INTERVIEW: Breakfast At Patti LaBelle's For Christmas Eve With The Breakfast Club

Summary

---

The Breakfast Club

Episode: INTERVIEW: Breakfast At Patti LaBelle's For Christmas Eve With The Breakfast Club

Date: December 24, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, Lauren LaRose
Guest: Patti LaBelle

---

Episode Overview

This festive Christmas Eve special welcomes the legendary Patti LaBelle into her own home—literally—for breakfast and a heartfelt conversation. The Breakfast Club crew visit Patti's kitchen for warm family vibes, cooking lessons, and reflections on her enduring presence in music and food. The episode explores themes of legacy, authenticity, entrepreneurship, and the deep emotions tied to food and family in Black culture, along with candid takes on ownership, the state of music and business, and facing misinformation in the AI age.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Patti’s Love for Both Cooking and Music

• Cooking as Passion & Spiritual Joy
  • Patti shares how cooking is not just a necessity but a spiritual, family-rooted ritual.
    • “I am more of a cook than a singer. So I enjoy—well, I enjoy both, but I say that I cook better than I sing sometimes.” — Patti LaBelle (07:51)
  • Cooking is about sharing: “When they leave, they're going to ask for a takeout container. And that I love more than anything.” (07:51)
• Passing Down Recipes
  • Patti isn’t stingy with recipes, passing them to family, but jokes, “They still can't do it like I do.”
• Cooking Favorites & Challenges
  • Her potato salad is always requested (even though it’s laborious).
  • Macaroni for her son Zuri, who insists she cook from scratch.

Food Legacy, Authenticity, and Business

• Patti’s Face on the Box
  • She insists on being the visible, authentic face of her products.
    • “I could have done that. But no, my face is better, period.” — Patti LaBelle (10:22)
  • Why? “When they see, ‘Oh, Patty, that’s my girl, she has food that we’re going to purchase.’” (10:28)
• Total Involvement and Ownership
  • Complete hands-on with recipes—products undergo multiple tests to match her taste.
    • “If there’s no Patty in the decision, there’s no food.” (10:46)
• Bridge Between Generations
  • Patti prides herself on connecting with both elders and youth. Everything is “from my heart,” which is why people trust both her music and food (11:41).
• Success in Retail Markets
  • Second only to Pearl Milling in major supermarkets (Walmart, Kroger, HEB)—showcasing Black excellence and presence in the food business (12:21).
• Ownership Lessons from Music to Food
  • Patti underscores the value of owning her brand/products—mirroring the importance of artists owning music masters (14:58).

Tour Life, Recognition, and Black Women Artists

• Still Touring
  • At 81, Patti remains busy on tour—both solo and with “queens” like Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan.
  • She discusses being top-10 in grossing urban tours, camaraderie among Black women artists, and being honored with “300 roses” from Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé (18:23).
• Lasting Impact & Industry Challenges
  • Patti reflects on the industry’s tendency to forget Black women:
    • “People forget black women quicker than they do white. So they’re forgotten for the reason is the color of their skin... But we still persevere because I know that I’m good.” (19:59)
  • She desires more equitable recognition compared to white counterparts, citing Celine Dion as an example (20:39).

Reflecting on Home, Family, and Rest

• Rooted in Philadelphia
  • “Philly is my jaw… I love Philly, and I’m gonna be here.” (25:07)
  • Patti values Philly's laid-back, authentic energy over “phony” LA.
• Family and Rejuvenation
  • Home and family help her recoup from the pressures of fame:
    • “Never do I say, leave me alone. I just close the door. So they know if I’m closing the door that it's like quiet time for me.” (26:01)

Looking Ahead: Documentaries, Biopics, and Longevity

• Documentary and Biopic in the Works
  • Patti confirms both are under way but won’t reveal who she thinks should play her (26:18).
  • Prefers candidates who sound like her over those who merely look like her—Fantasia is floated as a contender (27:08).

Addressing Rumors, Misinformation, and AI

• Fighting AI-Generated Lies
  • Deals with rampant online rumors (twins at 81, building a hospital, etc.)—often traced to AI-generated misinformation (28:55).
    • “All the AI stuff is not—it’s just disgusting. And when people believe it, it’s worse than that.” (29:17)
  • Jermaine Dupri’s idea of AI artists on separate charts is discussed; Patti’s response is blunt:
    • “They just need to shoot AI damn where, you know, and end it.” (29:38)
  • Reasserts the irreplaceability and craft of “real” artists (30:13).

Holiday Spirit and Signature Patti Hospitality

• Cooking For The Crew
  • Patti invites the hosts to her kitchen to make chicken and waffles (wings, at their request), continuing the tradition of connecting over food and love (30:58).
• Products Shouted Out
  • Listeners are reminded to find Patti's products at Walmart, Kroger, HEB, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, and Slim & Huskies (31:16).

