I Feel For You: The Prince Song That Gave Chaka Khan A Global Mega-Hit

By the time Prince released his second album in 1979, he had already established himself as a master of crafting hit songs. That self-titled record included his breakthrough single, I Wanna Be Your Lover, and held a hidden gem that, when reimagined by Chaka Khan, would take the world by storm: I Feel For You. This track, once a gentle acoustic number, evolved into a genre-bending anthem that crossed pop, R&B, and hip-hop boundaries, becoming a defining moment for both Khan and Prince.

Initially written with Patrice Rushen in mind, I Feel For You was born from Prince’s personal admiration for the R&B singer. As Prince’s former manager, Alan Leeds, recalled, the young musician “had a mad crush on” Rushen in the late 70s, and her influence was felt throughout his work during that period. The song, however, was destined for greater heights when Khan took it and transformed it into a global phenomenon.

The Birth of a Classic

Prince originally demoed I Feel For You in 1978 as a soft, acoustic number, showcasing his signature falsetto. The song spoke of a physical attraction but hinted at something deeper, an exploration of love through Prince’s lyrical genius. Even in its raw form, the track’s rhythmic guitar teased its potential, but it wasn’t until Prince’s studio sessions at Alpha Studios in Burbank, California, that the song took on new life. He added handclaps, new-wave synths, and a four-to-the-floor beat, solidifying it as a post-disco track primed for the dance floor.

Though the song wasn’t released as a single from the Prince album, its magnetic energy caught the attention of fans and fellow musicians alike. The Pointer Sisters and Rebbie Jackson each recorded their own versions in the early 80s, but it was Khan’s rendition that would become legendary.

Chaka Khan’s Hit Reimagining

Released as the title track of her fifth solo album on October 1, 1984, Khan’s version of I Feel For You became a career-defining hit. Khan, already an established star with Rufus and a successful solo career, found a new level of global stardom with this release. Her choice to cover the song was not just about creating a hit; it was deeply personal. “I’ve been careful to sing songs written by artists whom I have a deep respect and deep admiration for,” Khan said in I Got Thunder: Black Women Songwriters and Their Craft. For her, Prince’s song was a natural fit, and she approached it with the same soulfulness and versatility that defined her career.

Khan’s cover brought in a stellar team of collaborators. Reggie Griffin, from 70s funk band Manchild, led the ensemble that would rework the song into a richly layered electro-funk masterpiece. Stevie Wonder added his unmistakable harmonica, infusing the track with a Motown flair, while Melle Mel’s rap introduction, which opened with the now-iconic stuttering “Ch-Ch-Ch-Chaka Khan,” pushed the song into new territory. The stutter effect was a serendipitous studio mistake, but producer Arif Mardin knew they had something special, deciding to keep it in the final mix.

A Global Smash

Chaka Khan’s I Feel For You became an instant hit, climbing to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song not only cemented Khan’s status as a global superstar but also pioneered the integration of hip-hop elements into mainstream pop music. Melle Mel’s rap, a bold move for the time, was among the earliest examples of a major hit single featuring a rap verse, influencing countless songs that followed.

For Prince, I Feel For You was a testament to his ability to craft timeless songs that transcended genre and artist. Though his Purple Rain project dominated 1984, Khan’s success with I Feel For You only furthered his reputation as a visionary who could create hits not just for himself, but for others.

A Timeless Legacy

Today, I Feel For You remains a staple in both Chaka Khan’s and Prince’s back catalogs, celebrated for its innovation and genre-defying sound. Khan’s dynamic cover breathed new life into Prince’s original, transforming it into a classic that has influenced generations of artists. The song’s blend of funk, soul, electro, and hip-hop elements continues to inspire and captivate listeners around the world.

Chaka Khan’s rendition of I Feel For You stands as a perfect example of how the right artist can elevate a song to new heights, turning it into a global anthem that echoes across the decades.