Jennifer Hudson Blown Away Hearing Lalah Hathaway ‘Split’ Her Voice

Lalah Hathaway shows off the amazing vocal trick of harmonizing with herself! The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter discusses her connection to her father, soul singer Donny Hathaway, and shares the pitfalls of having the exact same name as her mother and grandmother.
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[@driessenscott10]

Lala’s doing a singing technique called polyphonic overtone singing! An extremely underrated vocalist!❤️

[@wendyhestick8514]

Polyphonic overtone! wow, thank you, love you brilliant musicologist, always fascinating. This was @DreeScott's comment, I love it when vocal style is defined!

[@bosshog8277]

And also very rare. Not many people can do it

[@becky8794]

Thank you so much for explaining this. I could split my voice when I would talk when I was younger. 55 now. Everyone just thought it was weird. So I stopped doing it. Now I've lost tge ability and have always loved to sing. Thank you for puttingva name to it.

[@elijahbreeden]

Yes! This is also common when warming up in a symphonic band. My band director would make all the trumpets play a single note at the same time and we could hear the overtones (kinda like a wave in the sound)

[@sarahlind24]

I can sometimes do this but it’s never when I’m trying, it’s always on accident. But once it’s “set” in a note I play with it until it goes away lol

[@DavidRichardson95]

When your dad is a timeless musical icon and you yourself are a vocal beast. Don't get no better than that. Lalah keeps his legacy alive.

[@emmanuelferguson5604]

And sounds so much like her dad

[@MrKeplay]

I agree with you sir and we have the Same Name!!!!😎🙏🏾

[@Teebee407]

My FAVORITE male singer along with Daryl Coley!!!!!

[@GG-qy2wy]

Amen!!👏👏👏👏

[@shanthagates3697]

Historical Phenomenon Songstress Miss Lalah Hathaway ❤🎉...l'd love to sing with both of you most amazing singers ever Jennifer!!! Thank you both for blessing our lives...Love both of you sisters🎉🎉🎉😊❤!

[@jimmiespivey]

Her Mother is a Classically Trained Vocalist with a Degree in Music from Howard University jus like her Dad🌹🙏🏽🙌🏾🎶

[@kl.8992]

One thing I appreciate about the JHud show - she brings real VOCALISTS on as guests

[@turquoisepurple7sky151]

Yes!❤

[@NeoSoul84]

OK!!!!!! All of them!!!!!!!! I need Jill Jazmine and Erykah

[@NeoSoul84]

And Fantasia!!!!

[@KimMessengerOfRap]

Facts!

[@RENTBOYBEAUTY]

YASSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@jaijones2036]

Lalah Hathaway is no way underrated, she was never a pop artist but she has multiple grammy wins -dominated jazz, neo-soul, R&b genres for decades....and that split vocal ability is very, very rare.

[@PresenceWithPurpose]

Tell 'em like it is! ❤

[@pollyannalight6313]

Lalah is top notch/phenomenal, but voice splitting can be taught. I certainly did it during a group session with a guest teacher. I wouldn't say I am good at it because I've ever had the interest to pursue nor practice. Anyone can learn - it doesn't mean they have a beautiful voice though.

[@jaijones2036]

@@pollyannalight6313 split voice cannot be taught or practiced, that's why you're not good at it and will never be also like whistle notes they are abilities ..dont try to short change Lelah's gift... because you can't and her vouce is beautiful...so there.

[@meechee2too754]

@@jaijones2036 I know that’s right

[@chrissyp007]

​@@jaijones2036 speaking all facts love

[@CarlosAnglada]

J-HUD was keeping it 100% when she said "I can't scat with no Lalah!"

[@Nell_3]

No auto tune needed 🤣🤣🤣she can SANG. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Cooliganify]

Lalah has such a laidback vibe; It's like you can just talk with her all day. Been a fan for years and this only makes me like her more.

[@geministwin6074]

I never heard someone split their voice...... phenomenal,!!!!!

