Biography
Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens on March 18, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey, is widely recognized as one of the pioneering women in hip hop and a multifaceted entertainer. Raised in a family with strong community ties—her mother was a schoolteacher and her father a police officer—Latifah grew up immersed in both the Baptist church and the vibrant urban culture of New Jersey. Her stage name, meaning 'delicate and sensitive' in Arabic, was given to her by a cousin when she was eight years old. She began singing in her church choir and performed in school musicals, notably singing 'Home' from The Wiz in a high school play[4][7].
Latifah's musical career took off in her teens when she joined the rap group Ladies Fresh and became a founding member of the Flavor Unit, an influential collective of Jersey MCs led by producer DJ Mark the 45 King. Her debut single, 'Wrath of My Madness,' was released in 1988, and her first album, 'All Hail the Queen' (1989), garnered critical acclaim for its fusion of jazz, reggae, and soul influences with socially conscious lyrics addressing sexism, racism, and domestic abuse[3][4][5][7]. Latifah's 1993 single 'U.N.I.T.Y.' won her a Grammy Award and cemented her reputation as a powerful voice for women in hip hop[4].
Beyond music, Queen Latifah has built a distinguished career in film and television, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in 'Chicago' (2002) and an Emmy nod for portraying blues legend Bessie Smith in 'Bessie' (2015)[4]. She is also a successful producer and entrepreneur, co-founding the Flavor Unit management company. Latifah's legacy is defined by her trailblazing contributions to hip hop, her advocacy for social justice, and her role as a mentor and inspiration to generations of artists.
Fun Facts
- Queen Latifah was a power forward on her high school basketball team[7].
- Her nickname 'Latifah' was given to her by a cousin and means 'delicate and sensitive' in Arabic[4][7].
- She co-founded the Flavor Unit management company, which launched the careers of several artists[3][7].
- Latifah has won a Grammy, a Golden Globe, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and has been nominated for an Oscar and an Emmy[7].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- DJ Mark the 45 King - Producer and early supporter; helped develop her sound and facilitated her first record deal. (Produced early demos and tracks for 'All Hail the Queen') [Late 1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Monie Love - Featured artist on 'Ladies First'; key collaborator in promoting female empowerment in hip hop. ('Ladies First' (1989)) [1989]
- Flavor Unit - Collective of MCs and producers; Latifah was a founding member and later co-ran the management company. (Various tracks and artist management) [Late 1980s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Missy Elliott - Inspired by Latifah's success and advocacy for women in hip hop. (Missy Elliott's own career and public statements) [1990s–present]
- Lauryn Hill - Cited Latifah as a role model for blending rap and singing, and for her social consciousness. (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill) [Late 1990s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dance With My Father | 2003-06-10 | Album |
| Worldwide Underground | 2003-09-16 | Album |
| Black Reign | 1993-11-16 | Album |
| Muddy Waters Too | 2024-12-24 | Album |
| All Hail the Queen | 1989-11-07 | Album |
| Worldwide Underground | 2003-09-16 | Album |
Top Tracks
- You Can't Stop The Beat (Hairspray (Soundtrack To The Motion Picture))
- Walk the Dinosaur - From "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs"
- I Wanna Be Down (feat. Queen Latifah, Yo-Yo & MC Lyte) - Remix
- You Can't Stop The Beat
- When You're Good To Mama
- I Know Where I've Been (Hairspray (Soundtrack To The Motion Picture))
- U.N.I.T.Y. (Black Reign)
- I Wanna Be Down (feat. Queen Latifah, Yo-Yo & MC Lyte) - Remix
- U.N.I.T.Y.
- Big, Blonde and Beautiful (Hairspray (Soundtrack To The Motion Picture))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Queen Latifah has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2025 | 22:49 | King King | What's Neww/ Duane Williams |