Kanye West does not just sample songs; he resurrects legends and gives them a glittering second act. From Donda West’s tender presence to reimagined classics by Chaka Khan and Nina Simone, his sound thrives on memory and reinvention. Now, one such revered voice he sampled has passed away, leaving behind a towering legacy and a heartbreaking end.

Asha Bhosle has taken her final bow at 92, exiting with more music than most careers can bear. Kanye West once borrowed her voice for 'Bully'. Her melodious turns in 'Mujhe Maar Daalo' was lifted, stretched, and spun into something sharply hip-hop.

According to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, Bhosle died from multi-organ failure following a cardiac arrest. She had been admitted after severe exhaustion and a chest infection. Her condition declined rapidly, leading to an intensive care unit transfer. She passed away Sunday afternoon, as confirmed by her son, Anand Bhosle, to reporters outside the hospital.

In addition to that, her body was taken to her residence at Casa Grande Tower A in Lower Parel, where admirers gathered to pay respects. Public viewing was arranged for Monday morning. Her final rites were scheduled for April 13 at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, marking the farewell of a voice that defined decades of Indian cinema.

The icon who practically ruled Bollywood music with 12,000 songs also managed to echo all the way into Kanye West’s orbit.

How Asha Bhosle influenced Kanye West

A 2004 feature in The New York Times captured Kanye West dining in Chicago as Asha Bhosle’s ‘Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai’ began playing. He abruptly left mid-meal with the interviewer, intent on capturing its melody. He had to run to his studio to work on a beat inspired by the song.

That moment reportedly shaped the sonic direction of ‘Get Em High.’ West did not directly lift the recording but reimagined its structure through interpolation and pitch manipulation. The melody was heightened into his signature 'chipmunk soul' texture.

Others followed with equal enthusiasm, including The Black Eyed Peas and Gorillaz. Her influence wandered freely across genres, unconcerned with borders or decades. Such reach rarely fades politely. Now, with her passing, the music remains, while the voice has taken its leave.

What about Asha Bhosle will you miss the most? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Iffat Siddiqui

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra