Who Did It Better? - Ike & Tina Turner vs. Nina Simone (1970/1974/2005) Nikka Costa

By request. Please listen to versions of Funkier Than a Mosquita’s Tweeter by Ike & Tina Turner and Nina Simone, then share your thoughts below. As a bonus, Nikka Costa's 2005 version for you to also consider.
“Funkier Than a Mosquita’s Tweeter," was a B-side to “Proud Mary" and included on the 1971 LP Working' Together.
Written by Ike Turner with Tina’s sister, Alline Bullock, the song featured Tina Turner on vocals backed up by the Ikettes. Nina Simone recorded “Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter” for her 1974 album, “It Is Finished.” Tina Turner performed the song with only two settings: angry and angrier. But jazz singer Simone vacillated between several tones and volumes, imbuing the version with a complex texture. Child performer turned blue-eyed funkstress Nikka Costa covered Simone's edition for her 2005 CD, “can’tneverdidnothin.” -- (adapted from info obtained on the popcultureexperiment blog).
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[@MikaelaSimone]

Nina's drums took us back to Africa, Ike and Tina took us down to funky town. Im going downtown with Ike and Tina on this one.

[@viralbuthow000]

Nina for me. Haunting and atmospheric. Cant beat that percussion either.

[@Dino-su2wh]

Tina Turner

[@vangoghmatisse1]

TINA TURNER!

[@kevincook7218]

Tina Turner for me all day!!!

[@lesliekendall5668]

Well, I'm old and white and never heard of the 2nd or 3rd one but listening, I liked the 2nd one the best.

[@thesaltypoet4842]

Nikka Costa is one the most underrated artist, I love her! But I felt Tina Tuner’s vocal the most.

[@v.a.993]

Agree that Costa never really got the recognition and attention she deserved.

[@FNFIHOCTW]

It has to be Nina for me, but I love Tina's style too! Hard to decide, Tina's seemed personal and Nina's seems political like she was talk to the "the man" and Tina is talking to her own man!

[@dahmeneekah]

Right

[@Dino-su2wh]

Tina Turner and her sister wrote to her this song

[@jaeshasway]

Daaaham! NINA all the way baebae! 🙌🏽

[@luciverdad4834]

Ike & Tina Turner. You should do a Who Did It Better? with "I Wish It Would Rain" - The Temptations (1967) vs. Gladys Knight & the Pips (1968) vs. Ike & Tina Turner (1969)

[@noangel1087]

I picture Nina's version in an intense "last standoff" scene between protagonist and antagonist in a blaxplotation film.

[@leondavisjr5332]

Nina without question, you felt the meaning of the words from her. Then I would give it to TIna. Nikka version sound like a cover of Nina but good none the less

[@Dino-su2wh]

:D come on

[@angiearthur1408]

Ike & Tina. The name of the song is hilarious. 😂😂😂😂

[@mzderkoolthoughtz7024]

Nina's drums made me hear the words had a good build up ....

[@heathertea2704]

Take Nine Simone's music & Tina Turner's voice. There ya go! instant classic.

[@jamesmiller3816]

Nina represented, in a musical manner, the struggle of black people for freedom, justice, and equality. That, in, and of itself, places her head and shoulders above Tina.

[@apachetribeswearealive2313]

Is this a joke question ? Of course Ike and Tina turner.

[@bluesugar58]

Tina's sister Alline wrote this song, she wrote a few songs for them and Ike's band. Ike let everyone get involved. Alline still considered Ike her brother even after Tina divorced him. As far as the best version, I prefer Ike & Tina's, but Nina's rendition is cool.

[@lynnwhite41]

Ike and Tina Turner all day long

[@gordygibson8776]

You do NOT need to compare and choose one - you can enjoy every version of any song in a different way.

[@totaly52]

Can't choose -both are exceptional singers/performers.

[@discerninglight1998]

I prefer Nina with this one...she has the angry undercurrent going on with the subject matter! Nikka definitely did a nice cover and is very talented but I still prefer Nina's feel!

[@Dino-su2wh]

bulshit. Tina Turner is the best it's her song

[@shawa2938]

Tina hands down Tina Tina Tina

[@heruthecoppercoloredgod7311]

Tina's vocals owns the song I think it is just more her style & genre of music! Nina's orchestration has a very indigenous/tribal feel which is excellent! NIkka's version is actually a combination of Tina's & Nina's! She's a smart girl as theoretically her version is set up to be the best of both worlds! Her vocals ALSO seem to have BOTH a Tina influence AND at times a Nina influence! So you might say on THIS song Tina + Nina = Nikka's version! NIkka does add a mean guitar and amazing horns which add another dimension with the JAZZY horns near the end so she has a rock/tribal and jazz piece! Tina has it vocally ...Nina has it instrumentally....NIkka' is more an homage to BOTH Tina's & Nina's versions but with an added element of Jazz! . .