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Giving Her All:
  • “Everything I do, it’s from my heart… I would give food away, but now that it’s gonna sell, I’m not gonna give it away.” — Patti LaBelle (11:41)
• On Self-Respect:
  • “I know that I’m good. You know, I’m not… But let’s get a little even stuff going around every now and then, you know, that would be wonderful.” (19:59)
• On Facing Industry Bias:
  • “People forget black women quicker than they do white. So they’re forgotten for the reason is the color of their skin.” — Patti LaBelle (19:59)
• On Internet Rumors:
  • “At 81, I have twins. Twin. Real babies.” [joking about fake rumors] — Patti LaBelle (28:02)
• On AI in Music:
  • “They just need to shoot AI damn where, you know, and end it.” — Patti LaBelle (29:38)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Patti welcomes The Breakfast Club to her home & cooking talk: 04:10 – 05:45
• Passing down recipes & family cooking: 06:21 – 07:38
• Spiritual meaning of cooking & product authenticity: 07:45 – 11:13
• Business strategy & ownership: 14:52 – 16:32
• Touring and being honored: 16:37 – 19:29
• Reflections on inequity in recognition: 19:48 – 20:53
• Family, Philly & rejuvenation: 25:07 – 26:08
• Biopic, documentaries & casting dreams: 26:18 – 27:33
• Battling AI rumors & misinformation: 28:20 – 29:26
• Views on AI in the arts: 29:38 – 30:39
• Chicken & waffles cooking demo tease: 30:45 – 31:10
• Appreciation and closing words: 31:32 – 32:25

---

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode brims with warmth, gratitude, and playful humor, creating a sense of being welcomed right into Patti’s kitchen. There’s reverence for tradition but also wit and candor addressing both the realities of celebrity life and serious contemporary issues like misinformation. Above all, Patti’s authenticity, resilience, and generosity shine—making clear why she remains a beloved icon across generations.

---

Transcript

[Lauren LaRose]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.

[DJ Envy]

You know I love a fresh start, and I'll be doing that with my own Shopify store, reviewing what worked this year and mapping out how I'm leveling up in 2026. Shopify is the best place to start and grow your business. Which is exactly why I chose it for mine. Whether you're running a side hustle or building an empire, selling locally or globally, Shopify takes the guesswork out of all of it. Shopify has thousands of templates ready to go. Just pick one that matches your vibe and you're off. Plus Shopify Sidekick. With their AI tools, those two are total game changers. It's like having your own personal assistant, giving you direction, helping with reports, content, ideas, everything. Whether you're just wanting to test an idea out or you're getting serious about launching your own brand, it's never been easier to get started on shopify.com Ben it's time to see what you can do with Shopify by your side. What a matchup we got, y'.

[Patti LaBelle]

All.

[DJ Envy]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat, everybody showing that school pride game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and an.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Ice cold Coca Cola.

[DJ Envy]

That's a winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going. Did you know Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10? Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop. Voted PCMag's Reader's Choice. Top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere. And Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission. All rights reserved. Have you ever turned a dollar into ten grand? I doubt it, but now you can. On Better Picks Download the Better app. Pick more or less on your favorite player's stats, watch the games and win some cash. It's that simple. Better picks available in 33 states, including Texas, California and Georgia. Download the Better app today. That's better. B E T R and get a free $10 no deposit necessary. Must be 21 or older. In a jurisdiction where Better Picks operates, terms of conditions apply. Better Picks Sports just got better. Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year. You can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screenshots thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures [e-mail] disclosures.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Morning everybody. It's DJ Envy.

[Patti LaBelle]

Just hilarious.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Charlemagne the guy. We are the Breakfast Club.

[Angela Yee]

I thought we were supposed to be off.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We are supposed to be off.

[Angela Yee]

Lauren laros is here.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, that's right. But it is Christmas Eve and we are having Christmas Eve, I guess. Breakfast.

[Angela Yee]

Listen, only one person can make us work on holidays.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's right.

[Angela Yee]

Yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Patti LaBelle.

[DJ Envy]

Hey.

[Patti LaBelle]

Hey.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So this is the second time that we are here at Ms. Patty's house.

[Angela Yee]

Yes, indeed.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Last time it was more of a Thanksgiving feast, but this time she's going to make breakfast and teach us how to actually cook breakfast. Which Lauren needs. Because Lauren needs to keep her man.

[Patti LaBelle]

But first of all, yeah, he husky.

[Angela Yee]

He like to eat.

[Patti LaBelle]

So he.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah.

[Patti LaBelle]

Can you.

[Lauren LaRose]

He is. Husky is such a bad word. Okay. Don't do that to my man. But I be. I be cooking. I be cooking.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, you cook? What?

[Lauren LaRose]

I cook.

[Patti LaBelle]

Not that I doubt that. You shouldn't be able to.

[Angela Yee]

Damn.

[Lauren LaRose]

Oh, no.

[Patti LaBelle]

Some people just don't do it.

[Lauren LaRose]

My grandma. You can't grow up in a house with my grandma and not cook. You got to get up at a certain time of day. You got to cook. Especially when you have people over the house.

[Patti LaBelle]

It better be Good.

[Lauren LaRose]

Oh, it is.

[Patti LaBelle]

Don't just cook.

[Lauren LaRose]

No, I, I cook from the heart.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, boy.

[Lauren LaRose]

I don't cook like you, though, Ms. Patty.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, well.

[Lauren LaRose]

So I, I take a little cu. He, he told me, bring some food home.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How, how are you feeling?

[Patti LaBelle]

First and foremost, I feel like a queen, you know.

[Angela Yee]

You feel like you are.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, thank you. I, I, I just feel so blessed. And then I was just saying again to Kim, I said, the Breakfast Club are here again at my house, and I admire all of you guys and lady. And I'm chosen. I know I'm chosen as my baby.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We had him running around.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You get tired, though. You were just on tour. And, I mean, Christmas is the holiday season where they want Ms. Patty to cook.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, they want Ms. Patty's meals, they want Ms. Patty's food, Ms. Patty's dinner, Ms. Patty's breakfast. But you just got off tour. Ms. Patty need a rest, too.

[Patti LaBelle]

I'm tired. I have to tell you that I'm blessed and tired, but I still cook. I have to cook. Like I said, I was going to cook for Thanksgiving. I ended up cooking a lot of stuff for Christmas. I'm going to end up cooking a lot of stuff for New Year's. I'll be doing the same. So I'm, I'm just a professional cook who loves to cook. And I'm not never going to say that my stuff is better than your mother's or your grandmother's or, you know, because I cook the way I cook, and I'm no better than those ladies and gentlemen who cook also. But I'm happy to be asked to cook.

[Angela Yee]

Are you at the point where you passing down recipes yet? Are you just like, no, go buy the products?

[Patti LaBelle]

No, I pass.

[Angela Yee]

Okay.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah. But they still can't do it. Like I.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

There you go, Clock. What's your favorite meal to cook during the holidays? What's one thing that you just enjoy cooking, and what's one thing that you don't necessarily like cooking?

[Patti LaBelle]

But everybody wants, Everybody wants my potato salad because it's so good. But I don't feel like cutting up all that stuff, you know, because you have to do fresh ingredients. So that's what they want. But I don't feel like doing it all. But I do it. I'm going to do it for Christmas. And macaroni, instead of buying my macaroni, I have to make my own macaroni because Zori wants it. Zori is my son who said, mom, don't buy your own stuff. Going in that kitchen and cook it. So I have to make macaroni for him this Christmas.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Zuri's old enough to cook for himself now.

[Patti LaBelle]

And guess what?

[Lauren LaRose]

Mom do it though. Guess what? It's different when mom do it though.

[Patti LaBelle]

No, that boy cooks better than me, really. His chili, his food, his roast chicken and stuff that he just does. And I happen to have a piece of it. He only gives me a little piece and he won't tell me what he put in it. So he's a wonderful cook. You know, we're gonna have a cook off though.

[Angela Yee]

So he's the one you trust with the recipes, like, because I know.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh.

[Angela Yee]

Because you probably pass the stuff down, but everybody can't do it like you are.

[Patti LaBelle]

They can't. No, he does it. Yes, he does it better than me, so. But I'm mad.

[Lauren LaRose]

Talk about how being in the kitchen, just what it does for you, like, spiritually it is with family.

[Patti LaBelle]

So I get such a happy feeling. And I know whoever I'm cooking for, when they leave, they're going to ask for a takeout container. And that I love more than anything. For them to say, I need seconds, girl, that just puts a smile on my face. I'm. I am more of a cook than a singer. So I enjoy. Well, I enjoy both of them. But I say that I cook better than I sing sometimes. Yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Does it, does it make you go crazy sometimes when people notice you for different things? Like, I have a 22 year old son and I told him, I'm coming out here. And when I said your name, he didn't say the music. He said, yeah, all her stuff's all over Target. And he knows you from that type of stuff. But then my parents know you from your music and touring. Does that make you go crazy?

[Patti LaBelle]

Sometimes it makes me feel great because they know me for both things and I, you know, I just feel good. All the accolades that people put on me and just say that they love this and they love that. Excuse me, guys. My voice is like diminishing, is like low, but I like it all.

[Angela Yee]

Singing is your passion. Cooking is your passion. Did you ever think that you could get paid off the passion of cooking?

[Patti LaBelle]

Never. I would always want to give that away. You know, you don't grow up learning how to say, this is going to cost $15 for this chicken dish. You just give it out and say, I hope you love it, but never to get paid. But I'm blessed.

[Angela Yee]

Especially now with all the products in stores.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah, I am blessed. I mean, I'm not Going to shy away from that because a lot of people won't buy food from people. Entertainers especially, because they think entertainers are lying most of the time. I ain't lying, so that's why I love what I do.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We were talking to your family earlier, and we were just saying, man, we don't know who Uncle Ben is. Right. Aunt Yamama. We don't know who that is. The people on these boxes, we don't know who they are, if they're even real.

