Whatever Happened To Tracy Chapman?

Because it almost never goes like that. Case in point: In 2018 Chapman brought suit for copyright infringement against Nicki Minaj — the rapper had recorded a collaboration, titled "Sorry," with Nas, that had "interpolated" Chapman's 1988 track "Baby Can I Hold You" without Chapman's permission. As Rolling Stone tells us, the Minaj track was never released, but it was played on Hot 97 as well as other outlets, and so audio exists online. It wasn't as though Minaj didn't ask for Chapman's permission to use "Baby Can I Hold You" — as have many others over the years, for one composition or another. She asked, and Chapman declined. But wait, said Minaj's team (or words to that effect). Nicki is "inspired" by Chapman's art. How about a personal discussion, two artists talking together as artists? Trying "desperately" to pull that off, said Minaj in a tweet. No go.

Chapman has long been a quiet activist as well, playing benefits for various causes dear to her heart. And refuses to discuss her private life, or use social media. "I have this personality that is a bit on the reserved side, and which had never really sought out the limelight," she told The Irish Times. "That has made me perhaps not the ideal person for this job."

Still, Chapman's absence from the public eye tells us something — she's busy living a normal life.