[@leonholt6075]

Nikka & Nina! Hands Down.👏

[@Ladylace97]

Ike & Tina rocked off

[@almaott6135]

I never heard this cut before. Before I started listening, I thought I was going to like Tina Turner the best of all, but I actually like Nina Simone's version better than Tina's. This song sounds Afrocentric to me, which is Nina Simone's style. I'm not familiar with Nikka Costa's music, but I hate to say, I like version of this song best of all.

[@SimoneN..]

Ike and Tina hands down

[@ahnraemenkhera7451]

No real “ear” for this particular jam. Liked listening to Nina’s version the most though. Seems to have more meaning.

[@brendam5380]

Ms. Henrée Benton -THATS IT MS. Henrée! That’s what I was trying to convey. Ninas has more meaning! Ike and Tina sung, but Ninas came from her core

[@ahnraemenkhera7451]

Besides, I object to most “covers” on principle. Unless it’s a completely original arrangement. By vocals or instrumentals.

[@quintillabatts9472]

@@brendam5380 Nina,Nina,Nina, all of the way. She's sanging, not singing, with so much soul. From the core of her being. Just my humble opinion.

[@darrengreen9273]

I think all three did a great job!

[@yisraeladyisrael7662]

Nikka brought both Tina & Nina version together.. She had the African drums & the funk!!! I’m going with Nikka!!! 🖤

[@JerjerB]

Tina Turner's sister wrote it and Tina Turner rocked it out of the house! I love Nina Simone but come on

[@josephbell1060]

Tina's sounds personal, and Nina's sounds more political. But I have to admit that Nikka's is the most funky.

[@Ladylace97]

Gotta give this one to Queen Nina

[@TSZDM2024]

Fun fact : Tina Turner’s sister wrote penned the song about Ike I am a huge TINA FAN but Nina captured it better. Most likely because IKE produced all the Ike and Tina tracks back then and that’s how he produced her to sing completely missing the point. Nina is telling you what the song is about she is interpreting it for that ass! And as for that mayonnaise at the end there she doesn’t even belong in the same comparison.

[@cucubanana4226]

yeah.. fuck that white chick

[@kamillion111977]

Evil racist troll comments per KZbin and so-called "freedom of speech". Stfu and miss me with that especially on a Tina song!

[@TheSuperbeauty24]

😂😂😂😂😂😂👏👏👏

[@luciverdad4834]

How do you know Tina's sister Alline wrote this about Ike? I know Alline wrote it but she always spoke fondly about Ike and still kept in touch with him after he split with Tina. Alline also attended his funeral and told the press after he died that he was still a brother to her.

[@betogarofalo5627]

Ike and Tina Turner of course

[@mzzb5268]

Hello, hands down Nina badd..

[@ObsidianBflyHealer]

Nina all day

[@v.a.993]

Nikka Costa.

[@eddiebarnum6020]

I think imma go with sister Nina. Simone. On this one. Ike Tina close second!!! 🤔

[@dkonciousblkfemknightman]

Nina! Saw her Netflix documentary and even before that I've listened to some of her songs....love Tina but she comes second in this...Nikka I've heard of her but not fan.....

[@LadyGds]

My vote goes as follows - 1st place: Nina, easy chill vibe 🥇. 2nd place: Tina, busy body vibe🥈. 3rd place: Simone, side eye imitation of Nina's version 🥉.

[@MrsTee776]

Nina!

[@SomeoneHasToSayIt2525]

Hands down NINA

[@jusjoshandthemic]

It's between Nina and Tina for me. For people saying that Tina's version lacked soul/passion/was surface level, um, consider the man she was with when this song came out.lol Pretty sure she felt every word. I've never heard Tina sing a song that doesn't have heart and soul behind it. I love that Nina always makes a song her own.

[@kamillion111977]

Thank you! Hatas NEED to STFU! They just mad cuz Tina is color blind!

[@richardcarter1957]

Tina’s sister wrote it about Ike… Tina is literally singing it “at” Ike! He was dumb and didn’t realise the joke they had on him - basically telling him he’s a little d!cked man that’s no good in bed 🤭

[@maurice8607]

Like the original but has to be Nina for me.

[@krislarkin2291]

You cannot compare the two versions of this song. Each is special and significant in it's own way and has a different historical context. I love Tina and Nina. Both are great.

[@quincyrobinson8139]

Nina

[@dasmilingoddess]

Well Nina's version @4:30 almost had me about to jump out this bed @ 3:30 a.m. 😂🤦🏾

[@Star-Mac10]

Tina, Tina, Tina. Simply the best🎶💜🎵

[@bigmixx75]

Nina gets this one, that percussion was on point

[@iluvrachellef]

They're all really good,never heard of Costa.

[@WakeTheFUpBro]

Nina Simone got me what a voice...

[@krooklyn320]

Good morning the winner for me is 👸🏾 Nina Simone 2:51 👂🏾 Sorry Ike and Tina did do it for me Neither did Nikka Costa her Voice was too soft 👂🏾

[@sanalawhorn5680]

The drummer out cold !

[@quin073179]

tina then nikka then nina

[@bluejam72]

Nina's!