[@dashamccormick4088]

Look up her performance with Starky Puppy band....their reaction when she did it is hilarious

[@kimberlywhitehead22]

Go KZbin her performance with sparky puppy singing something

[@mrsmanigault]

My Absolute Favorite song !!! Snarky Puppy is Amazing ❤❤❤

[@taracombs4529]

Seeing her do it live is 🤯🤯🤯

[@JZidor]

Her sister was my vocal coach when I was on American idol season 13 her sister is so sweet

[@FG-xc5qj]

Lalah is one of my all-time favorite singers! 💙

[@randygivens8421]

Me too. She’s brilliant vocalist.

[@Nell_3]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🎤🎤🎤

[@jennmichelle70]

ALL-TIME FAVORITES

[@ayesabesque]

Yes! Periodt.

[@lovesyah4618]

Donnie Hathaway is one of my favorites. He was golden 🙏🏽♥️😃🌹💯🎤

[@gospelician]

Nobody can split their voice on command in such fantastic harmony like Lalah. SHE is a legend of a legend. Whaaaat? Ever hear her sing with Snarky Puppy??? MY GOODNESS! I still cry when I hear that session. Don't make NO SENSE 👏🏾 She is the G.O.A.T.!

[@channiballecter]

I watch that session at least once a week.

[@stephenasaunders]

Even the musicians were SHOCKED during the recording! Cory Henry was on organ and HAD to have known she was going to do it, because he managed to keep playing without much reaction. I would have had to stop playing to take a lap after hearing her do that

[@phoenixLeoRising333]

That session was epic!!! ❤❤❤

[@elizabethallen4353]

Same same same. I lose it EVERY TIME.

[@moniquejohnson2465]

I LOVE that Jennifer is such a fan and gets shy...sweet

[@trishrenee06]

wow, Lalah gave me chills...i can only imagine her and Jill (Scott) on stage together, doing what they do!...omg that would be a treat

[@carlamcdaniel1177]

That sure would be!!!! I would pay to see that!!!!

[@elizastringfiled190]

Yes Lalah and jill scott that would be just wonderful those voices my Goodness

[@kristelquartz6085]

Oh my goodness. That would be a phenomenal concert!!!

[@rochellesoyoola1150]

I just saw Jill two days ago and baby! That I would love to see!!!

[@berkb6458]

Lalah looks amazing as always... And that voice is only getting better with time.

[@ZebraLens]

4:18 *_Splitting the Voice!!!_* ❤❤❤❤❤

[@MCsVoice97]

thank you lol

[@robbinjefferson7470]

Thank you🤗

[@sugarbabyesquire107]

Polyphonic singing is such a rare phenomenon I love it

[@BFick478]

Wowwww what was that!!! Did Laylah just harmonize with herself and hit 2 different noted at the same time!!! LEGENDARY

[@wendyhestick8514]

My goodness what a voice split, that's so unique!

[@bosshog8277]

Lalah is one of the best ever. I wish she’d get the recognition as a phenomenal musician, singer and beautiful Queen she deserves. Been in love with her since I was 9 years old when I first heard Heaven only knows. Her voice is smooth like her dads. She is truly a magnificent woman. She deserves a Grammy even when she talks. She’s captivating

[@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1]

She may not be recognized in Pop and Hip Hop Pop (Modern R&B) but she's highly recognized in the Jazz field, Neo Soul and Adult Contemporary field You're not going to find the Lalah Hathaway's and Maysa Leak etc... people with real talent on the same level as the Beyoncé and Rihanna, that liberal White society pushes and promotes more

[@findhimfindher]

She don’t need these crappy crummy industry recognition we see her and we love her. She bad all by herself. Her moms and pops is the only recognition she need and he’s with her x

[@paulasuniverse5029]

@@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1 💯 Say it!!!!

[@thegoose2724]

I know that's right... "Heaven knows how you comfort me. Ease my mind how you set me free. How me close won't you make me feel, so, so, so, so, so good". I was a grown azz adult recently returning from the Marines when this thing here "stopped me in my tracks"!!!! Out

[@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1]

@@findhimfindher First of all, most of the industry is in the hands of 🌈cult and other debased liberals if you want to get down to the truth and Laylah's a class act, so their validation don't matter, especially since they primarily promote the dysfunctional aspects of Black Music, that's why BET and Soul Train & Grammy Awards etc... is trash!!!

