Dana Elaine Owens
- Born:
- March 18, 1970, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Rapper, Singer, Actress, Producer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Rita Lamae (née Bray), a teacher, and Lancelot Owens Sr., a police officer.
- Raised primarily in East Orange, New Jersey.
- Attended Irvington High School and later Essex Catholic High School.
- Initially given the nickname "Queen" by a cousin, a moniker that would later form part of her stage name.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her music career as a member of the Flavor Unit, a hip-hop collective.
- Signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1989 and released her debut album, All Hail the Queen.
- Transitioned into acting in the early 1990s, gaining recognition for her roles in Living Single and Set It Off.
- Received critical acclaim and awards for her performances in films such as Chicago (Academy Award nomination) and Bringing Down the House.
- Founded Flavor Unit Entertainment, a production company, in 1995.
- Hosted her own daytime talk show, The Queen Latifah Show, from 1999 to 2001 and again from 2013 to 2015.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Jungle Fever | LaShawn |
| 1996 | Set It Off | Cleopatra 'Cleo' Sims |
| 2002 | Chicago | Matron "Mama" Morton |
| 2003 | Bringing Down the House | Charlene Morton |
| 2007 | Hairspray | Motormouth Maybelle |
Discography
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | All Hail the Queen | Tommy Boy |
| 1991 | Nature of a Sista | Tommy Boy |
| 1993 | Black Reign | Motown |
| 1998 | Order in the Court | Motown |
| 2004 | The Dana Owens Album | Flavor Unit/Verve |
Legacy and Impact
Dana Elaine Owens, professionally known as Queen Latifah, has had a significant influence on hip-hop, film, and television. As a pioneering female rapper, she paved the way for future generations of women in the genre. Her successful transition to acting and producing has solidified her status as a multi-talented entertainer and businesswoman. Many see her biography latifah pictures queen as a roadmap for navigating success across different media platforms, showcasing versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.