Dionne Warwick Reveals How She Got Into Twitter — or ‘Twatter’ — and How That Led to a Collab with Chance the Rapper

Dionne Warwick, the acclaimed singer best known for her hits like “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “Walk on By,” has embraced the digital world with unexpected enthusiasm. Since joining Twitter, now known as X, in 2020, the 85-year-old music legend has demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with younger generations, resulting in not just online banter but also musical collaborations.

Warwick’s journey into the realm of social media began through her nieces, who piqued her curiosity while using their phones in her living room. “They were laughing and giggling about something, and I wanted to know what it was,” Warwick recalled in a recent episode of ELLE’s Three Generations series. Upon discovering the source of their amusement, she found it rather unkind. “I said, ‘Show me how to do this,'” she explained, amusingly noting that she had initially misread the platform’s name as “Twatter.”

“After my nieces corrected me, I discovered it was actually Twitter,” she noted. Warwick found herself drawn to the platform and decided to make her mark. Her first memorable tweet was aimed at Chance the Rapper, questioning why he included “rapper” in his stage name when it was already clear from his music. “Hi, @chancetherapper. If you are very obviously a rapper why did you put it in your stage name?” she quipped, effectively initiating a friendship that transcended the digital space.

Chance the Rapper, surprised but delighted that Warwick knew who he was, responded with enthusiasm, saying, “I will be whatever you wanna call me, Ms Warwick. God bless you.” Their exchange took a creative turn when Warwick casually suggested they should collaborate on a rap together, leading to their 2021 song “Nothing’s Impossible.” “One thing led to another, and we ended up recording together,” Warwick fondly recounted.

Their unexpected partnership serves as a testament to how social media can bridge generational gaps, bringing together artists from different eras in collaboration. Warwick’s ability to engage with online culture has transformed her into something of a social media expert, showcasing that age is no barrier to modern communication or creative expression.

In December 2020, following their initial interaction, Warwick continued to entertain her followers with her witty posts. She introduced herself in a self-deprecating manner as “Dionne the Singer” and shared her admiration for Chance’s single “Holy,” underlining her appreciation for contemporary music. Her engaging personality and distinctive sense of humour quickly endeared her to a broader audience.

Despite her newfound fame on X, it hasn’t come without playful commentary from her family. Warwick’s son, Damon Elliot, jokingly threatened to confiscate her smartphone once the pandemic restrictions eased. “Mom that’s it! As soon as this quarantine is over, I’m taking your iPhone away from you… time to go back to a flip phone,” he posted. Warwick humorously fired back, asserting her independence with, “Good luck getting into MY house without a working key.”

Warwick’s foray into the world of social media has not only revitalised her image among younger fans but has also changed the perception of how older generations can engage with modern platforms. Through her candid and often light-hearted interactions, she has carved a niche for herself in a digital space that typically caters to a younger demographic.

As Warwick continues to navigate the world of social media, she remains a trailblazer, proving that creativity and connection know no age limits. Her experience exemplifies how platforms like X allow for unique interactions that can lead to genuine friendships and artistic collaborations, a dynamic that enriches both established artists and emerging creators alike. With her blend of wisdom, humour, and musical talent, Dionne Warwick is undoubtedly making her mark in today’s digital world, one tweet at a time.