Aretha Franklin Talks New Album 'Sings The Great Diva Classics,' Throws Shade At Nicki Minaj And David Ritz [WATCH]

Aretha Franklin has been receiving all types of praises following the release of her Sings The Great Diva Classics album and she recently discussed her latest release with The Wall Street Journal. The Queen of Soul also discussed upcoming divas and threw some shade at Nicki Minaj and David Ritz.

During her interview with WSJ, per Vibe, Franklin discussed a few of the artists she's covered on her new project, including Adele, whose "Rolling In the Deep" was revamped.

"Well let's see, 'Rolling In The Deep,' I liked it. When I first heard it I liked it," Franklin said. "I saw some of Adele's promo and a lot of young kids were on the bus, they were singing it, they were having a really, really wild good time."

The discussion then shifted to Franklin's opinion of some modern divas including Whitney Houston, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj.

When asked for a one word response to each divas name, Franklin blurted out, 'Young singer, good singer," for Adele. Franklin said Swift has "great gowns" and called Houston a "talent."

"She was a talent," she said. "She definitely had a gift and Cissy's baby."

Last month, Franklin performed a live rendition of "Rolling In The Deep" on the Late Show with David Letterman. She was backed by Houston's mother and Gospel singing great, Cissy Houston.

Switching genres, Franklin was asked for her opinion on the highly popular "Anaconda" rapper. Although she didn't offer up much saying, "Nicki Minaj, hmm, I'm gonna pass on that one."

When asked about a biography being written on the Queen of Soul by David Ritz, she quickly shot down any beliefs that the book may contain some truth.

"He's coming up with a book of trash," she said shaking her head. "That's all that is is a book of trash. Lies, lies and more lies. Lies on top of lies. That's all that is."

Check out Aretha Franklin's Wall Street Journal interview after the jump.

Tags
Aretha Franklin, Nicki Minaj, Wall Street Journal
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