[@beverlydegrate2692]

Tina Turner was simbly the best.those words ment something to heart.about. her husband.

[@airsolutionkim]

Definately Nina~

[@tonytucker1]

Tina Turner

[@madedigital]

Nina Simone

[@gloriahammonds2762]

I like Nina's version but I still ha have to go with Tina

[@TheSuperbeauty24]

Queen Nina 🙌

[@vanderson5226]

I really like Tina's vocals, but overall love Nina's version

[@jayh3283]

Must say that Tina win with the vocals hands down. Her strong, powerful and soulful voice is food to the ears. That does not mean there is anything wrong with the vocals of the other two singers. Nina Simone come at a close second. I feel Ike making it a funk song has turned some people off from the original version. I disagree with comments saying Tina lack feeling that Nina showed. Its a tie for me between the two on soul. They have their own unique style that helped revolutionized music. The final singer did a good job, but it sounded more like a tribute act for the first two women. It's the best of both words. Still a great version nonetheless.

[@davidbowman6239]

I'll go with Tina all day.

[@Aaron-sg8br]

Standing alone at the top Nina Simone!

[@londalecarter3482]

As far as funky goes, Tina all day! However, Nina's had more power. Nikka was cool too.

[@JVBeatz22]

You should do a "Who Did It Better" with the song "If This World Was Mine"

[@BlackCherubimintheflesh]

Ike was so damn cool, but I'm going with Tina.

[@LILI13100]

Nina !!!!

[@rosalindhampton24]

Message Conveyed (x) 3🎶in music

[@Dino-su2wh]

of course Ike & Tina Turner.Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter" is a song written by Alline Bullock, sister of Tina Turner

[@sirrjazz734]

NINA SIMONE...THE HIGH PRIESTESS OF SOUL & FUNK!!! There will never be another NINA SIMONE!!! Tina & Ike was good, and it's rare that they get bested by anyone. Nina took it to another place. Nikka was good too but her pronunciation of the words was a bit off.

[@ezpic2]

Nina.

[@MissGNX]

Ikr & Tina Turner hands down! The Best! Then Nina Simone

[@soulfoodie1]

Nina Simone definitely. Got to agree with the great Peter Young

[@ertfgghhhh]

Costa tried it

[@sharonjerseygirl3682]

Nina is my choice!!!👍🏾😊

[@juggernaut44]

i think the white girl nikka slightly got it... she improved on alot of subtleties

[@craigmytton1405]

Got to be Tina Turner for me.

[@truthhurts6459]

Goes abd watch Jasmine Bonet perfom the shizznet out of the Nikka Costa Version

[@brendam5380]

One can’t really chose between the two. If I had a choice, it would be Nina. She sang fro m her soul of the hurt she felt and the her she felt for “black” people. She saw deeper than most. Ike and Tina were surface. They sing great, but Nina sung on an entire different hemisphere. She was like an 👾 alien. Like me. I’m not of this world. אני לא מהעולם הזה

[@blafiman]

nina killed it

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

nina

[@tammiejohnson5103]

Ok don’t kill me I love my Icons but I was most entertained by the Mayo 😔

[@AlteredConditions]

Is gonna Be Tina, Tina, Tina with the sexy legs😍😍😍

[@katrinawashington9617]

Nikki Costa version is the Best.

[@spicyhot2552]

I agree!! I think some people don't want to give Nikka the same credit cuz Tina and Nina are legends.

[@ertfgghhhh]

@@spicyhot2552 i didnt like it cause it sounded forced like she was trying. Hey. I like blue eyed soul. Michael mcdonald and george michael sang. But cosra tried it

[@spicyhot2552]

@@ertfgghhhh Nikka can sing too.. Christina Aguilara is the one who over sings and forces it ..

[@ertfgghhhh]

@@spicyhot2552 costa sounded forced in this song

[@spicyhot2552]

@@ertfgghhhh Well not to me she doesnt ..

[@wselenag45]

Tina sanged it the best to me, now the Nikka woman's band sounded better towards the middle and the end to me, seems like she was trying to out do Tinas song.

[@saltydawg7078]

Nina above Tina or anyone who tries .

[@ghostwriterpurpleflyink7199]

Silly song ....but Nina

[@TeddyStrongBear]

Nina over Tina!!

[@lokeyborders]

I like them all but j like nikka the best. Then nina then Tina. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@Bysanthus]

Tina originated it.

[@LinaLina-we4nl]

🗣White folks/gurl trying to sound Black👎🏼😡👎🏼‼️ Nina version is interesting 👍❣️ Tina version is “soul p-funk”👍‼️💗‼️

[@socialbuttafly1707]

Tina Bad, but Nina took us to the Motherland. Nikka Costa just need to stop with that fake soul shyt

[@beverlydegrate2692]

Nina was just singing and making music no feeling or meanings.

[@donallen7288]

Overated entainers

[@madedigital]

Nina Simone

[@lisaanderson4211]

Nina

[@michellewynn9391]

Nina Simone

[@ginachildfree3277]

Nina Simone