[Patti LaBelle]

I know, but you know me. Thank you so much for knowing me. Yeah. I am so happy that people are accepting my foods and my music. You know, I am happy about all of that. I'll keep it. Keep on doing it. You know, at 81, don't stop a girl.

[DJ Envy]

That's right.

[Patti LaBelle]

At all.

[Lauren LaRose]

Did you ever think about. Because you said, like, people don't want to buy food sometimes from entertainers because they don't believe it. Did you ever think about, like, not putting you at the forefront of it, just, like, doing the recipes and the mixes and putting it out there, just fronting up.

[Patti LaBelle]

I could have done that. But no, my face is better, period.

[Lauren LaRose]

That's right. No. And that's exactly how it should be.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah. And people, you know, when they see, oh, Patty, that's my girl, she has food that we're going to purchase. Yeah. So, no, I like her this way.

[Angela Yee]

And you have a bunch of celebrities who, like, license their name, but your products always feel personal. So how involved are you in the recipe and the quality control and the business decisions?

[Patti LaBelle]

I'm totally involved in everything. Zuri, Alex, and Charles, they'll go to the people that they have to go to to see, to show my food and let them taste my food. But before that happens, I have to taste it. So sometimes we go back, like, 10 times making the sweet potato pies to make sure the recipe is right. So I'm totally involved. If there's no Patty in the decision, there's no food.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, Ms. Patty, I wanted to ask, you know, for yourself, you're like the bridge when it comes to the older generation and younger generation. Sometimes you don't see that. Sometimes, you know, the older generation will say, I'm only staying with mine. But I feel like you open your arms to so many different people.

[Lauren LaRose]

Right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Why is that? Because it doesn't matter if you're talking to Lauren's grandma on the phone. You're just as kind as if you're talking to a younger artist. Why is it that? Is that Thoughtful of.

[Angela Yee]

Why?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Why does that mean the most to you?

[Patti LaBelle]

It means a lot to me because they trust my. My food and my music. Because everything that I do, it's from my heart. It's like I said I would give food away, but now that it's gonna sell, I'm not gonna give it away. I would sell it. I mean, that's just because it's from my heart. Everything I do is from my heart. And we'll take time on the macaroni recipe, making sure it's mine, because I make it just like the one that you're buying in the store. I make it like that. I have to say that I have a little more cheeses in mine than in this one. Maybe three more cheeses. Yeah.

[Lauren LaRose]

And I know currently you are number two behind Pearl Milling and Walmart, Kroger and H E B. Wow, that's great.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's amazing.

[Lauren LaRose]

And we know you. We can walk into stores and we know exactly who you are. I mean, starting out in this, and you're doing it just so easily and gracefully. Like, starting out.

[Patti LaBelle]

Did you.

[Lauren LaRose]

What was the plan? Like, was it always let me, you know, go into these big retailers or, like, did you want to just feed your people? Like, what was your goal?

[Patti LaBelle]

I wanted to go into the big. The big, big places, you know, with my food. Like, what's the girlfriend's name, you know? No, shut up. The girl.

[Angela Yee]

Tabitha Brown.

[Lauren LaRose]

No.

[Patti LaBelle]

Who?

[Lauren LaRose]

She's talking about Martha Stewart.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah, yeah. Who did you just say?

[Lauren LaRose]

Tabitha Brown.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, I love Tabitha. But Ms. Martha, she's doing it. And so would Tabitha if she was not a black woman, you know, so I know why the bird sings and all that stuff. So I want to be big, you know, why not? Right? And like you said, when you look at the box, you say, oh, she looks like me, or she cooks like me. So I ain't buying her stuff. I'm gonna cook my own. Because people do cook much better than I do, you know, But I am happy to say that they've been buying my food.

[Angela Yee]

You know, food is deeply emotional for, like, the black community. Right. So what memories or lessons from your family kitchen are put into your products?

[Patti LaBelle]

My mom was making fresh fried corn off the cob, you know, not the can, not the frozen, the fresh that you shuck and then you cream it, and then you add butter, half and half cream, sea salt and black pepper. So she was making it one day, but before she made that, she fried the bacon. Because we like bacon in our food. Sometimes it could have been Turkey bacon. But no, it was poke bacon. And she would fry the bacon. So I tried to do it one day. I fried that bacon, and I have a mark on my chin. That bacon fell back in the pan and it was over, you know, But I learned how to. Yeah, that grease popped up, you know, and I said, but I'm still going to cook. And then I learned to cook even more safe, you know, because there's a way to cook that you're not going to burn the house down or burn yourself up. But I learned by watching my mother and father cook everything. Everything. And it was quite quality.

[Angela Yee]

What have you learned about ownership and longevity from transitioning from the music business into retail and consumer products?

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, it's so good to be an owner of yourself. It's just like with your music, if you own your music, you know, you're so much better than just letting a company take care of you. So I've learned with. Sorry. Charles and Alex, we don't make many mistakes when it comes to now presenting our foods to the public because they're truly businessmen. And I am whatever. I am the woman behind the business. I think I'm the woman behind those three guys.

