaway … I listen to Ashford and Simpson to get ready for my shows.” (31:52)
  • Chaka Khan: “I really like H.E.R. … closest thing to Prince I’ve met so far.” (32:34–32:46)
  • Patti LaBelle: “Coco Jones … she sings her face off. There are so many young girls who are singing.” (32:51–32:58)

8. Legacy, Sisterhood & Closing Messages

• On unity and respect:
  • Patti LaBelle: “Unity and that we respect each other.” (44:31)
  • Stephanie Mills: “Love, peace.” (44:36)
  • Chaka Khan: “We’ve been talking about this for years … here’s our chance … I love you so much.” (44:42–44:52)
• Fondness for Ms. Gladys Knight:
  • Chaka Khan: “Kudos and love to Gladys … this may be the last time we ever see her on stage.” (45:51, 45:56)
• Sisterly banter:
  • Chaka Khan marvels at Patti’s quick wardrobe changes: “Within less than three minutes time, she had a totally freaking fracked different outfit on.” (45:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Egos:
  “God is the only ego.”
  — Stephanie Mills (05:38)

• On Sisterhood:
  “We have fun watching each other and doing each other … giving love … we are all different people. We do what we do individually.”
  — Patti LaBelle & Chaka Khan (06:12–06:19)

• On Resilience:
  “People that are not nice to me … inspire me to be even better.”
  — Stephanie Mills (36:05)

• On Industry Lessons:
  “It’s not how well you live, it’s how long you live.”
  — Stephanie Mills (40:12)

• On Authentic Performance:
  “Because we have a real band. Nothing’s taped. Our microphones are on. We are actually singing.”
  — Stephanie Mills & Shaka Khan (09:34, 09:39)

• On Legacy & Respect:
  “Unity and that we respect each other.”
  — Patti LaBelle (44:31)

• On Business Independence:
  “You have to know your worth and you have to be willing to say no … all money ain’t good money.”
  — Patti LaBelle & Stephanie Mills (42:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:43] – Icons Introduced: Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle & Chaka Khan join
• [04:10] – The Queen Tour and its timing
• [05:32] – Discussion on egos and collaboration
• [07:12] – Generational impact and diverse fanbase
• [09:32] – Authentic live performance and industry comparison
• [11:54] – The “diva” label
• [13:56] – Colorism and staying true to self
• [15:38] – Cosmetic surgery pressures, natural beauty
• [17:54] – Pop vs. R&B and audience loyalty
• [29:22] – Essence Fest controversy and speaking up
• [31:52] – Admiration for contemporary artists
• [35:22] – Mentorship in the industry
• [39:40] – Business lessons and financial independence
• [44:31] – Closing messages: Unity, love, and respect

Tone, Style, and Final Takeaways

With humor, candor, and the wisdom of lived experience, Mills, LaBelle, and Khan speak honestly about the beauty and brutality of the music industry, the importance of owning your craft, and the lifelong bonds forged with other Black women artists. Their message is clear: authenticity, unity, and self-respect are the true markers of enduring success.

For listeners:
This episode is a masterclass in grace, grit, and greatness—a must-hear for anyone invested in music, representation, and the legacy of Black women in entertainment.