[@katiejus-katie856]

Lalah plays in my house every Saturday morning when we are deep-cleaning. "Breathe" is on every playlist I have. Loooove this Beautiful Lady!

[@drinabooboo]

Lalah looks just like a doll. She's so cute and pretty and her voice is absolutely beautiful.

[@aishagreen5638]

One of the BEST and most underrated singers out there…❤ Lalah!

[@tuquang.5203]

Most underrated? She has multiple Grammys and is highly regarded in the neo-soul, jazz, and RnB genres akin to Anita Baker. 25+ years in the biz and still going.

[@TruthSerum101]

Underrated?????? How?????? With her critical acclaim and accolades, how is she underrated? It's an insult to her success to say she is underrated.

[@deneenjeffries2768]

I agree

[@LadyCrone]

My mom grew up with Donnie Hathaway, she has stories of them singing on the stoop in childhood. So great to see Layla continue his legacy!

[@organicsoulchef]

The incomparable Ms. Lailah Hathaway! One of my top vocalists of all time. I have a fantasy album in my head sung by Lalah Hathaway, Rachelle Farrell and Ledisi. 😂❤

[@mistyblue3206]

Oh my! Yesssssss......

[@2MeNew2]

I love All of these ladies! Oh my and Rachelle 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@miguelitos2446]

Ledesi and Lalah and Jill...any day!❤

[@TheVivrantCatalog]

There’s a video of the three of them on stage performing.

[@organicsoulchef]

@@TheVivrantCatalog I know! I watch it often. My other favorite vocalist Mr. Rahsaan Patterson is also in that video saaaaanging his face off. 😂❤️

[@brendarivers8377]

J Hudd is so refreshing and original. She gives the exact response I would give if a guest asked me to do something and I know I can't!! LOL! Love you Jenn!

[@mistyblue3206]

A REAL vocalist. I need to see her in concert.

[@nickhudson53]

She puts on a show ! Seen her in February

[@Tk-gx4xf]

I seen a couple of years ago at Marina del Rey California at the beach she's 🔥🔥🔥 and she did her dad's song the OG this Christmas song which many have tried to imitate but none could duplicate.

[@srgray62]

You do, she is awesome! I've seen her several times and never disappoints.

[@xcelmateo1956]

I could see a WHOLE HOUR of them singing together!

[@kendraatcherson1458]

2:43, 3:17, 3:24, 3:30, 3:37 & 4:04 - These ladies’ harmony are on “FIRE” 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!!!!!!!!

[@WilliamsPinch]

I remember meeting her when I worked at MAC and I asked her why she looked so familiar lol. She has to most beautiful skin. Seeing her live thereafter, I was screaming and crying chile!

[@deneenjeffries2768]

I keep listening to Lalah do that vocal split, its magical, How in the world?

[@alexandrea3370]

She might be pulling it from the back of her throat, although I could be wrong about her exact technique; I used to play around doing that when I was younger, I always pushed from the back of my throat to “split” my voice, I’m not as sharp now, since I haven’t did it in a while. You can look up polyphonic overtone on KZbin and their are some pretty amazing singers who can do it extremely well…

[@irieimaun7787]

watch her on the terrell show she explains how.

[@lamara8497]

She's done well by her parents well. Love her voice!

[@lisajones6496]

Still binge play "im coming back" daily. Her voice is indescribably beautiful. Lost my dad at 10 also

[@mistyblue3206]

I LOVE that song!

[@jennmichelle70]

That song always always makes me cry. Do you remember Whitney Houston saying that was one of her favorite songs?

[@lisajones6496]

@@jennmichelle70 i dont i just love. I think it's so beautiful and sexy

[@Jaijaisinger2727_]

I GET ACTUAL GOOSEBUMPS EVERYTIME SHE OPENS HER MOUTH TO SHARE THAT GIFT OOOOOMMMMGGGGG!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sharellmobley5348]

Lalah Hathaway and Jennifer Hudson should do a song together that would be awesome.

[@Same_ol_jee]

Love her song “ mirror” such a very talented artist she is . The polyphonic overtone is quite amazing !

[@marseanigilmore2515]

Gotta find a way to make. These clouds ⛅️ are letting up for a while. Sometimes you've gotta make the mirror your best, mayve then, you'll find some peace within. Stop hiding yourself. Stop hiding yourself. Love yourself, when no one else can! ❤️

[@PeaceFan1]

Lalah can SANG!!! She is BLESSED and her DAD was THE BEST Singer in R & B ..TRUTH!!

[@lizstanton2727]

Her voice gives me chills smooth as butter 💜

[@MysticStranger]

I love JHud for having all these wonderful vocal (and acting) legends on her show! And I love her energy with them! Love both of these ladies so much!

[@blissfulentertainment7]

Lalah is not only stunning but extremely talented. Absolutely one of my favorite female vocalist. Voice ever so soothing.

[@jennyjones3978]

She so pretty and beyond talented! I been a fan for years.

[@hadeev]

Lalah’s voice is buttah! I have loved her singing style for years. Her voice is distinguishable and original. When she split her voice, I was in awe. I’ve never seen, or heard, anyone do that!

[@GoldenGraham25]

One of my favorite albums of all time is: Self Portrait by Lalah Hathaway. She’s phenomenal and still as beautiful as ever.

[@cassandrasmith2727]

I never heard anyone split their voice before. That was amazing!❤

[@steshamarable7957]

Love me some Lalah! She is so beautiful. Shout out to Danville, VA getting a casino. 🤣

[@Mesa1980]

🥰 Lalah!! What an Amazing vocalist! Just love her!! I still have the CD of her first self-titled album, released in 1990 (I played that CD every single day!!). 💜

[@lynej2011]

No skips.

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

M. Star, I have just heard Lalah Hathaway song 'Boston' for the first time in the Tiny Desk video a month ago. Ever since I listen to the song on repeat! 08may23

[@WenD1908]

Me, too. That album is one of my favorites.

[@probi99]

Wow! I love that Lalah shared that her dad sings thru her! amazing! I also lost my Dad at 12... so it means a lot that she says he's still with her! I just love when Jhud sings with folks on the couch!!!!

[@shaybar93]

My favorite song by her is “When Your Life Was Low” Lalah’s voice is so rich. She is a prime example of knowing what to do with your voice, versus over singing.

[@BEAUTIINBRAVERY]

Lala is a special woman. Shes BEAUTIFUL to look at, like a flower. Her voice, BAAAYYBBEEE that voice❤❤❤

[@butterliz876]

WHAT!!!!! this woman has a voice wow.

[@kami1763]

Your voice is aMAZING, Ms. Hathaway!! And I stalked the hell outta you after watching you do “Angel” on Ms. Baker’s tribute. ❤❤❤. Love. Love.

[@usern4utube]

I heard Lalah do the split voice thing and I said, "wait did she just harmonize with herSELF"?!?!? Now I see that is EXACTLY what she did... Amazing!!!!!!💕❤💕❤

[@da9618]

She still fine till this day, and very talented, her father would be very proud of her, and Ms. Hudson you go girl

[@TheMentalFitChick]

This is one of the most refreshing shows ever

[@LadyLibra8791]

Her voice has really grown over the years ❤

[@hopesreel5248]

Wow wow wow. Phenomenal voice. Ms. Hathaway is a gem 💎 ❤

[@djemraidola264]

Epic vocal moment. J Hud voice is gift from heaven.

[@lorij3738]

Lalah is one of the baddest vocalists on the planet. Smooth. Beautiful. Gorgeous. ❤🎶

[@jakettaj.gaines573]

I'm such a huge fan of Lalah Hathaway. I've been rockin' with her since "Baby, Baby Don't Cry".