[Angela Yee]

Absolutely.

[Patti LaBelle]

You know, so they do the hard work. And like I said, I'm blessed to be surrounded by smart people and people who are not gonna let anyone take advantage of me.

[Lauren LaRose]

Right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And I don't think you would know that.

[DJ Envy]

That she.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

They fully own it all. Like you and your son that y' all own and on. So every decision is from y'. All. Oh, every time you put something out there, whether it's pancake batter, whether it's peach cobbler, whether sweet potato pie, it's. It's all done.

[Patti LaBelle]

And.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And sort over from you.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That has to. There's nobody in behind you or watering your product down or making sure it goes here. You get to decide everything.

[Patti LaBelle]

Everything. And we don't mind doing it because that's what we're supposed to do. A lot of people lazy out and say, well, I'm go with this so far. I'm not going to do this. I'm not going to do that. It'll just happen. Well, my voice is getting worse and. Yeah, we take care of everything. Yes, we do.

[Angela Yee]

You sound fine.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Lauren LaRose]

I mean, you've been working.

[Patti LaBelle]

Okay.

[Lauren LaRose]

You've been everywhere. Ms. Patti LaBelle.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay, how has the tour has been. You've been on tour with these other queens.

[Patti LaBelle]

How is that so much fun? We go back February 19th, we start again, and that's Been fun. Fine. I've been doing my own shows also with my band, so I never stop. I don't want to stop, but I'm recording, so don't say God. It's been 55 years since she had a record out. Well, it's been about 20. 20 years and I've been working on it for the last year, so it's gonna happen.

[Angela Yee]

So you recording music right now?

[Lauren LaRose]

That's why.

[Angela Yee]

That's why you talking about your voice traveling that.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah, there's been a lot of wonderful things that I've been doing that's working on my throat. Yeah.

[Lauren LaRose]

And the Queen store, you guys. We were talking earlier about you guys being top 10 grossing tours for urban tours.

[Patti LaBelle]

That's really great. Really. And the four of us have so much fun. Although we don't get to see each other too much because we all have 50 minutes on stage. And as soon as that girl goes off, that one's on and then that one's on. It's like a well oiled machine, the way this thing works. And then there's those beautiful little young princes, you know, the girls, the babies.

[Lauren LaRose]

Oh, that. Come on. Prior to you guys.

[Patti LaBelle]

No Brandy.

[Lauren LaRose]

Oh, the boys mind. Yes. Okay. Because we saw you there. Oh, you guys are both with black promoters Collective, right?

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah. Yes. So I mean, they've been doing a great job and it's just good that you see all black women doing it together, which sometimes it doesn't happen. Yeah, but it's happening and it's so even. It's just good. Feels good. And they all sing their faces off.

[Lauren LaRose]

I saw them give you all your flowers too.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah, but 300 roses. Yes. From Kelly, Roland and Beyonce was backstage as I received these roses and I. Well, they talked to me about how they're on my shoulders and if it wasn't for like people like Patti LaBelle, they wouldn't be Destiny's Child when they were. Wow. Yeah. So I was, oh, truly honored that night. I was a superstar.

[Lauren LaRose]

Right.

[Angela Yee]

Are you surprised? You can't be surprised when you hear stuff like that, though.

[Patti LaBelle]

I was when Zuri called and said, Kelly wants to give you your roses. So I said, why? And what I didn't really understand that her husband called Zuri and said that Kelly wants to do something for Ms. Lavelle. And when I went, they told me what they were going to do. I said, well, just called me up and it was just one of the better moments of my life to hear the ovation and to see the young girls. Monica. And they're all coming to me, just giving me love. And you don't get that all the time.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I feel like you would. Like, you should. Like, this is.

[Angela Yee]

Well, yeah, if not you, who.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah, so many others, you know, but it depends on who they like. And those little girls like Patty.

[DJ Envy]

Patty.

[Angela Yee]

Absolutely. I mean, it's like, you know, you're kind of like the. The last of a dying breed. Like, there's not too many Ms. Patti LaBelle's left.

[DJ Envy]

Right.

[Patti LaBelle]

You're right.

[Angela Yee]

Maybe I can't even think of too many. Of course, you know, Stephanie Mills and the Chaka Khan, which is great to.

[Patti LaBelle]

See y' all together.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Gladys.

[Angela Yee]

Gladys. Night, Miss Anita Baker.

[DJ Envy]

Yep.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, yes. It's like so many of us, but there are so many of us who aren't working, you know, which is not good. It's just kind of sad because those ladies can sing. But people forget black women quicker than they do white. So they're forgotten for the reason is the color of their skin. And, you know, but we still persevere because I know. I know that I'm good. You know, I'm not. There's, like, always compare myself with my girlfriend, Celine Dion, if you asked me to. And I always said, gosh, that girl killed that with. With her ratings and her sales, and we did the same song the same way. And I, you know, I gotta be real. It's just one of those things. Do I love her? Yes. But let's get a little even stuff going around every now and then, you know, that. That would be wonderful.

