Born: 1970 (Newark, New Jersey)
Biography:
Dana Elaine Owens, known professionally as Queen Latifah, is a highly versatile and immensely talented American rapper, actress, and singer. Throughout her illustrious career, Latifah has made a significant impact on various entertainment industries, breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on both music and film. She has received numerous accolades for her exceptional talent, including a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards. Latifah’s achievements are a testament to her undeniable talent and groundbreaking contributions.
Born on March 18, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey, Latifah spent most of her formative years in East Orange. Her mother, Rita Lamae, was a teacher at Irvington High School, where Latifah herself would later attend. From an early age, Latifah’s passion for music began to blossom. She immersed herself in the vibrant hip hop scene, captivated by its energy and ability to convey messages of empowerment and social awareness.
At the young age of 19, Latifah made her remarkable debut in the music industry with the release of her first album, All Hail the Queen, in 1989. The album featured the hit single Ladies First, showcasing Latifah’s impressive lyrical skills and empowering message. Her second album, Nature of a Sista’ (1991), produced by Tommy Boy Records, further solidified her reputation as a formidable force in the world of hip hop.
However, it was her groundbreaking third album, Black Reign (1993), that truly set Latifah apart. Not only did it become the first album by a solo female rapper to achieve gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), but it also gave rise to the influential single U.N.I.T.Y. This powerful track raised awareness of violence against women and challenged the objectification of Black female sexuality. U.N.I.T.Y. reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Latifah a well-deserved Grammy Award.
Latifah’s career extended beyond the realm of music. She ventured into acting with a breakthrough role in the critically acclaimed film Set It Off (1996). Her standout performance showcased her talent and versatility, leading to further opportunities in both film and television. Latifah starred as Khadijah James on the hit Fox sitcom Living Single from 1993 to 1998, captivating audiences with her charm and comedic timing.
In 2002, Latifah delivered a mesmerizing portrayal of Matron Mama Morton in the musical film Chicago, earning her a nomination for the prestigious Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to excel in a wide range of roles, including films such as Bringing Down the House (2003), Taxi (2004), and Hairspray (2007). Latifah’s talent shone through in each performance, earning her critical acclaim and establishing her as a sought-after actress in Hollywood.
Over the years, Latifah embarked on numerous ventures, showcasing her multifaceted skills. She created the daytime talk show The Queen Latifah Show, which ran from 1999 to 2001 and again from 2013 to 2015, winning the hearts of viewers with her charisma and insightful interviews. Additionally, Latifah made notable contributions to the world of music with albums like The Dana Owens Album (2004), Trav’lin’ Light (2007), and Persona (2009), immersing herself in various genres and displaying her immense vocal range.
Latifah’s impactful work expanded beyond music and acting. In 2015, she delivered a mesmerizing performance as blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO film Bessie. Her exceptional portrayal, combined with her role as a co-producer, earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie. Moreover, Latifah’s role as Carlotta Brown in the musical drama series Star from 2016 to 2019 further exemplified her talent and ability to captivate audiences on the small screen.
In 2020, Latifah portrayed the trailblazing actress Hattie McDaniel in the miniseries Hollywood, captivating audiences once again with her authentic and heartfelt performance. Her ability to bring historical figures to life and shed light on the challenges faced by women of color remains a testament to her dedication to enhancing women’s history through her work.
Since 2021, Latifah has embarked on a new chapter in her career, taking on the lead role in CBS’s revival of the action drama series The Equalizer. Her portrayal of the tenacious and formidable character solidifies her status as a pioneering figure in women’s history, breaking barriers and challenging societal norms.
Queen Latifah’s impact on society extends far beyond the realms of music and entertainment. She has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice, equality, and empowerment, inspiring countless individuals along the way. Her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities and amplifying their voices solidifies her status as not only a talented artist but also a visionary and trailblazer.
Awards:
– Grammy Award
– Primetime Emmy Award
– Golden Globe Award
– Three Screen Actors Guild Awards
– Two NAACP Image Awards
– Academy Award nomination
– Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame