(May 2026) Episode 723 is RUFUS and CHAKA KHAN. While largely remembered as the launching pad for Chaka Khan’s solo career, the multi-racial Rufus had commercial success in the mid-70s with funk/soul recordings, like “Tell Me Something Good.” This is not hard funk but rather a slicker, jazzier funk that doesn’t grab me the way some others do. Khan’s strong voice dominates anything she records. Her solo career features the disco/drag anthem “I’m Every Woman” and her 80s-licious cover of Prince’s “I Feel For You” with its iconic “ch-ka-khan” rap opening.
Favorite album: Rags to Rufus
Favorite song: You Got the Love
Favorite Chaka song: Like Sugar
Compared to expectations: ↓
Recommendation: The three albums from 1974-75 (Rags to Rufus, Rufusized, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan)
Opus Project 