[Angela Yee]

Has that been a challenge in the product business, too?

[Patti LaBelle]

Has it? Zori?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

He said no.

[Patti LaBelle]

I didn't think so. No. They've been smiling lately. Three guys. Yeah. So. No, we've. Like I said, we have something that a lot of people work so hard to get, and they don't. They never stop working, and nor do I. So you got to keep on keeping on. Don't stop because they tell you no.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I miss Patty.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Lauren told me that you're taking a trip international.

[Patti LaBelle]

She's going to see.

[Lauren LaRose]

Yes, you are going to. It's your. It's celebrating your birthday to 80. 65. Toward 50. 60 in Australia. 80, 65. You're supposed.

[Patti LaBelle]

That's gonna happen. New Zealand. It's gonna happen next year.

[Lauren LaRose]

Yes.

[Patti LaBelle]

Not. Not 20, 26, 27.

[Lauren LaRose]

27. Okay. It's 1865 Taurus, the celebration of your birthday, but also 65 years in the entertainment business. Correct.

[Patti LaBelle]

65 years singing. It's gonna be nice. The last time I was In Australia was 30 years ago, and we're happy to be invited. Yeah, we're gonna do it.

[Lauren LaRose]

And this is a solo tour. Well, solo dates that you're gonna do.

[Patti LaBelle]

Solo dates. Yeah. This is not with the Queen's solo dates.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's 26 hours on a plane.

[Patti LaBelle]

At least 18, I think. Is it 18?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's about 1820.

[Patti LaBelle]

Is it 26?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, no. About 1820. From the east Coast.

[Angela Yee]

What makes you still want to talk? You don't have to. Nope.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, I have to. For my soul. I mean, that brings me joy. If I stop singing, like today, I would do what?

[Lauren LaRose]

Cool.

[Patti LaBelle]

I'm tired of that, too.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You got kids, you got grandkids running around.

[Patti LaBelle]

I know. I cook for the babies, you know, but right now, there's never going to be a time when I could say to the world, this is my last tour. No way. And when they say, they lie. Nobody want to stop. Yeah. Can't stop this.

[Lauren LaRose]

I saw this story. Queen Latifah was talking to Jennifer Hudson about how she was ready to leave the entertainment business and you. She didn't really go too much into detail, but she just said that you were the reason why she stayed. Like, you came into her life and she decided not to leave the entertainment business.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah. Because, you know, I've been there where they're going, and I know once we get in, we're in. And don't stop something that you love. They all love to sing, and they can see that's. That's a big difference. Sometimes. Sometimes people sing and they can't. But all these young girls, they can sing. Yeah, all. Well, no.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Don't you get Miss Patty in trouble now. Don't you get Miss Patty in trouble now.

[Patti LaBelle]

All of them.

[Angela Yee]

Okay, So how do you balance the staying authentic to your roots?

[Patti LaBelle]

I just do. I just do. I mean, it's natural for me to stay who I am. And. Oh, gosh, I just like being Patty. Just basic. I'm a very boring person. Very quiet, very laid back. The only thing I do that people might say, why are you doing that? And they better not say it, because they all do it. Play cards.

[Lauren LaRose]

Oh, my God.

[Patti LaBelle]

Okay.

[Lauren LaRose]

To play a game of spades.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And you said, we're gonna play before you leave today.

[Patti LaBelle]

AC Deucey.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

AC Deucey.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yes. Well, we're having a game tomorrow night at my house.

[Angela Yee]

I never heard of that.

[Patti LaBelle]

At this house.

[DJ Envy]

Hold up.

[Patti LaBelle]

I said at this house.

[Angela Yee]

Okay, well, this was yours, too.

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, you know what? This is my house, and I don't live here. Yes. At my house. Yeah. Tomorrow night.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's right. What does Pennsylvania in Philly mean to you? Because we were riding up here and I was telling my mom and Lauren was telling her grandma. She was like, everybody know Patty, stay in Pennsylvania.

[Patti LaBelle]

That's her town.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Philly's her town. What does Philly mean to you?

[Patti LaBelle]

You.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And why won't you ever.

[Patti LaBelle]

What does Philly mean to me? It means that you don't have very much to do. Kind of boring, kind of way laid back. But I love that life. So that's why I'm still here. Most people say, why aren't you in la? Too phony, you know, And I don't deal with pretending people, people who pretend. And I just. Philly is my jaw. Did I say it right?

[DJ Envy]

Yes.

[Lauren LaRose]

Oh, my God. Next is gonna be bowl. You gonna just be out here. Wow.

[Patti LaBelle]

Right? Yes. So I. I love Philly, you know, And I'm gonna be here.

[Lauren LaRose]

How has that helped you? Like, in moments where, like, I don't know if you've ever had the moment, like what Queen Latifah was talking about, where you just exhausted from everything either on the cooking side and music side, being at home and there's so much family around you. How does that, like, you know, rejuvenate you on days where you like, yo, leave me alone.

