The post Luther Vandross Reportedly Had Major Beef With Anita Baker…And Called Cops On En Vogue? appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Word on the Old School curb — as addressed in Luther’s autobiography — is that our beloved Luther Vandross had beef with the legendary Anita Baker and En Vogue back in the day. You’re probably thinking ‘Nah, not Luther!’ and that’s the same thing I said … but unbeknownst to many, Luther wasn’t one to be messed with. En Vogue’s, Cindy Herron, also confirmed this info.

En Vogue vs. Luther

Vandross’s issues with En Vogue all when down back in the day, when En Vogue suddenly decided to leave Vandross’s two-month national tour in 1993. The “official public statement” given to the public at the time, was that their abrupt departure was due to Cindy’s pregnancy…but turns out- THAT AIN’T WHAT HAPPENED!

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly that same year, Cindy Herron spilled the beans when she told EW this:

“We’ve been having a lot of problems with Luther…our nickname for him is Lucifer.”

Cindy also confirmed that Luther stopped talking to them, ordered that the two camps eat separately while on the road, and instructed his crew to hang drapes so he wouldn’t have to see the group backstage. Ain’t that something?!! ☺️ It doesn’t stop there though…according to his 2004 biography, Luther: The Life and Longing Of Luther Vandross by Craig Seymour:

“While on tour in Miami, Luther saw that a member of En Vogue had wandered over to “his side” of the drawn curtain. His temper hit full-tilt and he “actually” called the Miami police to demand the group be charged with trespassing.”

Luther was a trip, but we still love him anyway! On to his reported beef with Anita Baker back then…

Anita Baker vs. Luther

Now, as far as the Luther-and-Anita Baker conflict, the story goes like this: They were not getting along when they toured together in 1988 and the rehearsals used to be heated. Why, you ask? Because Luther admitted that it always bothered him that she wouldn’t sing a duet with him. Baker reportedly apologized for not explaining to him about her pregnancy (at the time that he wanted to do a duet with her). So after that, everything was supposed to be all good…until Luther felt that Anita did him dirty again, according to his biographical book.

What happened was that Luther reportedly understood what Anita explained to him about her pregnancy. However, he also felt that they still needed to record a duet together as a type of peace offering that would permanently squash the beef and all of the rumors they they hated each other. He suggested they do a remake of Ben E. King’s “I (Who Have Nothing). Anita thought it was a good idea and agreed to do it. However, once again things went south between them on the day they were scheduled to record in Los Angeles, because Ms. Anita was nowhere to be found! “She simply didn’t show up,” Luther said. So instead, Vandross recorded the duet with Martha Wash. Luckily, Anita and Luther were said to have already mended their friendship long before Luther’s passing in 2005.

There you have it folks! Further proof that R&B beef was REAL back in the day…and even more proof that our favorite Old School artists are human. When many of us think of “beef” we either think of the Wendy’s lady from the ’80s commercials – You know, the “Where’s the beef?” lady; or we think of artists like Biggie and Tupac; or maybe even one of the shoot-’em-up-bang-bang-rappers of today. But very rarely would any of us have thought of Luther, En Vogue, nor Anita Baker beefin’ 🤷🏾‍♂️. Anywho, the point is – beef didn’t start with rap…it’s just that rap took it to a WHOLE ‘nother level.

Rest peacefully Luther- you’ll always be one of the greatest to have ever done it!

The post Luther Vandross Did Not Play…He Had Major Beef With Anita Baker And En Vogue? appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

As y’all have likely heard by now…Anita Baker has been out her cuttin’ UP in the social media streets, calling out her now-former tour buddy, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, in a dispute about her tour. Well, not only have fans been draggin’ the “Sweet Love” legend over it…singer, Tank, and the legendary DJ Kid Capri, did a lil’ calling out of their own about Anita.

Anita Baker’s Beef With Babyface Began Bubbling Months Ago

In case you missed the unfortunate fiasco that went down on Twitter recently, Anita Baker is apparently fed up with Babyface…and his fans — whom she dubbed as “Kenny’s creepy crazies” — after it was revealed that she has supposedly been pissed with Babyface ever since a May 10th tour performance.

