It's hard to think of someone who looks so young as Chaka Kahn as being an "old school" r&b diva. But Chaka has been running this beat for close to thirty years. First as the lead singer for the group Rufus. Then as a solo artist.

But it wasn't all fame and glory for Chaka. For years Chaka used prescription amphetamines and to keep from gaining weight.

Chaka: I finally reached an age where I realized that I was destroying my health just to keep a slim figure. So I gave it all up cold turkey, and guess what? I got fat! But you know, I'm so much healthier and happier. I'm just not a skinny kid anymore.

Chaka has accepted her size gracefully and learned to love herself for what she truly is. But others have not.

Chaka: My fans love me at any size. These days I feel especially close to my large size fans. But the critics! They're just plain mean! What has my size got to do with the quality of my voice. If anything the extra pounds have improved the depth and resonance of my voice! I sound better now that I'm bigger!

Chaka freely admits that she substituted for her former 2 pack a day cigarette habit.

Chaka: I stopped smoking and started eating. It's as simple as that. Most days I can't go for more then a few minutes at a time without munching on something. I know it's mostly the snacking that's made me get so big. I don't mind at all. There's something comforting about being big. It makes me feel happy and contented.

So snack she does. Her huge purse is invariably fill with lots of comfort food.

CONTINUE