Before striking out for solo stardom with 1978′s Chaka, Khan was part of the wildly successful funk outfit, Rufus – later dubbed Rufus and Chaka Khan in true diva fashion. That same year the band came out with Street Player featuring the Khan-composed “Stay.” Starting off slow and plaintive, Chaka lets loose in the goosebump-inducing finale. One of the singer’s favorite songs, it was subsequently covered to thrilling effect by Erykah Badu for her 1997 Live album.

2. “Some Love”

Lace up your platforms, squeeze into those bell-bottoms and drop the disco ball because we’re going to work. From Chaka’s debut solo album, “Some Love” funks shit up with a bassline that won’t quit, a dazzling horn section and Chaka riding the beat till the wheels fall off.

3. “Aint’ Nobody”

Rufus and Chaka officially parted ways with 1983′s double LP, Stompin’ at the Savoy, a live recording with some studio tracks added for filler. But wedged in there was their final hit as a group, the rollicking “Ain’t Nobody.” Talk about going out on a high note. A favorite among poppers and lockers the world over, the song was featured in the classic ode to breakdancing, Breakin’. It was not, however, included in the sequel, Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.

4. “Close the Door”

An album cut from Rufus and Chaka’s 1977 Ask Rufus, “Close the Door” is cool, refined and quietly funky, showcasing enormous restraint from Chaka as she pleads, “Do you close the door to giving?” The answer, I certainly hope not. You don’t close doors on Chaka Khan. That is unless you want that door kicked down and burned to the ground.

5. “Sweet Thing”

“Sweet Thing,” another Khan original, is easy like Sunday morning. It’s simply joy as a record with Khan delivering an iconic performance that  inspired Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige to cover “Sweet Thing” for her debut album, 1992′s What’s the 411?. And while MJB’s version can’t hold a candle to the original, it’s a testament to the song’s greatness that it’s become one of her signature performances as well.

6. “Love Me Still”

Chaka Khan is incredibly proficient at many genres, but she truly shines as a jazz singer. Khan originally wrote and recorded “Love Me Still” for 1996′s Clockers, but her excellent live rendition from 2000′s The Jazz Channel Presents Chaka Khan takes the emotional cake.

7. “Tell Me Something Good”

Thank you Stevie Wonder. After hearing Rufus and Chaka cover his “Maybe Your Baby” from their debut album, 1973′s Rufus, Wonder was impressed enough by Khan’s dynamic delivery that he gifted “Tell Me Something Good” to them for their next record, Rags to Rufus. “Tell Me Something Good” went on to become their breakthrough hit and earned the group their first Grammy. How…Wonderful.

8. “You Got the Love”

Also from 1974′s Rags to Rufus, “You Got the Love” features one of the funkiest basslines in history and Chaka generally owning it with trademark gusto.

9. “What ‘Cha Gonna Do for Me?”

Khan fully embraces her disco-divadom with this dancefloor barnburner from the 1981 album of the same name, featuring a strutting beat that will have your shoulders swaying from the first fluttery flute notes.

10. “Stormy Weather”

Chaka’s impassioned take on “Stormy Weather” from her 2004 album of covers, Classikahn, led a friend of mine to quip that Khan probably woke up one day, brushed her afro out of her face and belted out, “Quick, someone get me the rights to a standard so I can sing the shit out of it.” Mission accomplished.

Weather: High of 98

Key Artists: Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes, The Kills, Erykah Badu, Scissor Sisters, Lil B, Yelle & The New Pornographers

From the info above one can deduced that that acts that day are super young, hip, and laid back. Most importantly it is going to be hotter than Hades. For Saturday’s look you are going to keep the a young and fresh look all while trying to fight heatstroke. The only way I know how to pull both of these missions off is to go with a modern hippie look.

The signature piece of any hippie is tie-dye. To achieve this look  you can pick up a great cut tank from Urban Outfitters. On bottom you can maintain your cool and sanity by pairing your tie-dye with these Marni tailored shorts. The shorts are simplistic enough to fit into the hippie culture but cut for the modern man.

As far as footwear goes try to avoid sandals at all costs. There are going to be a lot of people stomping around and your feet are bound to be a target. Not to mention that most mens feet are not attractive enough to have people staring at them. This is why you can pick up these Vans. They are super distressed and super comfortable.

When it comes to accessories they can be as tame or as wild as you want them to be. A straw fedora will keep your head away from the harsh rays and give you a more bohemian look. no matter how big of a hippie you are a man should always be wearing a timepiece. Why no go super funky them with this vintage American Apparel one. To top everything off why not just pop on a pair of bright colored wayfarers. they don’t necessarily need to be expensive. You can get a pair for $5 anywhere because they’re bound to get lost or broken in the chaos and true hippies don’t believe in all that consumerism.

Erykah Badu has never been one to shy away from the zanier styles. Not quite on the level as Gaga who has made a career out of outfits that turn heads, Badu nevertheless goes her own way. So it’s no surprise that she got her hair did in a way that would make most squares hyperventilate. Y-y-y-yikes.

LINK LOVE:Erykah Badu Goes Cockatoo

Can’t wait until the September issues for all the new fall campaigns? Well here’s a preview of the new Tom Ford women’s fragrance White Patchouli. Seriously White Patchouli? Isn’t patchouli the official scent of hippies? Ford chose Erykah Badu to represent his haute-hippie scent. Tom Ford keeps on surprising! Who would have put Erykah Badu and high fashion together? The black and white ad was shot by Mert and Marcus (who else?). Ford said of the ad: “I wanted to continue with that stylized, glossy image [which the designer started with his Black Orchid fragrance ads in 2006], and not too many people are doing black-and-white ads right now, which was also a consideration.” Always thinking Mr. Ford! We all know you’re the best marketer in the biz!

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