[@BFick478]

Lalah's voice is so smooth and gifted from GOD

[@roscoedavis4788]

Lalah is one of my favorite all time singers.She is so smooth and soulful.

[@rachelfinney1774]

She just gave me chills❤

[@tyronedelk5702]

Lalah is such a beautiful black queen

[@bencromwell707]

Lalah💋😉😚☺️😊🥰😍🤩😘Iconic💯👍

[@lisagibson5886]

Hey! My family is from Danville! I haven't been in year's but it holds a special place in my heart. It is progressing some family from DC just moved back.

[@user-xi9qk6vi1t]

I want to see this beautiful woman in concert!!!

[@user-kc9qi8io1z]

Lalah Hathaway is a great singer,the absolute truth. This women’s voice is a song she’s humble majestic warm and seemingly approachable and genuine. So majestic and regal. Quite a few of her songs are in the sound track of my life. Her frequency and her vibe is high.

[@Nell_3]

Her daddy was and is my all time favorite. Sooo much God given talent. She is truly her father’s daughter. She got that same raw natural talent ❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

[@feliciawilliams514]

Yes Lalah!!!❤

[@truthmatters7298]

Ugh she sounded so good

[@miaprice3590]

I l😍ve me some Lalah Hathaway

[@KimMessengerOfRap]

Lalah is that Queen 👏👏👏❤🥰

[@cameronlawrence6367]

I’ve always love Lalah Hathaway. Such and angelic voice.

[@valnaviawalker2657]

Lalah's vocals are just everything 🙌

[@true90skid]

How she does that is unbelievable!

[@douglasworley-lr9dr]

That last note Lala hit sounded like three people😮😮😮😮😮

[@nathanneelyoutlawdiditprod2891]

Lalah is my Queen. I asked her to marry me, while she was autographing CDs after a show here in Atlanta, back in 2015. She politely declined. I was hurt but I understood. Just saw her at City Winery, again here in Atlanta, this past February. My proposal still stands...

[@yolandapack7890]

Love love love Lalah ❤

[@tacheebecton4138]

I love Layla! Her voice is like butter!!! Her voice is everything, Period!

[@arethagrant]

She has such a beautiful voice

[@mamabear5289]

she is my favorite songstress of all times

[@CosmicJournee]

Literally nobody else can do that?!? Who else can do that?!! 😭🔥

[@djleroy6879]

Lalah is one of the best modern singers With dignity!

[@chanellsmith3204]

I love Lalah 🎵🎶

[@toni4916]

Their vibe was just amazing. These 2. Won't God do it!!??😊😊

[@carettajohnson2340]

Amazing I had the honor in working with her dads best friend from college they were scholars at Howard University but I also had the honor of being able to be at the Kennedy Center opera houses along with other theaters what an honor to work with her dads best friend who later passed away years before I had children so ❤much he told me about her dad and even being able to see her live performances in the city and watching her grow up as an artist which is truly amazing and Joe Sample pieces of a dream ect what an honor I love her unconditionally beautiful amazing wonderful gift she is!

[@larrysmith7400]

What??? 😲 Did Lalah just split her voice in two part harmony .. wow wow wow

[@Twizzledoc187]

How do someone SPLIT their voice like that????

[@gentleall]

Lalah is a treat for real for real.

[@tpit77]

That is my absolute favorite thing she does with her voice. And NO ONE else has ever done that!

[@lg715219]

I love when she does that

[@gloriaclark8552]

I saw her perform in Oakland in 2022. She had just gotten over Covid and she was awesome!!! I LOVE me some Layla Hathaway....

[@JC-vh2lh]

What a anointing!!!

[@usaallstar1068]

Two phenomenal vocalists.

[@teesee6962]

her voice is a whole instrument.

[@Indigoonthego]

Lalah is my favorite singer hands down!!

[@ttfells2020]

Two of the most healing voices of my life time❤❤

[@darlenemcgriff3085]

I just Love these two beautiful women. ⭐️🫶🏼⭐️🫶🏼⭐️

[@mimih9654]

I absolutely love Lalah Hathaway! She's my "this generation" Sarah Vaughn