Though the tour had been running ever since February 2023, it was in May when tensions between the legends apparently arose, after reported technical issues caused a two-hour delay for Babyface’s scheduled set. At that time, Babyface apologized to their fans, via social media, and announced that Anita decided to skip his performance altogether that night:

“I am truly sorry to my fans who have been waiting for us to hit the stage this evening at the Prudential Center,” Babyface wrote at the time. “I was asked not to perform in order to give Ms. Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety. My band an I are extremely saddened we didn’t get to perform for y’all tonight.” – Babyface

Fast forward to this past weekend, up through Monday (6/13/23), and it has now been confirmed – per Anita’s tweets – that the bad blood she has toward Babyface has seemingly never slacked up ever since it began.

In a series of tweets, Anita made it hella clear that Babyface was her ‘opening act,’ and not her co-headliner. Translation: She is in charge and therefore, couldn’t care less about what y’all think about it. Peep her days-long tweets below:

“Dearest one. You are Not, privy to *The Contracts*. Yes, Babyface is Special Guest/Support Act, on My Tour,” she tweeted. “This False Narrative, of A Co-headliner is creating Unrealistic Expectations & Aggression, from his fans towards me. He should tell you guys, the Truth.”

Anita continued:

“After Silently, Enduring Cyber [Bullying]/Verbal Abuse & Threats of Violence from the Fan Base, or Our Special Guest/Support Act. In the interest of Personal Safety. I will continue, The Songstress Tour, alone. Appropriate refunds will be made. Blessings.”

Babyface’s Class-Act Reply To Anita’s Diss

Following Anita’s announcement, Babyface yet again had to address his fans regarding this matter:

“I’m saddened by the news that Anita has decided to remove me from ‘The Songstress Tour.’ It’s unfortunate and disheartening to see how things have played out via social media. While I was looking forward to the rest of the dates, I have nothing but love & respect for Anita and I wish her the best for the remainder of her tour.” – Babyface

What Kid Capri And Tank Had To Say About Anita Baker

Once Kid Capri and Tank heard about this, they called out Anita in a not-so-Babyface-like-way, and fans loved it.

Kid Capri replied to Babyface’s announcement with this:

“I did this man’s wedding to Tracy years ago, and recently seen him, he’s a great man, and no disrespect, but this is not the first time I heard something like this coming from the Anita.”

Tank ultimately made a whole video message (video below) to shut down Anita Baker – respectfully of course – in honor of his mentor and friend. He captioned his video with this:

“Just can’t stand by and not talk about the truth of it all. My apologies @babyface but i’m not as meek and mild mannered as you are. It is a flaw of mine but somebody has to say something!”

Peep what else Tank had to say in the video below…

Not The First Time

Welp…just like Kid Capri stated…this isn’t the first time we’ve heard something like this about Anita Baker either. As we previously reported a while back…Anita Baker allegedly had issues in the past with Luther Vandross; Jill Scott; and even the mother of actress, China McClain — who once took to social media to go off on the R&B songstress over that situation. We’ll leave that for another day though.

At any rate…although we love us some Anita Baker ’round here — just as we do Babyface– we still gotta to call a spade a spade. And right now, Ms. Baker has seemingly taken her Babyface-issues to petty levels…just ask Beyonce’ (and if need-be, re-read Anita’s tweets above to see what we mean).

There is an upside to all of this…maybe the online draggin’ that Ms. Baker is now getting a whiff of, from fans and celebs alike, is just what she needs to truly grasp that it’s a new day and age in the world of social media, and that everyone — including legends — can get called out when/if they’re presumably wrong.

Nevertheless, we still rock with Anita Baker’s timeless music all day, errday, and twice on Sundays. And when it comes to Babyface…of course we dig his music, as well as his personality, because he’s genuinely a nice dude. Wishing both legends all the best going forward.