[Patti LaBelle]

Never do I say, leave me alone. I just close the door. So they know if I'm closing the door that it's like quiet time.

[Lauren LaRose]

Right.

[Patti LaBelle]

For me. Yeah, they know.

[Angela Yee]

Are you. Are you ready to tell, like, your story through, like, documentaries and biopics and all that stuff?

[Patti LaBelle]

We started doing a documentary and we also started on doing a biopic. So there's going to be somebody playing Patty.

[DJ Envy]

Wow.

[Angela Yee]

You got anybody in mind?

[Patti LaBelle]

I got loads of girls in mind, but I can't tell you yet.

[Angela Yee]

First and foremost, do they have to look like you or sound like you?

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, no. More than anything, if they sound like me, the look, they can make that makeup make me look like me.

[Angela Yee]

Who's even close to sounding like Ms. Patti LaBelle?

[Patti LaBelle]

Oh, my God, there's so many. Well, I have a big mouth. Have a loud, loud singing voice. I don't know. Hush.

[Lauren LaRose]

Lauren, you okay?

[Patti LaBelle]

Do you have an idea of one person?

[Angela Yee]

Fantasia?

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah.

[Lauren LaRose]

Oh, yeah. Okay.

[Patti LaBelle]

Yeah. But she did something for another artist. Did she or did she not?

[Angela Yee]

I don't remember.

[Lauren LaRose]

I thought Jennifer Hudson too, but I.

[Patti LaBelle]

Feel like Jennifer Franklin.

[Lauren LaRose]

Yeah, that and also two dream girls as well. I feel like you need someone who has. It hasn't kind of taken on that space of, like, telling someone's story so that we can see them as you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Only can't think anymore.

[Patti LaBelle]

I have a lot in mind. I just really don't know yet. It's. It's a lot in mine.

[Lauren LaRose]

Yeah, there was the. There's a lot of, like, stuff that circulates from, like, Facebook to everywhere about you. They said that your series supposed to be, like, it was 16 episodes, and you were producing every single episode. And I was in here asking people today. I was like, that is not true, child.

[Patti LaBelle]

The stuff I've been reading about me, I said, really? At 81, I have twins. Twin. Real babies.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Congratulations.

[Patti LaBelle]

Okay, so so many things, like the homeless shelter and the hospital.

[Lauren LaRose]

Yeah. They said that you were creating a hospital for homeless people to get completely free services.

[Patti LaBelle]

That's not true. Of course it's true.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Patti LaBelle]

No, none of that stuff is true. Come on, Aaliyah. I did say that AI is the reason for all of this false stuff going around about me. So when people read it, they call 50 times. They'll call Kim. Is it true that Patty had twins? Is it true that Patty is building a house, hospital? Is it true that she's married? Is it true that she has this going on? And it's all AI and they're doing it not just to Patti LaBelle, but to so many entertainers. They're catching heck because so many people believe that.

[Lauren LaRose]

Yeah.

[Patti LaBelle]

And it's just not true. And the sooner we get the word out so people can stop doing this, having privileges to just say anything about anybody, you know, it's not good.

[Lauren LaRose]

Yeah.

[Patti LaBelle]

And twins at 81, that's rosemary, baby.

[Angela Yee]

Singers.

[Patti LaBelle]

It's awful. Every. All the AI stuff is not. It's just disgusting. And when people believe it, it's worse than that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Did you hear what Jermaine Dupree said? Jermaine Dupree said that AI singers should have their own chart, like their own billboard for AI artists, their own platform for AI artists and their own stuff. It should not be mixed with regular artists.

[Patti LaBelle]

They just need to shoot AI damn where, you know, and end it. It shouldn't be two. It shouldn't be AI and them real. God, no.

[Lauren LaRose]

I know. AI is like, you know, a part of the times, but for real, like, singer. Singers like you, who've always like your craft. Like, when people talk about Patti LaBelle, it's like you can't get close to her. Right. When people have the argument of, like, whether we should accept it or not, do you take it as, like, A disrespect thing when people are saying, yes, you should, because this is where things are going. You can't get around technology.

[Patti LaBelle]

AI.

[Lauren LaRose]

Yes.

[Patti LaBelle]

Should I say do? Well, I'd say that they should keep going.

[Lauren LaRose]

Or do you just take it as.

[Patti LaBelle]

A. I said shoot it in the butt, didn't I?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You didn't hear it clearly.

[Lauren LaRose]

I did. You just.

[Patti LaBelle]

Wherever else. No, no, no.

[Angela Yee]

But wherever you can shoot it to kill it. Okay. What Ms. Patty is saying, it's awful.

[Patti LaBelle]

It's a waste of time. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Got that.

[Patti LaBelle]

Killing.

[Lauren LaRose]

I. I heard it clear, baby girl.

[Patti LaBelle]

Got it.

[Lauren LaRose]

I got it.

[Angela Yee]

Let's go to the kitchen, man. Going to cook for us. But listen, you can products and pro in Walmart.

[Patti LaBelle]

H E B. Yep. And at my house.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's right. We appreciate Ms. Patty for joining us now, if you're listening right now on air, the full version will be on YouTube where Ms. Patty will be teaching us how to cook chicken and waffles. You know, chicken and waffles?

[Patti LaBelle]

Yes, I am.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You doing breasts and wings?

[Patti LaBelle]

I'm doing wings. But if you want breasts, I can.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Angela Yee]

No, no.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Wings is good money.

[Patti LaBelle]

I didn't want to ask.

[Lauren LaRose]

I felt like it was so rude to ask.

[Angela Yee]

First of all, y' all don't come here making requests.

[Lauren LaRose]

I literally didn't.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right, make sure you pick up all the products. Charles, where the products at? Yell them out right fast.

[Angela Yee]

Walmart.

[DJ Envy]

Kroger. All right.

[Angela Yee]

Make sure the dumpling thing.

[Patti LaBelle]

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop.

[Angela Yee]

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop. Slimming huskies, my guy.

[Patti LaBelle]

Slimming Huskies.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right, well, we'll see y' all on the next one. Y' all have a happy holidays, Merry Christmas and all that good stuff. It's the Breakfast Club.

[Patti LaBelle]

Ms. Patti LaBelle, can I say one thing?

[DJ Envy]

Of course.

[Patti LaBelle]

How you guys just support me every chance you get. How great that makes me feel. Because you don't have to call Patti.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

LaBelle, but you do love Ms. Patty.

[Angela Yee]

We love you. We value you.

[DJ Envy]

We appreciate.

[Patti LaBelle]

I'm not playing, though. A lot of people take what they get for granted. I never take Breakfast Club for granted. Because you're so everything. You're. You're everything. And I was telling this thing, I've been watching her do interviews, and she's phenomenal. It's just that I. Thank you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, thank you, Ms. Patty. And you don't think it's a flexible way? We can't get on the phone and be like, we're going to miss Patty's.

[Lauren LaRose]

House right now, freaked out for like, 30. I'm like, you gotta hang up on her. She ain't gonna. She gonna hold you like you're not real to some people.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's right.

[Lauren LaRose]

You're like a fairy tale to people.

[Patti LaBelle]

That's really interesting. And that's another blessing.

[Angela Yee]

She said you like AI to some people.

[Patti LaBelle]

No, I didn't.

[Lauren LaRose]

No, I didn't. We gotta go cook.

[Patti LaBelle]

Let a girl cook. Come on.

[DJ Envy]

Did you know? Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10. Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop. Voted PCMag's Reader's Choice top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere. And Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

[Patti LaBelle]

At Hill's Pet Nutrition, we know that pet parent guilt is real. Leaving too long, playing too little.

[Lauren LaRose]

New homes, new babies.

[Patti LaBelle]

Waking them up when they look so comfy. Running out of patience. Running out of treats.

[DJ Envy]

Running the vacuum.

[Patti LaBelle]

You can only do so much. That's why there's hills. Science led nutrition to help you give more love than humanly possible. Because you're only human. There's hills. Find the right food. @hillspet.com Science does more.

[DJ Envy]

This is Bowen Yang from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. And I'm Matt Rogers from the very same podcast. And guess what? It's the holiday season. And you know what that means. Holiday parties, Beau. Holiday parties. They're the best. But there's always the stress of what to wear, what to bring. Easy solution. Okay, bring a bottle of Casamigos. Casamigos. Wow. That is the move you can make. Casamigos mules or Casamigos espresso martinis or Casamigos crab. And don't forget about Casamigos margaritas. A Casamigos margarita is the perfect cocktail all year round. Casamigos is just the perfect gift that keeps on giving. And as the saying goes, anything goes with my Casamigos. On second thought, a holiday party might be in order. That's a great idea. Please drink responsibly. Imported by Casamigos Spirits Company. White Plains. New Amigos Tequila, 40% alcohol by volume. Tis the season for identity theft. This time of year, most of us are checking off our holiday gift lists. But guess what? Identity thieves have lists, too. And your personal information might be on them. Protect your identity with Lifelock. Lifelock monitors hundreds of millions of data points every second and alerts you to threats you could miss by yourself even if you keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements. If your identity is stolen, your own US based restoration specialist will fix it, guaranteed or your money back. And all plans are backed by the million dollar protection package. The last thing you want to do this holiday season is face drained accounts, fraudulent loans or other financial losses from identity theft all alone. Make this season about joy, not Identity theft. With LifeLock, save up to 40% your first year. Call 1-800-LIFELOCK and use promo code iHEART or go to lifelock.com iHEART for 40% off. Terms apply. Want to score when your favorite player does well? You can't unless you download Better Picks who is giving away a free $10 download the better app, pick more or less on player stats, watch the games and win some cash. It's that simple. Must be 21 or older in a jurisdiction where Better Picks operates. Terms and conditions apply. Better Picks Sports just got better.

[Lauren LaRose]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.