Rita Wilson, the acclaimed actress and singer, has expressed her desire to collaborate with her son, Chet Hanks, on a rap song. This revelation comes during a recent interview featured in PEOPLE magazine. Wilson, who is married to actor Tom Hanks, has been involved in the music industry for several years and has previously worked with her son on his vocal contributions to her song “Heart He Handed Down.”
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Chet Hanks, 35, has shifted his musical focus from hip-hop—where he performed under the moniker Chet Haze—to country music. In 2018, he provided harmonies for his mother’s track, which is deeply personal, recounting her father’s harrowing journey from Bulgaria to America. Wilson, 69, explained that the song tells the story of her father’s resilience and vision for a better life.
Wilson fondly remembers the collaboration, citing Chet’s tender tone and expressing a longing to work with him again. “I love his voice,” she shared, indicating her eagerness to explore future musical opportunities together. While the two have not released new music since “Heart He Handed Down,” Wilson remains optimistic about finding the right project to pursue as a duo.
In a light-hearted moment, Wilson suggested that a cover of Eminem’s “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” could be a fun venture for them. Her playful mention of rap is not unfounded; Wilson herself has dabbled in the genre, gaining significant attention in March 2020 when she posted a video of herself rapping to Naughty by Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray.” This was shortly after she and her husband had tested positive for COVID-19 and went into quarantine.
Reflecting on her experience learning to rap, Wilson noted that it allowed her to appreciate the complexity of hip-hop songwriting, describing the process as akin to studying Shakespeare, tackling it line by line until she mastered the whole song. This dedication highlights her commitment to understanding diverse musical forms, further broadening her artistic repertoire.
Currently, Chet Hanks is a member of the band Something Out West, which he formed with his friend Drew Arthur. The group has been actively performing, including a notable appearance at the Stagecoach Music Festival earlier this year. Meanwhile, Rita Wilson released her latest album, “Sound of a Woman,” on May 1. This record has been particularly significant for her, as she feels it allows her to communicate emotions and experiences in a way that verbal conversations may not permit.
Wilson’s reflections on her music illustrate her growth as both a songwriter and performer. “Sometimes in music, you can say things that would be harder to say if you were just trying to talk about them,” she explained. This introspective approach to her art indicates Wilson’s continuing evolution and willingness to explore new facets of her creativity.
For those keen on learning more about Rita Wilson and her artistic journey, her latest interview can be found in the new issue of PEOPLE magazine, available from Friday. The blend of heartfelt storytelling and humour in her revelations about her son speaks volumes about their relationship, as well as their mutual passion for music. As both mother and son continue their respective careers, fans are left wondering if a future collaboration will soon emerge.