The post Tank And DJ Kid Capri Call Out Anita Baker After She Abruptly Kicks Babyface Off Tour appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Anita Baker reached unprecedented heights during her many years as a successful R&B singer in the music industry. Like many others, her rise to fame wasn’t the result of an easy journey. She faced many obstacles along the way. In fact, the singer has shared details about the family secrets she was plagued with for many years and how she managed to overcome. You won’t believe all Anita’s been through.

The Family Secret About Her Birth Mom Caused Years Of Pain

Many fans probably have no idea Anita Baker’s mother gave her up for adoption when she was just a baby. The daunting realization of her mother’s decision actually made her question her worth and the purpose of her life. During an interview with Essence, she spoke openly about her life:

“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she said. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.”

BUT THERE IS WAY MORE TO ANITA BAKER’S STORY…

“That Child Believed Her Mother Abandoned Her”

JRank reported that the woman Anita once believed was her mother, was a woman by the name of Mary Lewis. Although it was never publicly confirmed who Mary actually was, it wasn’t until Anita was 13 years old (when Mary died), that she found out she was actually a foster child; and Mary was her foster parent.

The publication also stated that Anita’s aunt, Lois Landry, was the beautician who Anita reportedly thought was originally her older sister. But after Mary’s passing, Lois reportedly informed Anita that she was her aunt and that she was actually given away by her birth mother, to Mary. Afterwards, Lois and her husband, Walter Landry, officially adopted little Anita and raised her as their own. Anita now refers to Lois as her “earth Mother,” as she explained to Essence:

“That child believed her mother abandoned her,” [Anita Baker] said (referring to herself), “because there was something bad about her. Something terrible that made her unlovable. And until Walter [Baker’s then husband], that is how I felt about me—that I was not good enough. Not good, period.”

“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she says of the event that made her question her own worth and try to prove herself all her life. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.” (via JRank)

What Happened When Anita’s “Earth Mother” Fell Severely Ill

Despite her humble beginnings, Anita was blessed to be adopted by a loving family and she managed to prevail. However, for every level of success, there are oftentimes more problems. Anita revealed the parental battle she faced after rising to success. Whenever she’d have music obligations, her adopted mother would unfortunately become ill:

“Every time I would leave to do music, my mother would go into the hospital,” [Anita Baker] said. “And eventually I decided, you know what, I’m not leaving, because it’s just not worth it to me to leave her.”

So she came up with what she believed would be a solution to the problem:

“I set up a studio at home. My producer would be flying in, and we’d be in the middle of something, and I would get a call from the hospital, and I’d have to go.”

It’s A New Day Now!

Now, those painful days are behind the “Sweet Love” songstress and she’s living her best life at 65 years young.

We appreciate Anita’s honesty. Her story has probably just helped someone else out there who may be dealing with any doubtful feelings about their own self-worth.

When I listen to her music now, the pain I feel in her voice, seems that much more real and relatable. Much respect to Anita for pouring her soul/pain into her work. Her music has helped her fans get through tough times, and also helped many folks make a few babies along the way, LOL. Gotta love the power of REAL R&B music!

The post Anita Baker Disclosed Years Of Pain, After Discovering ‘Truth’ About Her Birth Mother appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Legendary songstress, Anita Baker, and her ex-husband, Walter Bridgforth, Jr., once had a wonderful marriage, which began in 1988. By 2005, they were separated and by 2007 they were officially divorced. Their divorce came with it’s fair share of drama, but through it all, there is one constant that remains the same, the love they have for their two sons – both of whom look exactly like their mother…and also inherited her musical genes.

Their Past Legal Battle

Following their 18 year marriage, Anita and Walter were headed back to court in 2010. In fact, the “Giving You The Best That I’ve Got” singer was “caught up in the rapture” of the court, when a warrant for her arrest was threatened by their divorce judge.

Via MyFamilyLaw: Anita Baker faced a potential stint in jail for contempt over her divorce settlement with ex-husband Walter Bridgforth, Jr.. Baker refused to sign documents that could turn over a portion of her music royalties to Bridgforth but ultimately avoided jail after explaining her position to the judge. […] Baker’s divorce settlement with Bridgforth called for 50-50 division of royalties from two albums made during the couple’s 20 year marriage; ‘Giving You the Best I Got” in 1988, and “Rhythm of Love” in 1994.

The family court judge had ordered Baker to explain why she hadn’t followed orders to sign letters giving a court-appointed expert on music industry contracts authorization to seek information from record companies about payments for the music she has written and performed.

The dispute started after Walter objected to the $12K he’d received as 50% of the music royalty payments in 2009, stating that he believes there were way more profits than that. That’s when it was discovered that Anita Baker relied on the clever wordplay of the original divorce settlement she and Walter signed. That agreement did not include the term, “mechanical” royalties. Therefore, she did not feel Walter should be entitled to them:

Although Baker signed similar letters of authorization immediately after the divorce, the [then] new letters contain demands for “mechanical” royalties, or the inclusion of songs created during the marriage on more recent “best of” albums. Baker objected to the judge that this is an area that wasn’t negotiated in the divorce. … “I think I understand Ms. Baker’s objection,” the judge said before ordering the court-appointed expert to meet with Baker to rewrite the letters with mutually-acceptable language.

Meet Anita Baker’s & Ex-Husband’s Sons

Fast forward to now and here they are- the proud parents of their musical sons, Walter Bridgforth III (29) and Edward Carlton Bridgforth (28).

As you can see, while they both take after their Mother, it’s Edward  who looks like his Mom’s male twin!

In addition to sharing quality time with their kids, Anita and Walter expressed their proud parent moments about their sons on social media, just like any other parent would.

Sons Got Musical Skills – They Get It From Their Momma!

As we previously mentioned, Anita’s musical genes did not skip over her kids- they are both BEASTS as musicians! They also play in their mother’s band, so you KNOW they’ve got to be fire, given their mother’s perfectionist approach for her art. Edward plays the guitar; Walter III plays drums and keyboard.

Although Edward pretty much shies away from posting about his musicianship skills on social media, his big bro,’ Walter, does not…

In addition to playing in his mother’s band, Walter’s also a professional DJ and sound engineer, who works with many of today’s top rap and R&B artists…

Now it’s time for us all to go vibe to some Anita-classics. *Siri, play “Caught Up In The Rapture”*

The post Despite Rocky Divorce, Anita Baker And Ex Are Proud Of The Men Their Sons Have Become appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Anita Baker reached unprecedented heights during her many years as a successful R&B singer in the music industry. Like many others, her rise to fame wasn’t the result of an easy journey. She faced many obstacles along the way. In fact, the singer has shared details about the family secrets she was plagued with for many years and how she managed to overcome. You won’t believe all Anita’s been through.

The Family Secret About Her Birth Mom Caused Years Of Pain

Many fans probably have no idea Anita Baker’s mother gave her up for adoption when she was just a baby. The daunting realization of her mother’s decision actually made her question her worth and the purpose of her life. During an interview with Essence, she spoke openly about her life:

“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she said. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.”

BUT THERE IS WAY MORE TO ANITA BAKER’S STORY…

“That Child Believed Her Mother Abandoned Her”

JRank reported that the woman Anita once believed was her mother, was a woman by the name of Mary Lewis. Although it was never publicly confirmed who Mary actually was, it wasn’t until Anita was 13 years old (when Mary died), that she found out she was actually a foster child; and Mary was her foster parent.

The publication also stated that Anita’s aunt, Lois Landry, was the beautician who Anita reportedly thought was originally her older sister. But after Mary’s passing, Lois reportedly informed Anita that she was her aunt and that she was actually given away by her birth mother, to Mary. Afterwards, Lois and her husband, Walter Landry, officially adopted little Anita and raised her as their own. Anita now refers to Lois as her “earth Mother,” as she explained to Essence:

“That child believed her mother abandoned her,” [Anita Baker] said (referring to herself), “because there was something bad about her. Something terrible that made her unlovable. And until Walter [Baker’s then husband], that is how I felt about me—that I was not good enough. Not good, period.”

“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she says of the event that made her question her own worth and try to prove herself all her life. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.” (via JRank)

What Happened When Anita’s “Earth Mother” Fell Severely Ill

Despite her humble beginnings, Anita was blessed to be adopted by a loving family and she managed to prevail. However, for every level of success, there are oftentimes more problems. Anita revealed the parental battle she faced after rising to success. Whenever she’d have music obligations, her adopted mother would unfortunately become ill:

“Every time I would leave to do music, my mother would go into the hospital,” [Anita Baker] said. “And eventually I decided, you know what, I’m not leaving, because it’s just not worth it to me to leave her.”

So she came up with what she believed would be a solution to the problem:

“I set up a studio at home. My producer would be flying in, and we’d be in the middle of something, and I would get a call from the hospital, and I’d have to go.”

It’s A New Day Now!

Now, those painful days are behind the “Sweet Love” songstress and she’s living her best life at 62 years young.

We appreciate Anita’s honesty. Her story has probably just helped someone else out there who may be dealing with any doubtful feelings about their own self-worth.

When I listen to her music now, the pain I feel in her voice, seems that much more real and relatable. Much respect to Anita for pouring her soul/pain into her work. Her music has helped her fans get through tough times, and also helped many folks make a few babies along the way, LOL. Gotta love the power of REAL R&B music!

The post Anita Baker Disclosed Years Of Pain, After Discovering Truth About Her Birth Mother appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

We don’t do the whole “gossip” thing, but we do discuss verified stories — either directly from the source’s mouth, or from highly reliable sources — and this is verified. This Luther-En Vogue-Anita Baker feud was something that was written in a biography about Luther’s life, and also one of the En Vogue members confirmed her part in it. All we can say is, Luther didn’t play that!

Word on the Old School curb is that our beloved Luther Vandross had beef with the legendary, Anita Baker and En Vogue, back in the day. You’re probably thinking ‘No way, not Luther!’ and that’s the same thing I said … but unbeknownst to many, Luther wasn’t one to be messed with. En Vogue’s, Cindy Herron, also confirmed this info.

En Vogue vs. Luther

Vandross’s issues with En Vogue all when down back in the day, when En Vogue suddenly decided to leave Vandross’s two-month national tour in 1993. The “official public statement” given to the public at the time, was that their abrupt departure was due to Cindy’s pregnancy…but turns out- THAT AIN’T WHAT HAPPENED!

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly that same year, Cindy Herron spilled the beans when she told EW this:

“We’ve been having a lot of problems with Luther…our nickname for him is Lucifer.”

Cindy also confirmed that Luther stopped talking to them, ordered that the two camps eat separately while on the road, and instructed his crew to hang drapes so he wouldn’t have to see the group backstage. Ain’t that something?!! ☺️ It doesn’t stop there though…according to his 2004 biography, Luther: The Life and Longing Of Luther Vandross by Craig Seymour:

“While on tour in Miami, Luther saw that a member of En Vogue had wandered over to “his side” of the drawn curtain. His temper hit full-tilt and he “actually” called the Miami police to demand the group be charged with trespassing.”

Luther was a trip, but we still love him anyway! On to his reported beef with Anita Baker back then…

Anita Baker vs. Luther

Now, as far as the Luther-and-Anita Baker conflict, the story goes like this: They were not getting along when they toured together in 1988 and the rehearsals used to be heated. Why, you ask? Because Luther admitted that it always bothered him that she wouldn’t sing a duet with him. Baker reportedly apologized for not explaining to him about her pregnancy (at the time that he wanted to do a duet with her). So after that, everything was supposed to be all good…until Luther felt that Anita did him dirty again, according to his biographical book.

What happened was Luther understood what Anita explained to him about her pregnancy. However, he also felt that they still needed to record a duet together as a type of peace offering that would permanently squash the beef and all of the rumors they they hated each other. He suggested they do a remake of Ben E. King’s “I (Who Have Nothing). Anita thought it was a good idea and agreed to do it. However, once again things went south between them on the day they were scheduled to record in Los Angeles, because Ms. Anita was nowhere to be found! “She simply didn’t show up,” Luther said. So instead, Vandross recorded the duet with Martha Wash. Luckily, Anita and Luther were said to have already mended their friendship long before Luther’s passing in 2005.

There you have it folks! Further proof that R&B beef was REAL back in the day…and even more proof that our favorite Old School artists are human. When many of us think of “beef” we either think of the Wendy’s lady from the ’80s commercials – You know, the “Where’s the beef?” lady; or we think of artists like Biggie and Tupac; or maybe even one of the shoot-’em-up-bang-bang-rappers of today. But very rarely would any of us have thought of Luther, En Vogue, nor Anita Baker beefin’ 🤷🏾‍♂️. Anywho, the point is – beef didn’t start with rap…it’s just that rap took it to a WHOLE ‘nother level.

Rest peacefully Luther- you’ll always be one of the greatest to have ever done it!

The post Luther Vandross Didn’t Play…He Had Major Beef With Anita Baker & En Vogue? appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Legendary songstress, Anita Baker, and her ex-husband, Walter Bridgforth, Jr., once had a wonderful marriage, which began in 1988. By 2005, they were separated and by 2007 they were officially divorced. Their divorce came with it’s fair share of drama, but through it all, there is one constant that remains the same, the love they have for their two sons – both of whom look exactly like their mother…and also inherited her musical genes.

Their Past Legal Battle

Following their 18 year marriage, Anita and Walter were headed back to court in 2010. In fact, the “Giving You The Best That I’ve Got” singer was “caught up in the rapture” of the court, when a warrant for her arrest was threatened by their divorce judge.

Via MyFamilyLaw: Anita Baker faced a potential stint in jail for contempt over her divorce settlement with ex-husband Walter Bridgforth, Jr.. Baker refused to sign documents that could turn over a portion of her music royalties to Bridgforth but ultimately avoided jail after explaining her position to the judge. […] Baker’s divorce settlement with Bridgforth called for 50-50 division of royalties from two albums made during the couple’s 20 year marriage; ‘Giving You the Best I Got” in 1988, and “Rhythm of Love” in 1994.

The family court judge had ordered Baker to explain why she hadn’t followed orders to sign letters giving a court-appointed expert on music industry contracts authorization to seek information from record companies about payments for the music she has written and performed.

The dispute started after Walter objected to the $12K he’d received as 50% of the music royalty payments in 2009, stating that he believes there were way more profits than that. That’s when it was discovered that Anita Baker relied on the clever wordplay of the original divorce settlement she and Walter signed. That agreement did not include the term, “mechanical” royalties. Therefore, she did not feel Walter should be entitled to them:

Although Baker signed similar letters of authorization immediately after the divorce, the [then] new letters contain demands for “mechanical” royalties, or the inclusion of songs created during the marriage on more recent “best of” albums. Baker objected to the judge that this is an area that wasn’t negotiated in the divorce. … “I think I understand Ms. Baker’s objection,” the judge said before ordering the court-appointed expert to meet with Baker to rewrite the letters with mutually-acceptable language.

Meet Anita Baker’s & Ex-Husband’s Sons

Fast forward to now and here they are- the proud parents of their musical sons, Walter Bridgforth III (28) and Edward Carlton Bridgforth (26).

As you can see, while they both take after their Mother, it’s Edward  who looks like his Mom’s male twin!

In addition to sharing quality time with their kids, Anita and Walter expressed their proud parent moments about their sons on social media, just like any other parent would.

Sons Got Musical Skills – They Get It From Their Momma!

As we previously mentioned, Anita’s musical genes did not skip over her kids- they are both BEASTS as musicians! They also play in their mother’s band, so you KNOW they’ve got to be fire, given their mother’s perfectionist approach for her art. Edward plays the guitar; Walter III plays drums and keyboard.

Although Edward pretty much shies away from posting about his musicianship skills on social media, his big bro,’ Walter, does not…

In addition to playing in his mother’s band, Walter’s also a professional DJ and sound engineer, who works with many of today’s top rap and R&B artists…

By the way, as we previously reported, Anita Baker is retired from the music biz recently (I know…we’re depressed about that too), so now that she’s gracefully bowed outta the game, we’ll settle for reminiscing to her R&B classics on repeat. *Siri, play “Caught Up In The Rapture”*

The post Despite Rocky Divorce, Anita Baker And Ex Proud Of Sons Who Look So Much Like Anita It’s Scary appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Anita Baker reached unprecedented heights during her many years as a successful R&B singer in the music industry. Like many others, her rise to fame wasn’t the result of an easy journey. She faced many obstacles along the way. In fact, the singer has shared details about the family secrets she was plagued with for many years and how she managed to overcome. You won’t believe all Anita’s been through.

The Family Secret About Her Birth Mom Caused Years Of Pain

Many fans probably have no idea Anita Baker’s mother gave her up for adoption when she was just a baby. The daunting realization of her mother’s decision actually made her question her worth and the purpose of her life. During an interview with Essence, she spoke openly about her life:

“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she said. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.”

“That Child Believed Her Mother Abandoned Her”

JRank reported that the woman Anita once believed was her mother, was a woman by the name of Mary Lewis. Although it was never publicly confirmed who Mary actually was, it wasn’t until Anita was 13 years old (when Mary died), that she found out she was actually a foster child; and Mary was her foster parent.

The publication also stated that Anita’s aunt, Lois Landry, was the beautician who Anita reportedly thought was originally her older sister. But after Mary’s passing, Lois reportedly informed Anita that she was her aunt and that she was actually given away by her birth mother, to Mary. Afterwards, Lois and her husband, Walter Landry, officially adopted little Anita and raised her as their own. Anita now refers to Lois as her “earth Mother,” as she explained to Essence:

“That child believed her mother abandoned her,” [Anita Baker] said (referring to herself), “because there was something bad about her. Something terrible that made her unlovable. And until Walter [Baker’s then husband], that is how I felt about me—that I was not good enough. Not good, period.”

“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she says of the event that made her question her own worth and try to prove herself all her life. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.” (via JRank)

What Happened When Anita’s “Earth Mother” Fell Severely Ill

Despite her humble beginnings, Anita was blessed to be adopted by a loving family and she managed to prevail. However, for every level of success, there are oftentimes more problems. Anita revealed the parental battle she faced after rising to success. Whenever she’d have music obligations, her adopted mother would unfortunately become ill:

“Every time I would leave to do music, my mother would go into the hospital,” [Anita Baker] said. “And eventually I decided, you know what, I’m not leaving, because it’s just not worth it to me to leave her.”

So she came up with what she believed would be a solution to the problem:

“I set up a studio at home. My producer would be flying in, and we’d be in the middle of something, and I would get a call from the hospital, and I’d have to go.”

It’s A New Day Now!

Now, those painful days are behind the “Sweet Love” songstress and she’s living her best life at 63 years young.

We appreciate Anita’s honesty. Her story has probably just helped someone else out there who may be dealing with any doubtful feelings about their own self-worth.

When I listen to her music now, the pain I feel in her voice, seems that much more real and relatable. Much respect to Anita for pouring her soul/pain into her work. Her music has helped her fans get through tough times, and also helped many folks make a few babies along the way, LOL. Gotta love the power of REAL R&B music!

The post Anita Baker Detailed Years Of Pain After Discovering Truth About Her Real Mother appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Who Is She?

For us, fellow Old Schoolers, who may be reading this and going, ‘Who in the world is China McClain?,’ let us explain. She’s a 22 year old actress who first became known when she starred in Tyler Perry’s 2007 film, “Daddy’s Little Girls,” along with her two sisters and Idris Elba and Gabrielle Union. She also starred in “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” sitcom, Disney’s popular “A.N.T. Farm” series (2011-2014), and currently starring on the new CW Network’s all Black adaptation of DC Comics,’ “Black Lightening.”

Now that we’re caught up on who China is, let’s dig into why she and Anita Baker went back n’ forth on Twitter.

What Had Happened Was…

China took to Twitter to share with her then 3.8 million followers, that Anita Baker reportedly disrespected the hell outta her Mother. She said Anita yelled at her mother, Shontell McClain (49), in public when her moms was simply trying to compliment her.

Apparently, Ms. Baker reportedly mistook Shontell for one of us – regular folks – not realizing her actress daughters all have enough fame and social media followers to bring serious wrath to her reputation. Here’s what China tweeted:

“Wow.. My mom unfortunately just met Anita Baker and she was so rude.. She like, started yelling at my mom for saying she liked her music. Wow. So disappointing. @Iamanitabaker,” China wrote.

Wow.. My mom unfortunately just met Anita Baker and she was so rude.. She like, started yelling at my mom for saying she liked her music. Wow. So disappointing. @Iamanitabaker

— China† (@chinamcclain) April 19, 2018

At first Ms. Baker hadn’t replied to China’s tweet, but then fans started blasting her with comments like these:

@Alisha******: Unfortunate, she’s known for being rude

@passion4*******: Ugh. I’m so sorry that happened. I’m so glad that I had such a positive experience when I met you China.

@CLHdh****: You can’t disrespect anyone’s mother. Ever. For any reason. It doesn’t matter who you are. This IS SO disappointing.

@MYNAME******: Seriously that’s so rude especially when Momma McClain is awesome and so very talented. Smh at Anita Baker

Anita Baker Blasts Back

Anita Baker is never one to take any mess (even if she is allegedly wrong), so I knew it was only a matter of time before she reacted to what China Anne McClain and fans were saying. Here’s what she tweeted at that time:

No1 knew me or Noticed me No entourage No special Attention Just quietly ☺filling out my passport app…. unTIL? A VERY LOUD, person Announces 2 the Entire office, that I'm some V.I.P/which, I am not & AlSO? Announces "They are https://t.co/qJp7njEJtF doing a movie or S'thing" pic.twitter.com/kx6xFf2seg

— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) April 20, 2018

Actress Claps Back At Baker Again

China shot back at Anita Baker, to point out the fact that her Moms is accustomed to being around celebrities and knows how to react to one accordingly:

My mother is a pro, Ms. Baker. She knows how to QUIETLY compliment someone, which is what happened (there were only like 8 people there)
However.. God knows the truth. The Word teaches us to love & respect one another and that’s not what you did today. God bless. @iamanitabaker https://t.co/RgfftEDdNL

— China† (@chinamcclain) April 20, 2018

Mother Jumps In

After remaining silent as China and Anita Baker went at it, Shontell McClain then politely hopped into the convo’ to tell her side of the story firsthand:

I said in a low, almost whisper, “Miss Baker I love your music.” She got mad saying ‘I’m not Miss Baker, my name’s Miss Wilson!’ Then when I apologized profusely saying Sorry Miss Wilson she started yelling about this moment being a personal, private one & I shouldn’t talk 2 her. https://t.co/qc6gQH9Ifa

— Shontell McClain (@shontellm) April 20, 2018

Who’s Right?

Can I be real with y’all, ILOSM fam?’ I think I actually believe China and her Mother’s side of the story. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a HUGE fan of Anita Baker– always will be…but that doesn’t negate the fact that celebs, just like us regular folks, aren’t perfect. Maybe the R&B legend was having a bad day…or maybe, as I’ve heard before, that’s just her personality.

The unfortunate thing for Ms. Baker, is that she allegedly decided to snap at the wrong fan that day– one whose daughters can blast that side of her personality to millions of fans worldwide. Anywho, who do you believe family?

The post Anita Baker Reacted After Ex Disney Actress Angrily Blasted Her For Disrespecting Her Mother appeared first on I Love Old School Music.